1. Define element and compound
2. State four elements essential to life that make up 96% of
living matter
3. Describe the structure of an atom
4. Define and distinguish among atomic number, mass number,
atomic weight, and valence
5. Given the atomic number and mass number of an atom, determine
the number of neutrons
6. Explain why radioisotpoes are important to biologists
7. Explain the octet rule and predict ho many bonds an atom
might form
8. Explain why the noble gases are unreactive
9. Distinguish among nonpolar covalent, polar covalent, and
ionic bonds
10. Describe the formation of a hydrogen bond and explain how
it differs from a covalent or ionic bond
11. Explain why weak bonds are important to living organisms
12. Describe how the relative concentrations of reactants and
products affect a chemical reaction ******
13. Describe how water contributes to the fitness of the environment
to support life
14. Describe the structure and geometry of a water molecule
and explain properties that emerge as a result
of this structure
15. Explain the relationship between the polar nature of water
and its ability to form hydrogen bonds
16. List 5 characteristics of water that are emergent properties
resulting from hydrogen bonding
17. Describe the biological significance of the cohesiveness
of water
18. Distinguish between heat and temperature
19. Explain how water's high specific heat, high heat of vaporization,
and expansion upon freezing affect both
aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
20. Explain the basis for the pH scale
21. Explain how acids and bases affect the hydrogen ion concentration
of a solution
22. Explain how buffers work....use the bicarbonate buffer system
as an example