BackFoundations of Chemistry for Biochemistry Students
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Introduction to Chemistry
Overview
Chemistry is the scientific study of matter, its properties, composition, and the changes it undergoes. A foundational understanding of chemistry is essential for biochemistry, as it provides the basis for understanding the molecular processes in living organisms.
Organic vs Inorganic Chemistry
Definitions and Distinctions
Inorganic Chemistry: The study of compounds derived from non-living sources. Modernly, it includes the synthesis and behavior of inorganic and organometallic compounds.
Organic Chemistry: Traditionally, the study of compounds from living sources. Modernly, it is defined as the study of carbon compounds.
Application: Biochemistry is primarily concerned with organic chemistry, as it focuses on carbon-based molecules in living systems.
Matter
Definition and Properties
Matter: Anything that has mass and occupies space.
Mass: The quantity of matter in a substance.
Volume: The amount of space matter occupies.
All substances are comprised of matter, which is made up of particles.
States of Matter
The three classical states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. The differences in these states are due to the arrangement and movement of their constituent particles.
Solid | Liquid | Gas |
|---|---|---|
Particles arranged in a lattice | Particles arranged in clusters | Particles widely spaced |
Strong forces of attraction | Forces of attraction weaker than in a solid, stronger than in a gas | Negligible forces of attraction |
Particles only able to vibrate | Particles flow over each other | Particles move in rapid, random motion |
Definite shape and volume | Definite volume, no definite shape | No definite shape or volume |
Very little compressibility | Very little compressibility | High compressibility |
Structure and Function of Atoms
Hierarchy of Matter
Particles of matter: Atoms
Atoms: Elements
Elements: Molecules and Compounds
Compounds: Mixtures
Element: A substance that cannot be further decomposed by ordinary chemical means. Each element consists of atoms made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Subatomic Particles
Particles | Symbol | Relative mass (atomic mass unit) | Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
Protons | p | 1.007276 | +1 |
Neutrons | n | 1.00864 | 0 |
Electrons | e- | 5.485799 × 10-4 | -1 |
Atomic Structure
Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus of the atom.
Electrons are found in orbitals outside the nucleus.
Atoms are neutral when they contain equal numbers of protons and electrons.
Ions
Cation: Formed when positive charge (protons) exceeds negative charge (electrons).
Anion: Formed when negative charge (electrons) exceeds positive charge (protons).
Elements: Atomic Number and Mass
Atomic number (Z): Number of protons in the nucleus.
Atomic mass (A) or mass number: Average mass of an atom compared to carbon-12, which is assigned 12 atomic units.
Element notation:
Example: Sodium (Na) has atomic number 11 and mass number 23:
Magnesium ion (Mg2+) has two more positive charges than negative charges.
Nitrogen is a diatomic molecule:
