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Biology Chapter 2: Atoms and Water

Chapter 2 of Biology 10 discusses the structure and properties of atoms, including subatomic particles, atomic number, and isotopes. It explains how atoms form molecules through ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds, and highlights the significance of water in biological systems, including its unique properties and role as a solvent. The chapter also includes a self-quiz to reinforce understanding of key concepts.

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17 views1 page

Biology Chapter 2: Atoms and Water

Chapter 2 of Biology 10 discusses the structure and properties of atoms, including subatomic particles, atomic number, and isotopes. It explains how atoms form molecules through ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds, and highlights the significance of water in biological systems, including its unique properties and role as a solvent. The chapter also includes a self-quiz to reinforce understanding of key concepts.

Uploaded by

colinsorchard1
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Biology 10 – Chapter 2 Notes

Case Study
2011 Fukushima nuclear accident released radioactive elements. Radioactive atoms are unstable:
their nuclei break apart spontaneously, releasing energy.

2.1 What Are Atoms?


• Element = pure substance that cannot be broken down by ordinary chemical reactions.
• Atom = smallest unit of an element; retains chemical properties.
• Subatomic particles: Proton (+, 1 amu), Neutron (0, 1 amu), Electron (–, ~0 amu).
• Atomic number (Z) = # protons; defines element.
• Mass number (A) = protons + neutrons.
• Isotopes = same element, different neutrons; some radioactive.
• Electrons orbit nucleus in shells: 1st shell holds 2 e■, next shells up to 8.
• Electrons absorb energy to jump shells, release heat/light when they fall back.

2.2 How Do Atoms Form Molecules?


• Atoms with full outer shells are stable/inert.
• Atoms with partially filled shells form bonds to fill vacancies.
Bond types:
- Ionic: transfer e■, form ions (e.g., Na■ + Cl■).
- Covalent: share e■ (Nonpolar = equal sharing, Polar = unequal; H■O is polar).
- Hydrogen: weak attractions between polar molecules (important in water, DNA).
• Free radicals = highly reactive atoms/molecules with unpaired e■; antioxidants neutralize them.

2.3 Why Is Water Important to Life?


• Cohesion: water sticks to water (surface tension).
• Adhesion: water sticks to other substances → capillary action.
• Water = excellent solvent (polar dissolves polar/ionic; hydrophilic vs hydrophobic).
• High specific heat: resists temp change; stabilizes climate.
• High heat of vaporization: sweating cools body.
• Ice floats: less dense than liquid water → insulates aquatic life.
• Acids (pH<7), Bases (pH>7), Neutral (pH=7).
• Buffers stabilize pH by binding/releasing H■.

Self-Quiz
1. What does atomic number represent?
2. Why are noble gases inert?
3. Distinguish ionic, polar covalent, nonpolar covalent, hydrogen bond with examples.
4. How does water regulate body temperature?
5. What do buffers do?

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