PTP Ch 2.1 Flashcards
What is the structure of an atom?
An atom consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbitals.
The nucleus is positively charged due to protons, while electrons are negatively charged.
How is atomic number determined?
The atomic number is determined by the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
The atomic number defines the element.
How is atomic mass determined?
Atomic mass is determined by the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
Electrons have negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons.
How does an element’s valence electron configuration affect its chemical behavior?
An element’s valence electron configuration determines its reactivity, bonding behavior, and placement in the periodic table.
Elements with similar valence configurations exhibit similar chemical properties.
What types of bonds form molecules?
The types of bonds that form molecules include ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and metallic bonds.
Each bond type involves different interactions between atoms.
What are ions?
Ions are charged particles that result from the loss or gain of electrons.
Cations are positively charged, while anions are negatively charged.
What are isotopes?
Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
This results in different atomic masses for the isotopes.
Why is water critical to life?
Water is critical to life due to its unique properties, including solvent capabilities, temperature regulation, and participation in biochemical reactions.
Water’s polarity allows it to dissolve many substances, making it essential for biological processes.
How does water bring about benefits to life?
Water benefits life through its role in metabolic processes, transporting nutrients, and maintaining temperature homeostasis.
It also provides a medium for chemical reactions necessary for life.
What are acids?
Acids are substances that donate protons (H+) in a solution.
They typically have a sour taste and can react with bases.
What are bases?
Bases are substances that accept protons or donate hydroxide ions (OH-) in a solution.
Bases usually have a bitter taste and slippery feel.
What are buffers?
Buffers are solutions that resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added.
They work by neutralizing excess H+ or OH- ions.
How does the pH scale work?
The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic), with 7 being neutral.
Each unit change in pH represents a tenfold change in hydrogen ion concentration.
