HSS 2305 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Van Der Waals Force, Covalent Bond, Electron Shell

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: HSS 2305
• Professor: Keir J Menzies

Document Summary

Study of chemistry is essential for study of biology. Atom is a basic unit of matter made of nucleus and surrounded by cloud of electrons. Compounds are combination of more than one type of atom. Covalent bond is sharing of electrons between atoms: non polar is equal sharing. Van der waals interaction are weak bonds: temporary electrostatic interactions, pull together two surfaces that are complementary in shape. Water: all three atoms participate in h bonds, asymmetric, high heat of vaporization, excellent solvent, determines interactions between biological molecules, its properties are life supporting and due to its structure. Acids/bases: bases accept protons, acids release protons, amphoteric molecules can act as acid or base. Water is one example: biological processes are sensitive to ph, buffers such as bicarbonate is important to regulate ph. Carbon is essential to organic molecules: forms four bonds, can be linear, branched, cyclic backbones, hydrocarbons contain only carbon and hydrogens.