element
simplest form of matter to have unique chemical properties
atomic number
number of protons in its nucleus
How many elements have biological roles?
24 elements
minerals (2)
What are electrolytes (mineral salts) needed for?
nerve & muscle function
Electrons determine the ______ properties of atoms
chemical
isotopes
elements that differ from one another due to the number of neutrons
atomic weight (2)
- accounts for the fact that an element is a mixture of it s isotopes
radioisotopes
unstable isotopes that give off radiation
radioactivity
radioisotopes decay to stabilize isotopes by releasing radiation
Who was the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize?
Madame Curie
What happens when an atom is converted into an ion?
high energy radiation ejects electrons from atoms
ions
charged particles with unequal number of protons & electrons
ionization
transfer of electrons from one atom to another
anion
atom that gains electrons (-charge)
cation
atom that loses and electron (+ charge)
electrolytes
- can conduct an electric current
What is one of the most important considerations in patient care?
electrolytes
free radicals (2)
- produced by normal metabolic reactions
What do free radicals cause?
tissue damage
antioxidants
neutralize free radicals
molecules
chemical particles composed of 2 or more atoms united by a chemical bond
compound
made up of molecules with 2 or more different elements
isomers
molecules with identical molecular formulas, but different arrangements