Exam 2: Inorganic Chemistry Flashcards
Matter
Anything that occupies space and has mass (~weight)
Element
Substance that cannot be further broken down by ordinary chemical means.
Example: hydrogen
Atom
Smallest particle to an element
Atomic Number
Number of protons
Atomic mass number
Number of protons and neutrons
Isotopes
*Atoms of an element that vary regarding the number of neutrons
All numbers of that element have same number of protons and electrons, same atomic number BUT different number of neutrons. So elements have a different atomic MASS number
all have the same properties
Radioisotopes
Unstable;nucleus decays, releases radiation particles.
What are radioisotopes used for?
*Energy (nuclear fissure)
*Biological-tracers
*Aging fossils (C-14 half life, 5730)
*Medical Diagnosis & Treatment
Energy Level
Distance away from a nucleus within which electrons may be found.
*the closer electrons to nucleus the less free energy.
What occurs when atoms absorb energy?
Electrons become “excited” - they jump to a higher energy level, then fall back to the original level, releasing energy.
What are valance electrons?
The number of electrons present in the outer energy level (outer shell)
To gain stability what must atoms do?
Form chemical bonds.
What is a compound?
2 or more elements in a fixed ratio.
Ionic Bond
Transfer of electrons
Ions
Charged atoms, gained or lost electrons .
Cation
Positive
Anion
Negative
Are ionic bonds weak or strong?
WEAK
Electrolyte
Any substance that, when placed in solution, produces ions.
Oxidation
Loss of electrons
Reduction
Gain of electrons
Covalent Bond
Sharing of electrons occurs when atoms share more valance electrons
Has single, double, and triple bonds
Non-polar covalent bond
equal sharing of electrons, neutral.
hydrophobic
Example: oil
Polar Covalent Bond
Unequal sharing of electrons
hydrophilic
Slight positive charge on one side and slight negative on the other end.
Example: H2O
Hydrogen Bond
Weak attraction between polar molecules is formed between positively charged molecules and negatively charged molecules.
What is the importance of oxygen in living organisms?
For energy production.
By-product of photosynthesis
When it misbehaves, it superoxides.
What is the importance of Carbon Dioxide?
OG source of carbon for producing all organic molecules of life.
Trapped by photosynthesis. Toxic waste product of energy production.
What kind of bond is water?
Polar and hydrogen bonds
Property of Water: Adhesion
Capillary action.
Polar water molecules are attracted to charged surfaces, forming hydrogen bonds.
This force resists gravity.
Property of Water: Cohesion
Attraction of water molecules to each other.
Polar water molecules from H bond with other molecules.
Property of Water: Surface Tension
The measure of difficulty in stretching or breaking the surface of a liquid due to H bonds. Molecules form a more “ordered” arrangement on the surface due to their air layer above them, restricting movement (it is like a wall) and causing hydrogen bonds to be more stable “film” on the surface.
Property of Water: Ice is Less Dense than Water
As temp drops, water molecules move slower and pack more closely. When water drops below 4 degrees, water molecules repel and spread apart to form a max of 4 H bonds. More stable and open, and movement is vibrational.
Properties of Water: Polar Solvent
For hydrophilic substances.
Polar and ionic substances dissolve readily for better transportation and to allow chemical reactions.
Polar ends of water are attracted to opposite charges of hydrophilic substances.
Properties of Water: Resists Temperature Change
Takes a lot of energy to break H bonds and to increase the movement (kinetic energy) of molecules. (which causes temperature to increase)
Properties of Water: Takes a lot of Energy to Vaporize
Water absorbs energy to break H bonds, kinetic energy increases to allow water molecules to evaporate, and body heat is carried away. The hottest molecules leave first, lowering the average temp of sweat)
Acids
Any substance that RELEASES hydrogen ions (protons) when placed in a solution.
Acids have more…..?
Hydrogen Ions
Base
Any substance that REMOVES hydrogen ions (protons) when placed in a solution.
Base has more….?
Hydroxide (OH-)
Buffers
Helps maintain constant pH
Acid Rain pH
less than 5.6 (normal)
What is the cause of acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the environment cause it to react with water to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
What are the effects of acid rain?
Lakes die
Forest Die
Heavy metals are carried into human drinking water
Building material erodes
What is associated with renal functional impairment and certain neurological disorders?
Heavy metals such as aluminum. Which are deposited to the brain.
What does an elevated phosphate level indicate about environmental pollution?
Indicates there is an increase of algae growth, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic life. This resulting in fish dying which is very harmful for the environment.
What does low phosphate level indicate about a body of water?
High vegetation! Plants absorb a lot of phosphate, causing the body of water to lack phosphate.
