Unit 1 - Fundamentals of Biology

Fundamentals of Biology / Chemistry of Life

Related concepts: Biology | Biochemistry

Essential Concepts:

1. Full shell of outer electrons = Stable.

2. Reactions are attempted to create a stable outer shell.

   • Through:

   • Ionic Bonding: Atoms receive or give electrons. An atom which gains more becomes an anion (negative ion). The atom which loses becomes a cation (positive ion). The cation and anion have fields which hold the oppositely charged ion together.

   • NaCl, MgO

   • Covalent Bonding: Atoms that share electrons. Typically neutral.

Chemical terms: