Assignment #1B – Biology 101-801
Fall 2020
Due September 8, 2020
1. What are the three building blocks of the atom discussed in class? (1/2 point)
2. What is the atomic number and atomic mass of chlorine? 35
How many neutrons does it have? (1 point) Cl
17
3. What determines the reactivity of an atom? (1/2 point)
4. Describe the difference between ionic and covalent bonding. (1/2 point)
5. What is the difference between a nonpolar covalent bond and a polar covalent bond?
(1/2 point)
6. What is a hydrogen bond? (1/2 point)
7. List and briefly discuss the properties of water important to life. (2 points)
8. What is the pH scale and how is it used? What is the importance of a buffer to
living organisms? (1 point)