AP Biology (Mader), 11th Edition

Chapter 2: Basic Chemistry

Learning Outcomes

2.1 Chemical Elements

1. Describe how protons, neutrons, and electrons relate to atomic structure.
2. Use the periodic table to evaluate relationships between atomic number and mass number.
3. Describe how variations in an atomic nucleus account for its physical properties.
4. Determine how electrons are configured around a nucleus.

2.2 Molecules and Compounds

1. Describe how elements are combined into compounds and molecules.
2. List different types of bonds that occur between elements.
3. Compare the relative strengths of ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds.

2.3 Chemistry of Water

1. Describe how water associates with other molecules in solution.
2. Evaluate which property of water is important for biological life.
3. Analyze how water's solid, liquid, and vapor state allow life to exist on Earth.

2.4 Acids and Bases

1. Identify common acidic and basic substances.
2. Determine pH from a known H⁺ or OH^- concentration.
3. Analyze how buffers prevent large pH changes in solutions.