Unit 2: Principles of Ecology

the broadest of all scientific disciplines and includes the study of matter

takes up space and has mass

the study of elements and compounds and how they interact

matter cannot be created nor destroyed, but can be transformed into new substances

composed of only one type of atom and cannot be broken down into substances with other properties; make up all matter

composed of two or more elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio; make up all matter

atoms of the same element with a differing number of neutrons and mass

change chemical identity as they shed subatomic particles, emitting radiation and decaying at a rate determined by their half-life

the amount of time it takes for one-half the atoms to give off radiation and decay

charged atoms; their charge is due to an unequal number of protons and electrons

the changing radiation emitted by radioisotopes; because of the ions generated when striking molecules, affecting the stability and functionality of biological molecules such as DNA

the two hydrogen atoms and the one oxygen atom bond together to form a polar molecule

the end bearing the oxygen has a slightly negative charge, whereas the end bearing the hydrogen atoms has a slightly positive charge

form between water molecules, giving the properties of cohesion, a high ability to dissolve many substances, and a high specific heat

water molecules “sticking” to one another

pH < 7

pH > 7

always composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms, and sometimes the elements N, O, S, and P, are essential to all living things

lack carbon-carbon bonds

organic compounds including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids; play key roles as energy sources and are the building blocks of living organisms

organic compounds consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms; are the primary constituents of fossil fuels and all petroleum products

often long-lasting, resistant to chemical breakdown, and play a large role in our manufactured products; result in problems for wildlife, human health, water quality, and waste management

the capacity to accomplish work and change position, physical composition, or the temperature of matter

energy of position