Chapter 2 – Basic Chemistry Atomic number = # protons
1. Matter and Energy Mass number = protons + neutrons
Matter: Occupies space, has mass; exists as: Atomic weight = average of isotopes
Solid – definite shape & volume Isotopes: Same protons, different neutrons;
Liquid – definite volume, shape of radioisotopes are unstable.
container
3. Molecules & Compounds
Gas – no definite shape or volume
Molecule: 2+ atoms bonded (same or different
Changes in Matter:
elements)
Physical – no change in chemical
Compound: Molecule with atoms of different
composition (e.g., melting, freezing)
elements
Chemical – alters chemical composition
Energy: Ability to do work; no mass or Chemical Bonds:
volume.
Kinetic – energy in action Ionic – electron transfer; forms cations
Potential – stored energy (+) & anions (–)
Covalent – electron sharing
Forms of Energy: (single/double bonds; polar/nonpolar)
Hydrogen – weak attraction between
Chemical (stored in bonds)
polar molecules; important for water
Electrical (movement of charged
properties & protein structure.
particles)
Mechanical (movement of matter) 4. Chemical Reactions
Radiant (electromagnetic waves)
Types:
Energy Conversion: ATP stores chemical energy
from food. Synthesis (A + B → AB): Builds larger
molecules, absorbs energy (anabolic)
2. Composition of Matter Decomposition (AB → A + B): Breaks
down molecules, releases energy
Elements: Basic building blocks; 96% of body =
(catabolic)
O, C, H, N.
Exchange (AB + C → AC + B): Bonds
Atoms: Smallest unit of element; composed of: made & broken
Protons (+), Neutrons (0), Electrons (–) Most reactions are reversible; rate influenced by
temperature, concentration, particle size,
Electrically neutral: # protons = # electrons
catalysts.
Ions: Atoms gaining/losing electrons
5. Biochemistry
Models:
Inorganic Compounds:
Planetary – electrons orbit nucleus
Water: High heat capacity, solvent,
(simplified)
reactive (hydrolysis), cushioning
Orbital – electron cloud representation
Salts: Dissociate into electrolytes
Identifying Elements:
Acids/Bases: Release H+ (acids) or OH–
(bases); neutralization → water + salt
pH Scale: 0–14; 7 neutral; buffers
maintain pH
Organic Compounds:
Carbohydrates: CHO; monosaccharides
(glucose), disaccharides (sucrose),
polysaccharides (starch, glycogen)
Lipids: Triglycerides (saturated vs
unsaturated fats), phospholipids (cell
membranes), steroids (cholesterol,
hormones)
Proteins: Made of amino acids;
structural levels (primary →
quaternary); fibrous (collagen) vs
globular (enzymes)
Enzymes: Biological catalysts; -ase
suffix; substrate-specific
Nucleic Acids: DNA (double-stranded, A-
T, C-G), RNA (single-stranded, A-U, C-G);
made of nucleotides
ATP: Energy currency; made from
adenine, ribose, 3 phosphates; energy
released when phosphate bond broken.