Essential Anatomy & Physiology

Chemistry Summary

 Atoms are the smallest and simplest units of matter that can take part in a chemical reaction.

 Atoms consist of protons (positively charged), neutrons (neutral) and electrons (negatively
charged).

 Atoms combine to form a molecule.

 Molecules containing atoms of only one kind are called elements.

 Molecules containing atoms of different kinds are called compounds.

 Organic compounds contain carbon. The four main groups are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins
and nucleic acids.

 Water is the most abundant inorganic compound.

 Atoms can bond with each other by accepting, giving up or sharing electrons.

 Atoms with either a negative or positive charge are called ions.

 Ionic bonds are formed when atoms either accept or give up an electron(s).

 Covalent bonds are created when atoms share one, two or three pairs of electrons.

 Hydrogen bonds are formed by electrostatic forces between molecules.

 When inorganic compounds dissolve in water their atoms dissociate. This process is called
ionization.

 Acids dissociate to form an excess of positively charged hydrogen ions and therefore create
an acidic solution.

 Bases dissociate to form an excess of negatively charged hydroxide ions and therefore create
an alkaline solution.

 Salts dissociate to form neither hydrogen ions nor hydroxide ions.

 Acidity/alkalinity is measured on the pH scale.

 pH0 represents the extreme of acidity.

 pH14 represents the extreme of alkalinity.

 The pH of pure water is 7.

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