Lecture 1: Introduction To Organic Carbon

Question 1

Modern Definition of Organic Chemistry

Answer 1

Hydrocarbons and their derivatives.

Question 2

What is a Hydrocarbon? What is its derivative?

Answer 2

Hydrocarbons are molecules that contain only carbon and hydrogen.

Hydrocarbon derivatives are a hydrocarbon with heteroatoms. (E.g: O, N, S, P, Cl)

Question 3

Earth Science Definition of Organic Chemistry

Answer 3

Molecules that contain at least one carbon atom and are not involved in carbonate system.

Question 4

Inorganic Carbon

Answer 4

The oxides of Carbon and Carbonates (Binary Compound of Oxygen with Carbon and Carbonates)

Question 5

Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC)

Answer 5

Molecules in the Carbonate System

Question 6

Examples of DIC

Answer 6

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
CO3 2- (Carbonate)
HCO3- (Bicarbonate)
H2CO3 (Carbonic Acid)

Question 7

Particulate Inorganic Carbon (PIC)

Answer 7

The form of inorganic carbon that is in particle form. (Too big to filter)

Question 8

Examples of PIC

Answer 8

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Magnesium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Question 9

Allotropes

Answer 9

A chemical element existing in two or more forms. (Different Form of Same Element)

Question 10

Examples of Allotropes (Carbon)

Answer 10

Diamond
Graphite

Question 11

Particulate Organic Chemistry (POC)

Answer 11

Any organic carbon that is in a particle

Question 12

Dissolved Organic Carbon

Answer 12

Any organic carbon that is dissolved in seawater (passing through a filter)

Question 13

Carbon is . . .

Answer 13

Most enriched in life (living organisms) and the universe (fourth most abundant element)

Question 14

What can/cannot Heisenberg’s 1927 Model tell us?

Answer 14

Cannot: (ELECTRON)
- Where
- What Direction
- How Fast

Can:
- Energy Level
- Where Most Likely Found

Question 15

Where are electrons more stable?

Answer 15

They are at the lowest energy state when they are closest to the nucleus.

Question 16

What are Orbitals?

Answer 16

A region/space of probability where a particular electron is found. (99.5%)

Question 17

What do the shapes of orbitals tell us?

Answer 17

The different energy levels of the electron.

Question 18

What are the levels of energy in electrons (orbitals)?

Answer 18

High energy electrons are in out-most shell;
Low energy electrons are in inner-most shell

Question 19

What are the major elements of life? (6)

Answer 19

Carbon (C)
Hydrogen (H)
Nitrogen (N)
Oxygen (O)
Sulphur (S)
Phosphorus (P)

Question 20

What are the Isotopes of Carbon?

Answer 20

12 C = 99/100 —> 6 neutrons
13 C = 1/100 —> 7 neutrons
14 C = 1/1 trillion —> 8 neutrons

Question 21

Why is the average mass of Carbon slightly over 12 Daltons?

Answer 21

The most abundant isotope of Carbon weighs 12 Daltons. The other two isotope (13 & 14 Daltons) are much less abundant.