Chemistry & Biology Fundamentals Cheat Sheet

This cheat sheet covers fundamental concepts in chemistry, including polyatomic ions, atomic structure, chemical reactions, acids/bases, and molecular/ionic compounds. It also touches upon basic biology topics like cell structure, division, and systems.

Core Principles

Polyatomic ions are charged groups of atoms acting as a single unit.
Atomic structure involves protons, neutrons, and electrons, defining an element's identity and charge.
Chemical reactions rearrange atoms, conserving mass.
Acids release H+ ions in water; bases release OH- ions.
Ionic compounds form from electrostatic attraction between ions; covalent compounds share electrons.
Cells are the basic unit of life, with distinct structures and functions.
Cell division (mitosis) is essential for growth and repair.
Organ systems work together to maintain organismal function.

Action Steps

Identify polyatomic ions by their characteristic formulas and names.
Determine atomic number, mass number, and charge from element information.
Balance chemical equations by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.
Classify compounds as ionic or molecular based on their composition.
Recognize acids by their properties (e.g., releasing H+) and bases by their properties (e.g., releasing OH-).
Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells based on structural features.
Identify the stages of mitosis and their key events.
Understand the roles of different organ systems in maintaining life.

Formulas

$Z = \text{Number of Protons}$
$A = \text{Number of Protons} + \text{Number of Neutrons}$
$X = \text{Atomic Symbol}$
$ \text{Mass Number} = \text{Protons} + \text{Neutrons} $
$ \text{Atomic Number} = \text{Protons} = \text{Electrons (in neutral atom)} $
$ \text{Charge} = \text{Protons} - \text{Electrons} $
$ \text{Law of Conservation of Mass: Mass of Reactants} = \text{Mass of Products} $
$ \text{Snell's Law:} n_1 \sin(\theta_1) = n_2 \sin(\theta_2) $
$ \text{Critical Angle:} \sin(\theta_c) = \frac{n_2}{n_1} $

Key Terms

Matter: Anything that has mass and takes up space.
Element: A pure substance consisting only of atoms that all have the same numbers of protons in their atomic nuclei.
Compound: A substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together.
Polyatomic Ion: A charged group of two or more atoms joined by covalent bonds.
Ionic Bond: A bond formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
Covalent Bond: A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.
Acid: A substance that donates protons (H+) or accepts electrons, typically forming H+ ions in water.
Base: A substance that accepts protons (H+) or donates electrons, typically forming OH- ions in water.
pH Scale: A scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution; ranges from 0 to 14.
Mitosis: A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.
Prokaryotic Cell: A cell that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic Cell: A cell that possesses a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Metastasis: The spread of cancer cells from the place where they first formed to another part of the body.
Carcinogen: A substance capable of causing cancer.
Diffusion: The net movement of anything generally from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.
Osmosis: The movement of solvent molecules through a selectively permeable membrane into a region of higher solute concentration.

Timeline

Interphase: DNA replication occurs.
Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible; nuclear envelope breaks down.
Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Telophase: New nuclei form at each pole; chromosomes decondense.
Cytokinesis: Cytoplasm divides, forming two daughter cells.

Quiz

Which of the following is a polyatomic ion?: NH4+
What is the atomic number of an element with 12 protons?: 12
A reaction where A + B -> AB is called:: Synthesis
A solution with a pH of 3 is considered:: Acidic
Which cell type lacks a nucleus?: Prokaryotic