Open the App

Subjects

AP Biology

Dec 9, 2025

101

4 pages

AP Biology Unit 1: Atoms, Molecules, and Beyond

user profile picture

Mia @mathnerd

Energy, matter, and chemical bonds are the foundation of how our world functions at the atomic level. Understanding... Show more

Matter is energy
Higher the atoms= higher the energy
Equal Librium= low energy state
Energy Capacity to cause change (in temp, motion, in-de

Energy and Matter

Matter is essentially energy, and it naturally seeks the lowest energy state possible. Energy is the capacity to cause change—whether in temperature, motion, or any property of matter. Think of energy as the universal currency that powers everything around you!

Atoms exist at different energy levels, represented by electron shells. When an atom absorbs energy (like heat), electrons move to higher shells. When energy is released, electrons drop to lower shells. This explains why a ball falls to the ground—gravity pulls it toward a lower energy state.

Energy appears in different forms but is always conserved. A car at the top of a hill has potential energy due to its position. As it rolls downhill, this converts to kinetic energy (motion energy). Some of this energy can become potential energy again as the car climbs another hill.

💡 Energy in Action When you're riding a bike downhill, you're experiencing the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy—the same process that happens at the atomic level when electrons move between shells!

Matter is energy
Higher the atoms= higher the energy
Equal Librium= low energy state
Energy Capacity to cause change (in temp, motion, in-de

Chemical Bonds

Atoms form different types of bonds based on how they share or transfer electrons. Each bond type has unique properties that determine how matter behaves around us.

Ionic bonds form when one atom completely transfers electrons to another atom. This creates positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other. These bonds are common in salts like table salt (sodium chloride).

Covalent bonds involve atoms sharing electrons rather than transferring them. In regular covalent bonds, electrons are shared equally. In polar covalent bonds, electrons aren't shared equally, creating slightly positive and negative ends.

Metallic bonds create a unique structure where metal atoms release their outer electrons to form a "sea" of freely moving electrons. This explains why metals conduct electricity so well!

🔍 Bond Fact An atom's ability to form bonds depends on its electronegativity—how strongly it attracts electrons. This property is determined by the atom's size, nucleus, and electron arrangement. Elements on the left side of the periodic table typically lose electrons, while those on the right side tend to gain them.

Matter is energy
Higher the atoms= higher the energy
Equal Librium= low energy state
Energy Capacity to cause change (in temp, motion, in-de

Molecular Structure and Polarity

The way atoms bond creates molecules with specific shapes and properties that affect how they interact with other substances. These interactions are crucial for everything from cooking to biology!

Polar molecules have electrons that are shared unequally, creating regions with slight positive and negative charges. Water is a perfect example—the oxygen end has a slight negative charge while the hydrogen ends are slightly positive. This explains why water dissolves many substances!

Non-polar molecules share electrons equally between atoms, so they have no charged regions. Methane (CH₄) is a classic example where carbon shares electrons equally with four hydrogen atoms.

Complex molecules like proteins have elaborate structures held together by various bonds and interactions. These include hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and disulfide bridges that give proteins their specific shapes and functions.

Quick Chemistry When atoms bond, it happens instantaneously! An atom that gains electrons becomes a negatively charged anion, while an atom that loses electrons becomes a positively charged cation.

Matter is energy
Higher the atoms= higher the energy
Equal Librium= low energy state
Energy Capacity to cause change (in temp, motion, in-de

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions are the processes where chemical bonds break and form, converting reactants into products. These reactions power everything from your smartphone battery to your own body's metabolism!

In synthesis reactions, simpler substances combine to form more complex ones A+BABA + B → AB. This is like building blocks coming together to create something new, similar to how hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water.

Decomposition reactions break down complex substances into simpler ones ABA+BAB → A + B. Think of this as disassembling a Lego structure back into individual pieces.

Single replacement reactions occur when one element swaps places with another in a compound AB+CAC+BAB + C → AC + B. In double replacement reactions, atoms from two different compounds trade places AB+CDAC+BDAB + CD → AC + BD, like dancers switching partners.

