Chapter 2: “Life’s Chemical Basis” Homework
On your own paper, respond to the following questions. Answer in complete sentences!
1. Composition of Matter: Atoms & Elements
Define element- A substance made of one atom that cannot be broken down.
Define atom- The smallest unit of matter.
Which structure (element or atom) is simpler? Why?
An atom has a simpler structure because it's the simplest unit of matter.
2. Atomic Structure
Complete the table below.
Subatomic Particle Position Mass (amu) Electrical Charge
Location
Electrons Electron cloud .0005 -1
Neutrons In the nucleus 1 0
Protons In the nucleus 1 +1
3. Using the planetary model, draw a diagram illustrating the atomic structure of the 3 smallest atoms
(hydrogen, helium and lithium). Include and label: protons, neutrons, electrons, nucleus, orbital and
elemental symbol (letter abbreviation).
4. Energy Levels: electrons travel around the nucleus at different energy levels called shells. Draw the
shell model of Nitrogen (N)
5. What are ions, cation and anions? How are they formed?
6. Identifying Elements
Elements are arranged in the periodic table based on their (circle the correct answer) atomic number /
atomic mass/ number of electrons
What are some of the most common elements found in the human body?
7. Molecules & Compounds
How are a molecule and a compound the same? How are they different?
8. Chemical Reactions: Chemical reactions occur when chemical bonds form or break among atoms,
ions, or molecules
Define the following:
Reactant-
Product-
9. What determines the chemical reactivity of an element?
10. Chemical Bonds
Describe each of the following chemical bonds and provide a specific example.
e.g., Ionic- Ionic Bond are attractions between two oppositely charged ions. An example is the
bond between sodium (anion) and chloride (cation).
Covalent-
Hydrogen-
Which type of bond is strongest? Weakest?
What is a polar bond? Give an example of a polar molecule
