B1.1.1 Chemical properties of a carbon atom Flashcards
What is the electron configuration of carbon?
Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell and needs eight for stability.
What is the strongest type of bond found in biological systems?
Covalent bonds are the strongest type found in biological systems.
What is the hydroxyl functional group?
The hydroxyl group (-OH) makes substances like ethanol water-soluble.
How many covalent bonds can carbon form?
Carbon can form four covalent bonds.
What is the difference between single, double, and triple bonds?
Single bonds allow for flexibility, double bonds add rigidity and introduce kinks, and triple bonds are stronger and shorter than single/double bonds.
What role do functional groups play in carbon-based compounds?
Functional groups determine a molecule’s chemical properties and interactions.
Why is glucose important?
Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is a ring-structured sugar central to energy transport and metabolism.
What is the difference between carbon chains and rings?
Carbon chains can be straight or branched, while rings are closed-loop structures.
What is the carboxyl functional group?
The carboxyl group (-COOH) is found in fatty acids and is acidic and reactive.
What are covalent bonds?
Covalent bonds arise when two atoms share a pair of electrons.
What is the effect of a double bond in fatty acids?
A double bond introduces kinks in fatty acids, affecting their structure and function.
Give an example of a carbon-based molecule and its function.
Methane (CH₄) is a simple hydrocarbon and crucial energy source.
Give an example of a single bonded carbon molecule.
Butane (C₄H₁₀) is an example of a single bonded carbon molecule.
What is the difference between straight and branched carbon chains?
Straight chains have a linear structure, while branched chains have one or more branches off the main chain.
What are the benefits of using SI prefixes?
SI prefixes simplify the expression of very large or very small measurements.
What are functional groups?
Functional groups are clusters of atoms that dictate a molecule’s properties and reactivity.
Why is carbon’s versatility important for life?
Carbon’s versatility allows for a vast array of biological compounds, enabling the complexity and diversity of life.
Why are strong covalent bonds beneficial for biological molecules?
They make carbon-based molecules durable, ideal for structures like DNA and proteins.
What are the key features of carbon compounds?
C.H.A.R.M.: Covalent Bonds, Hydrocarbons, Aromatic Rings, Rings and Chains, Molecule Diversity.
What is the significance of carbon’s tetravalence?
Carbon’s tetravalence allows it to form complex 3D structures, crucial for biomolecules.
Why do scientists use SI units?
SI units provide consistency and standardization in scientific measurements.
What is the amino functional group?
The amino group (-NH₂) is integral to amino acids, enabling protein formation.
