Definitions Flashcards
What is an atom?
An atom is the basic unit of matter that consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.
What is a molecule?
A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.
What is a chemical element?
A chemical element is a substance that consists of only one type of atom, distinguished by its atomic number.
What is a compound?
A compound is a substance composed of two or more different elements chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.
What is a chemical bond?
A chemical bond is a force of attraction that holds atoms together in a molecule or compound.
What is an ion?
An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge.
What is an organic compound?
An organic compound is a compound containing carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, often associated with living organisms.
What is a covalent bond?
A covalent bond is a chemical bond formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
What is an ionic bond?
An ionic bond is a chemical bond formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in oppositely charged ions attracting each other.
What is a hydrogen bond?
A hydrogen bond is a weak attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.
What is a solvent?
A solvent is a substance capable of dissolving other substances to form a solution.
What is a solute?
A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution.
What is a pH scale?
The pH scale is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline).
What is an acid?
An acid is a substance that donates hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, lowering the pH.
What is a base?
A base is a substance that accepts hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, raising the pH.
What is a buffer?
A buffer is a solution that resists changes in pH when an acid or base is added, helping to maintain a stable pH level.
What is an enzyme?
An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required.
What is a substrate?
A substrate is the specific molecule that an enzyme acts upon and transforms into a product.
What is an active site?
An active site is the region on an enzyme where the substrate binds and the chemical reaction takes place.
What is a polymer?
A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating subunits called monomers, linked together by covalent bonds.
What is a monomer?
A monomer is a small molecule that can bond to other molecules to form a polymer.
What is dehydration synthesis?
Dehydration synthesis is a chemical reaction in which two molecules are joined together with the removal of a water molecule.
What is hydrolysis?
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a compound is broken down by the addition of a water molecule.
What is a carbohydrate?
A carbohydrate is a biological molecule consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, used as a source of energy and structural support.
What is a lipid?
A lipid is a diverse group of biological molecules that are insoluble in water, including fats, phospholipids, and steroids.
