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AP Biology - Basic Chemistry Flashcards

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5370306455Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)A molecule that provides energy for cellular reactions and processes. It releases energy when one of its high‐energy bonds is broken to release a phosphate group.0
5370306457Structure of an AtomConsists of mostly empty space; Protons (+) and neutrons (0) make up the tiny, dense nucleus. Electrons (-) exist in orbitals at various energy levels surrounding the nucleus. The electrons involved in forming chemical bonds occupy the outermost energy level (AKA the valence shell)1
5370306458IonAn atom with a positive or negative electric charge2
5370306459CationAn atom that lost electrons and therefore has a positive charge.3
5370306460AnionAn atom that gained electrons and therefore has a negative charge.4
5370306461ElementSimplest form of matter to have unique chemical properties; a pure substance made of only one kind of atom5
5370306463RadioisotopeHeavier isotopes of certain atoms that become unstable and begin to decompose. Radioactive decay involves the ejection of particles from the nucleus that may cause damage to living cells; These are used in very small amounts to tag biological molecules so they can be followed or traced through the body and used as a tool for medical diagnosis and treatment.6
5370306466Polar moleculeA molecule that has a positive charge on one end and a negative charge on the other due to an imbalance in the way electrons are shared between its atoms.7
5370306467Nonpolar moleculeA molecule that does not have oppositely charged ends because its atoms share electrons equally.8
5370306468Chemical reactionA process during which chemical bonds between atoms are broken and new ones are formed, producing one or more new substances.9
5370306469ReactantsSubstances that enters into a chemical reaction10
5370306470ProductsSubstances formed as a result of a chemical reaction11
5370306471Ionic BondA bond formed by the complete transfer of electron(s) from one atom to another. The resulting charged atoms, or ions, are oppositely charged and thus attract each other12
5370306472Covalent BondA bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms13
5370306473Hydrogen BondA bond formed when the slightly positive hydrogen atom of a polar covalent bond in one molecule is attracted to the slightly negative atom of a polar covalent bond in another molecule; relatively weak14
5370306481SolventA liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances15
5370306482SoluteA substance that is dissolved in a solution.16
5370306483SolutionA homogenous mixture that forms when one substance (the solvent) dissolves another (the solute).17
5370306487ElectrolytesThese substances, when dissolved, separate into charged particles (ions). The solution is then capable of conducting an electric current.18
5370306488AcidElectrolytes that release H+ ions in an aqueous solution; proton donors19
5370306489BaseElectrolytes that produce OH- ions in an aqueous solution; proton acceptors20
5370306490SaltAny ionic compound that can be made from the neutralization of an acid with a base21
5370306491PH ScaleMeasurement system used to indicate the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in solution; ranges from 0 to 14. 0 is most acidic + and 14 is most basic + or alkaline.22
5370306492BufferA substance that prevents large pH changes in solution to which small quantities of acids or bases are added; stabilizes pH by absorbing or releasing H+ ions as needed23

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