Chapter 2: Chemistry of Life

The central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.

Tiny particles with a positive electrical charge, found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines what element the atom is.

Tiny particles with no electrical charge (neutral), found in the nucleus of an atom.

Tiny particles with a negative electrical charge, orbiting around the nucleus in specific paths called shells.

The pathways that electrons follow around the nucleus of an atom, arranged in different energy levels

A chemical bond formed when one atom transfers an electron to another atom, resulting in oppositely charged ions that are attracted to each other.

An atom that has gained one or more electrons, giving it a negative charge.

An atom that has lost one or more electrons, giving it a positive charge.

The outermost shell of an atom that contains electrons involved in chemical bonding.

The stable state of an atom where its outermost shell is filled with electrons.

A type of chemical bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

The process of how atoms fill their valence shells by sharing electrons with other atoms.

An atom with one proton and one electron. It is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe.

The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell determines its reactivity.

Carbon has four valence electrons, meaning its valence shell is 'missing' four electrons to be filled.

The process of atoms sharing electrons to achieve a full valence shell, forming a stable structure.

The total number of electrons an atom can hold in its valence shell is determined by its electron configuration.

A type of weak chemical bond that forms between a slightly positive hydrogen atom in one molecule and a slightly negative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) in another molecule.

Individual hydrogen bonds are very weak, but when many hydrogen bonds occur together, they can help molecules hold specific shapes.

The familiar double helix shape of DNA is held together by thousands of hydrogen bonds.

The attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom in one molecule and a slightly negative atom (Oxygen or Nitrogen) in another molecule formed by the sharing of electrons.

Hydrogen bonds are important in many biological molecules, including water, proteins, and DNA. They help stabilize these molecules and give them their unique properties.

A symbol used to indicate a partial positive charge on an atom. It's like a smaller, more subtle version of a regular positive charge.

A symbol used to indicate a partial negative charge on an atom, showing that an atom has a slight extra negative charge.

The third type of chemical bond after ionic and covalent bonds. It's a weak bond, often involving a hydrogen atom and a slightly negative atom on another molecule.

Indicates the distribution of electrons in a molecule, showing which parts of the molecule are slightly positive (δ+) and which are slightly negative (δ-).

The electrons located in the valence shell of an atom, which participate in chemical bonding.