2. Key concepts in chemistry
2. Key concepts in chemistry
- Gillian Pocock, Gillian PocockSenior Lecturer in Clinical Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
- Christopher D. RichardsChristopher D. RichardsEmeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- and David A. RichardsDavid A. RichardsAssociate Professor, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine, USA
Abstract
This chapter describes the basic structure of atoms and molecules and explains how molecules are bound together. Examples include covalent and ionic bonds. The chapter presents a brief account of the chemistry necessary to understand the metabolic reactions of the body. All matter is composed of chemical elements, which are substances that cannot be broken down into simpler materials by chemical means. The chapter provides information which helps the reader to understand what is meant by an element and a compound, to differentiate between atoms and molecules, to understand molecular structures, and to calculate the concentration of a substance in solution. It discusses key properties of solutions such as ionization, pH, and osmosis.
