ABSTRACT
After reading the following chapter and undertaking personal study, you should be able to:
Identify three states of matter.
Describe the structure of the atom and differentiate between atoms and ions.
Define the terms ‘atomic number’, ‘mass number’ and ‘relative atomic mass’.
Define the term ‘compound’ and differentiate between ionic and covalent compounds.
Differentiate between polar and non-polar molecules and describe hydrogen bonds.
Define the terms ‘molecular mass’ and ‘mole’.
Briefly explain the following types of chemical reaction: combination, decomposition, displacement, partner exchange, reversible and redox.
Explain the action of enzymes.
Differentiate between organic and inorganic chemistry.
Differentiate between aliphatic and aromatic compounds.
Outline the structure of the following groups of organic compounds: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and amines.
Identify physical conditions affecting a patient in which knowledge of chemistry helps in understanding the processes taking place.
Identify aspects of nursing care of which the understanding is helped by knowledge of chemistry.
