Introduction to Chemistry

Study Notes

Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry

Elements are the simplest form of substances and cannot be decomposed further.
Atoms are the basic units of matter, consisting of protons (positive), neutrons (neutral), and electrons (negative).
Electrons form an electron cloud around the nucleus of the atom.
Atomic mass is primarily determined by the number of protons.
Isotopes are variants of elements with nuclei that can be radioactive.
Compounds are formed through the chemical combination of two or more elements in specific proportions (e.g., water).

Types of Compounds

Organic compounds contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; examples include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Inorganic compounds generally support life; common examples are water and carbon dioxide.

Chemical Bonds

Chemical bonds hold atoms together in molecules.
Ionic bonds form when electrons are transferred between atoms.
Covalent bonds occur when atoms share electrons.
Ions are charged atoms resulting from the loss or gain of electrons.

Solutions and Suspensions

Solutions consist of a solute (substance being dissolved) and a solvent (substance that dissolves the solute).
Suspensions are mixtures where materials do not completely dissolve.

Chemical Formulas

A chemical formula indicates the composition of a compound.
Structural formulas are line drawings of compounds; molecular formulas show the actual chemical composition (e.g., H2O).

Acids and Bases

Acids start with "H" due to excess hydrogen ions; examples include vinegar and ascorbic acid.
Bases end with "-OH" because of excess hydroxide ions; examples include shampoo and liquid soap.
Acids taste sour, while bases taste bitter.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis aims to maintain internal neutrality and balance in biological systems.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source for living organisms.
Monosaccharides (simple sugars) have the formula C6H12O6 and exhibit single-ring structures.
Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharides, exemplified by sucrose (C12H22O11).
Polysaccharides are composed of three or more simple sugars; examples include glycogen (animal starch), cellulose (plant cell walls), and starches (energy storage).

Formation and Breakdown of Carbohydrates

Dehydration synthesis combines simple molecules to form complex ones, releasing water.
Hydrolysis adds water to split compounds into smaller units, also known as chemical digestion.

Lipids

Lipids include fats, oils, waxes, and steroids, primarily serving in energy storage, protection, and insulation.
Neutral lipids result from combining one glycerol molecule with three fatty acids.
Fats are typically found in animals, while oils and waxes are found in plants.
Lipids along with proteins are vital components of cell membranes.

Proteins

Proteins are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, built from amino acid subunits.
Each amino acid features a carboxyl group (COOH), a methyl group (HC), a hydrogen atom, and an amino group (NH2).
Functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino) determine the properties of organic molecules.

Major Functions of Proteins

Growth and repair of tissues.
Source of energy.
Buffering agents to maintain constant body pH.

Types of Peptides

Dipeptides are formed from two amino acids through dehydration synthesis.
Polypeptides consist of three or more amino acids linked together; examples include insulin, hemoglobin, and enzymes.

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids consist of three components: a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (guanine, cytosine, adenine, thymine).
Guanine (G) and cytosine (C) are paired, as are adenine (A) and thymine (T).
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is composed of these bases.

Chemical Reactions

Reactants are substances entering a chemical reaction; products are resulting substances.
Endothermic reactions absorb energy (e.g., eating food), while exothermic reactions release energy (e.g., sweating).

Enzymes

Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms.

Description

This quiz covers fundamental concepts in chemistry, including the basic unit of matter, covalent bonds, carbohydrates, acids, and organic compounds. Test your knowledge on how these concepts are defined and interrelated in the study of chemistry.

Introduction to Chemistry

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Questions and Answers

What is the basic unit of matter?

Which of the following correctly describes a covalent bond?

What type of carbohydrate is formed from the combination of two monosaccharides?

Which of the following correctly defines an acid?

What is the process called when water is added to split a compound into smaller subunits?

Which of the following represents an organic compound?

What is a neutral fat formed from?

Which subunit is a building block of proteins?

Which functional group forms alcohols?

What type of bonds form when ions are created due to transferred electrons?