Chapter 2: Chemistry of Life

Question 1

Van der Waals Interactions

Answer 1

attractive forces that hold molecules close together (via partial charges like the ones in water)

AKA INTERmolecular forces

3 most common:

1. London Dispersion forces (weakest)
2. Dipole-Dipole forces (weaker)
3. Hydrogen (weak/strongest)

Question 2

Dynamic Equilibrium

Answer 2

When the rates of the forward and backward reactions are about equal

Not the same as saying the concentrations of the products and reactants are equal.

Question 3

“Big 4” Atoms (most common in organic material)

Answer 3

H
O
N
C

Question 4

Hydrogen Bonds

Answer 4

occur when an H atom is between two very electronegative atoms (usually O or N), and has a covalent bond to one of them. This gives H a strong partial positive charge. The other electronegative atom must have a strong partial negative charge.