Chemistry And The Body Flashcards
What is the definition of an atom?
The smallest particle of matter that exists in a stable form
What is the definition of an element?
Substances containing one type of the same atom.
What the definition of a molecule?
When 2 or more atoms chemically bond together by donating, sharing or receiving electrons from their outer circle.
What is the definition of a compound?
Substance made of different molecules consisting of 2 or more elements.
What are the two types of compound created within the body?
Inorganic and organic.
What is the definition of an inorganic compound?
Small compounds made up of two types of elements. Eg sodium and chloride.
What is the definition of an organic compound?
Complicated group of several elements. Always contains carbon within structure. Eg carbohydrates (hydrogen, oxygen and carbon)
What is a subatomic particle?
Atoms are made up of subatomic particles. There are three particles within this group.
List the 3 types of subatomic particle.
Proton, electron and neutron.
Define a proton
A positively electrically charged subatomic particle which joins with neutrons to form an elements nucleus. Each element has a different number of protons which makes up the atomic number of the element.
Define an electron.
A negatively electrically charged subatomic particle. Orbits the nucleus of an elements in circles. Different number of electrons per orbiting circle.
Define a neutron.
A subatomic particle with no electrical charge. Joins protons to form an elements nucleus.
How many electrons can be in each orbiting circle of an element?
Depends per element. Inner circle has a maximum of 2 electrons. Second circle has a maximum of 8 electrons. Outer most circle has a maximum of 32 electrons.
Define an atomic number.
The amount of protons an element has in its nucleus.
Define atomic weight.
The joint amount of protons and electrons within one element. Eg carbon has 6 electrons and 6 protons, therefore its atomic weight is 12.
What is electrically neutral?
When an element has the same number of electrons and protons.
Define a chemically unreactive element.
When the element has the maximum number of electrons in its outer most circle, or a whole fraction of this number. It will not combine or share with other elements.
Define what a chemically reactive element is.
An element that does not have its full compliment of electrons on its outer circle and needs to receive an electron from another element to become stable.
What are the two ways elements can join/ bond together?
Covalent and ionic bonds
Define a covalent bond.
When elements share electrons from their outer most circle to form molecules/compounds. Strongest bond between two elements. Most molecules are bonded in this way. Eg hydrogen and oxygen forming water.
Define an ionic bond.
When an element gives away an electron to stabilise another. The element giving away an electron becomes positively charged. The element receiving an electron becomes negatively charged. Eg sodium gives to chloride forming sodium chloride.
When and how is an ion formed?
When an element gives away an electron and becomes positively charged, this forms an ion. The same goes for the now negatively charged accepting element, it is also now an ion.
What happens when ions or elements joined with an ionic bond enter water?
They dissolve making the water have an electrical charge. This allows the water to conduct electricity forming an electrolyte.
What is a positively charged ion called?
Cation
What is a negatively charged ion called?
Anion
What benefits to electrolytes have in the body?
Balance pH
Maintain fluid balance
Facilitate cell excretion of waste
Transport nutrients to cells
Promote normal cell functioning; brain, cardiac, nerve and muscle cells
What does pH stand for?
Potential hydrogen
What difference does more or less hydrogen have on substances?
More hydrogen means the substance is more alkaline. Less hydrogen means the substance is more acidic.
Where does acidic, alkaline and neutral fall on a pH scale?
Acidic is below 7
Alkaline is above 7
Neutral is 7
Where does blood, salvia and gastric juices fall on the pH scale?
Blood - 7.4, neutral
Saliva - 6.2 - 7.4
Gastric juices - 1.5 - 3.5
Why does hydrogen balance matter in the body?
Maintaining the balance of hydrogen in the body allows for homeostasis of bodily systems and functions. Weak acids, alkalises and electrolytes aid this process.
