Unit 1: Concept 2 Notes - Chemistry of Life Flashcards
Matter:
Anything that has mass and occupies space
– CANNOT be broken down or transferred into other substances
Necessary Elements for Life
C (Carbon), H (Hydrogen), O (Oxygen), N (Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus), S (Sulfur)
Cell:
The most basic unit of life
– The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism
Water
A molecule made of 2 atoms of hydrogen and 1 atom of oxygen
– Critical for ALL life processes
Polar Molecules
The unequal distribution of charges
– Dissolves in water
Nonpolar Molecules
No separation of charges
– Does NOT disolve in water
Adhesion
The type of attraction that happens between two different molecules
– Forms stronger bonds than cohesion
– Ex. Capillary Action
Cohesion
The attraction between molecules of the same substance
– Tendancy of molecules of the same “kind” to stick together
Atom
The smallest part of an element that has the same properties of an element
– Considered to be the most basic “building blocks” of all matter
Define:
Surface Tension
The measure of how difficult it is to stretch or break the surface of a liquid/resist an external force
– Lets denser objects to float on water without even partially sinking
Define:
High Specific Heat
The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one unit mass of a substance by one degree Celcius
– Helps regulate cell temperature
– Does NOT fluctuate much
Define:
Universal Solvent
Water
– Considered universal solvent because it dissolves the most substances
Define:
Solution:
Uniform mixture of two or more substances
– Ex. Lemonade = Lemonade powder + water
Define:
Solute
What gets dissolved
– Ex. Salt
Define:
Solvent
What does the dissolving
– Ex. Water
