Chapter 2 Objectives and Key Terms
The Chemical Context of Life
General Comment: Chapter 2 is “cake.” It should come very easy to you and if not,
this may be the first indication this class may be too much for you or be moving too fast.
I will not lecture on this chapter yet you are required to know it all in great detail.
Note: Bold objectives are listed by Campbell as the College Board Performance
Objectives.
Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Distinguish between an element and a compound.
Know the four elements that make up 96% of living matter.
Relate elements and compounds to life requirements.
Describe the structure of an atom.
Define and distinguish among atomic number, mass number, atomic weight, and
valence.
6. Know what valence electrons are and their importance in chemical bonding.
7. Given the atomic number and mass number of an atom, how do you determine the
number of its neutrons?
8. Explain why radioactive isotopes are important to biologists?
9. Explain how electron configuration influences the chemical behavior of an atom.
10. Be able to write the electron configurations for atoms with atomic numbers 1-36.
11. Distinguish among and be able to give examples of nonpolar covalent, polar
covalent, and ionic bonds.
12. Describe, be able to draw and discuss hydrogen bonds.
13. Describe van der Waals interactions.
14. Explain how a molecule’s shape influences its biological function. (“Form fits
function.”)
15. Relate atomic structure to the behavior of elements and the bonding of atoms
to form ionic and molecular compounds of various shapes.
16. Write the chemical equation that summarizes the process of photosynthesis,
noting the reactants and products.
17. Explain how chemical reactions make and break chemical bonds in biology.
18. Define and describe chemical equilibrium, and the factors that can shift a reaction
at equilibrium (Le Châtelier’s principle). Describe how the relative
concentrations of reactants and products affect a chemical reaction.
19. Define, compare and contrast a scientific hypothesis and scientific theory.
OVER
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Chapter 2: Campbell 6th ed.
Key Terms
matter
element
orbitals
polar covalent bond
valence shell
cation
neutron
ionic bond
formula unit
salt
hydrogen bond
van der Waals forces
chemical reactions
reactant
electronegativity
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potential energy
shells
compound
trace element
ion
anion
electron
covalent bond
molecule
dalton
atomic number
mass number
isotope
product
chemical equilibrium
2
nonpolar covalent bond
subshells
energy level
valence electron
atom
proton
chemical bond
ionic compound
atomic nucleus
structural formula
molecular formula
double bond
atomic weight
radioactive isotope
Le Châtelier’s principle
Chapter 2: Campbell 6th ed.