🧪 Reaction Reality Your body performs thousands of chemical reactions every second as part of your metabolism—the sum of all chemical reactions in a living organism. This is how you convert food into energy!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

AP Biology

101

Dec 9, 2025

4 pages

AP Biology Unit 1: Atoms, Molecules, and Beyond

user profile picture

Mia

@mathnerd

Energy, matter, and chemical bonds are the foundation of how our world functions at the atomic level. Understanding these concepts helps explain everything from why objects fall to how atoms join together to form the substances around us.

Matter is energy
Higher the atoms= higher the energy
Equal Librium= low energy state
Energy Capacity to cause change (in temp, motion, in-de

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Energy and Matter

Matter is essentially energy, and it naturally seeks the lowest energy state possible. Energy is the capacity to cause change—whether in temperature, motion, or any property of matter. Think of energy as the universal currency that powers everything around you!

Atoms exist at different energy levels, represented by electron shells. When an atom absorbs energy (like heat), electrons move to higher shells. When energy is released, electrons drop to lower shells. This explains why a ball falls to the ground—gravity pulls it toward a lower energy state.

Energy appears in different forms but is always conserved. A car at the top of a hill has potential energy due to its position. As it rolls downhill, this converts to kinetic energy (motion energy). Some of this energy can become potential energy again as the car climbs another hill.

💡 Energy in Action: When you're riding a bike downhill, you're experiencing the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy—the same process that happens at the atomic level when electrons move between shells!

Matter is energy
Higher the atoms= higher the energy
Equal Librium= low energy state
Energy Capacity to cause change (in temp, motion, in-de

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Chemical Bonds

Atoms form different types of bonds based on how they share or transfer electrons. Each bond type has unique properties that determine how matter behaves around us.

Ionic bonds form when one atom completely transfers electrons to another atom. This creates positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other. These bonds are common in salts like table salt (sodium chloride).

Covalent bonds involve atoms sharing electrons rather than transferring them. In regular covalent bonds, electrons are shared equally. In polar covalent bonds, electrons aren't shared equally, creating slightly positive and negative ends.

Metallic bonds create a unique structure where metal atoms release their outer electrons to form a "sea" of freely moving electrons. This explains why metals conduct electricity so well!

🔍 Bond Fact: An atom's ability to form bonds depends on its electronegativity—how strongly it attracts electrons. This property is determined by the atom's size, nucleus, and electron arrangement. Elements on the left side of the periodic table typically lose electrons, while those on the right side tend to gain them.

Matter is energy
Higher the atoms= higher the energy
Equal Librium= low energy state
Energy Capacity to cause change (in temp, motion, in-de

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Molecular Structure and Polarity

The way atoms bond creates molecules with specific shapes and properties that affect how they interact with other substances. These interactions are crucial for everything from cooking to biology!

Polar molecules have electrons that are shared unequally, creating regions with slight positive and negative charges. Water is a perfect example—the oxygen end has a slight negative charge while the hydrogen ends are slightly positive. This explains why water dissolves many substances!

Non-polar molecules share electrons equally between atoms, so they have no charged regions. Methane (CH₄) is a classic example where carbon shares electrons equally with four hydrogen atoms.

Complex molecules like proteins have elaborate structures held together by various bonds and interactions. These include hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and disulfide bridges that give proteins their specific shapes and functions.

Quick Chemistry: When atoms bond, it happens instantaneously! An atom that gains electrons becomes a negatively charged anion, while an atom that loses electrons becomes a positively charged cation.

Matter is energy
Higher the atoms= higher the energy
Equal Librium= low energy state
Energy Capacity to cause change (in temp, motion, in-de

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions are the processes where chemical bonds break and form, converting reactants into products. These reactions power everything from your smartphone battery to your own body's metabolism!

In synthesis reactions, simpler substances combine to form more complex ones A+BABA + B → AB. This is like building blocks coming together to create something new, similar to how hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water.

Decomposition reactions break down complex substances into simpler ones ABA+BAB → A + B. Think of this as disassembling a Lego structure back into individual pieces.

Single replacement reactions occur when one element swaps places with another in a compound AB+CAC+BAB + C → AC + B. In double replacement reactions, atoms from two different compounds trade places AB+CDAC+BDAB + CD → AC + BD, like dancers switching partners.

🧪 Reaction Reality: Your body performs thousands of chemical reactions every second as part of your metabolism—the sum of all chemical reactions in a living organism. This is how you convert food into energy!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user