Chapter 2 Learning Objectives:
After studying this material you should be able to:
1. Distinguish between an atom, element, and compound.
2. Identify the four most significant elements that make up 96% of living matter.
3. Describe the structural components of an atom.
4. Identify the atomic number, atomic weight, and valence electrons of an atom.
5. Determine the reactivity of an atom.
6. Determine the number of covalent bonds an atom could possibly form.
7. Explain why radioactive isotopes are useful to biologists.
8. Compare and contrast cations and anions.
9. Distinguish between nonpolar covalent, polar covalent, ionic, and hydrogen bonds.
10. Explain how the electronegativity of an atom influences the type of bond it will form with another nearby atom of identical, similar, or different electronegativity.
11. Describe the structure of a water molecule and the type of bond present within the molecule as well as the type of bond it forms with other nearby water molecules.
12. List possible advantages of weak bonds and attractions.
13. Describe how the relative concentrations of reactants and products affect a chemical reaction.