Clinical and exercise biochemistry Flashcards
What is the smallest unit of an element
The atom
What does every atom consist of
Every atom consists of a nucleus and surrounding electrons
What does the nucleus contain
Nucleus contains protons which carry a positive electric charge, and neutrons which have no electric charge
What do electrons do
They orbit the nucleus and carry a negative charge of equal absolute value to the protons
Describe What can atoms form
Form chemical bonds to make molecules.
What is a covalent bond
It is when two atoms share electrons.
What is a single and double bond
If each atom shares one electron the a single bond is formed, for two electrons a double bond is formed etc.
What determines the number of bonds an atom can form
The distributions of electrons in its atomic orbitals-Its electronic structure.
difference between organic and inorganic compounds
Organic compounds contain carbon, inorganic do not.
Are molecules electrically neutral
yes
What is an anion
When an atom carrys more electrons than protons, meaning the ion has a negative charge
What is a cation
When an atom carrys more protons than electrons meaning the ion has a positive charge
What is a radical molecule or ion
When it has an unpaired electron
What does PH describe
It describes the concentration of protons in a solution.
