Name
Date
Period
1. Distinguish between element, ion and compound.
Element
Ion
Compound
2. List the four most commonly occurring elements in living things and a function of each one:
3. State they symbol and at least one function for each of the following elements found in living
organisms.
Nitrogen
Symbol: N
Function(s):
Iron
Function(s):
Symbol:
Sulphur
Function(s):
Symbol:
Calcium
Function(s):
Symbol:
Phosophorous
Function(s):
Symbol:
Sodium
Function(s):
Symbol:
Potassium
Function(s):
Symbol:
Name
Date
Period
4. Organic compounds are found in living things.
a. Define organic compounds.

b. List carbon-containing compounds which are not organic compounds.



5. The properties of water are essential to all life on Earth.
a. Outline the significance of the labeled parts of this diagram, showing the attraction between
three water molecules. (Discuss the structure of water, what makes it polar, and the type of
bonds you see within a water molecule and between different water molecules
w.
(element)
x.
(element)
y. (bond
between
water
molecules)
z. (Bond
within
water
molecules)
δ- (type of
charge
and why)
δ+ (type of
charge
and why)
Extension: at this point you might want to consider how ionic and covalent bonding work, in order to
really understand how the slight positive (δ+ ) and slight negative (δ- ) charges are generated.
Name
Date
Period
6. Water has many properties which are essential for life. Complete the table below. (Include uses
as a coolant, medium for metabolic reactions, transport medium)
Explanation
Thermal Properties
Cohesion
Solvent Properties
Significance to living things