Chapter 2: Water and Carbon(The chemical Bases of Life) Study Set

Chapter 2: Water and Carbon(The chemical Bases of Life) Study Set Chemical Evolution - 1. Complex carbon-containing substances are required for life. 2. In Earth's early history, simple chemical compounds combined to form these complex substances before the evolution of light. Pattern Component - part of a theory that makes a claim about the natural world Process Component - part of a theory that explains the pattern component Element - a pure substance that cannot be broken down any further Atomic Number - the number of protons in an atom of an element Mass Number - the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom of an element Isotopes - forms of an element with different mass numbers Atomic Weight - the average mass number of all naturally occurring isotopes of an element, based on their abundance Radioactive Isotope - an unstable isotope of an element; its nucleus will eventually decay and release energy in the form of radiation Dalton - a special unit used to mass protons, neutrons, and electrons Orbitals - regions around atomic nuclei where electrons move; each can hold two