Introduction of Chemistry
Definition of Science • Science is the study of accumulated
and accepted knowledge, which has been systematize and formulated to serve as the basic for the discovery of general truths.
Scientific Method
• Refers to a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new
knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.
• Although procedures vary from one field of inquiry to another, identifiable
features distinguish scientific inquiry from other methodologies of knowledge. Scientific researchers propose hypotheses as explanations of phenomena, and design experimental studies to test these hypotheses. These steps must be repeatable in order to dependably predict any future results. Theories that encompass wider domains of inquiry may bind many hypotheses together in a coherent structure. This in turn may help form new hypotheses or place groups of hypotheses into context.
• Among other facets shared by the various fields of inquiry is the conviction
that the process be objective to reduce biased interpretations of the results. Another basic expectation is to document, archive and share all data and methodology so they are available for careful scrutiny by other scientists, thereby allowing other researchers the opportunity to verify results by attempting to reproduce them. This practice, called full disclosure, also allows statistical measures of the reliability of these data to be established.
Different Branches of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry • This branch of chemistry deals with the
study of the organic matter. The substances that primarily consist of carbon and hydrogen are termed as organic. The discipline that deals with the study of the structure, composition and the chemical properties of organic compounds is known as organic chemistry. This branch also deals with the chemical reactions that are used in the preparation of organic chemical compounds .
Inorganic Chemistry • It is the branch of chemistry that relates to the
structure, composition and behavior of inorganic compounds. All the substances other than the carbon-hydrogen compounds are classified under the group of inorganic substances. Oxides, sulphides and carbonates form the important classes of inorganic compounds. Industrial inorganic chemistry deals with the branch of applied science such as the manufacture of fertilizers, while the descriptive inorganic chemistry deals with the classification of compounds based on their properties.
Analytical Chemistry • This is a very important branch of
chemistry that deals with the analysis of the chemical properties of natural and man-made materials. The study does not restrict itself to any particular type of chemical compounds. Instrumental analysis is a prominent part of modern analytical chemistry. Analytical chemistry primarily deals with the study of the chemicals present in a substance, in what quantity they are, and how they define the chemical properties of the substance .
Physical Chemistry • This branch of chemistry applies the theories of physics to atoms and subatomic particles. When physical chemistry is applied to the chemical interaction between atoms and subatomic particles, the study is known by the name, quantum mechanics. It is a relatively vast field that deals with intermolecular forces, rates of chemical reactions as well the conductivity of different materials.
Biochemistry • This discipline of chemistry represents a peep of
biology into chemistry. It deals with the structure and behavior of the components of cells and the chemical processes in living beings. The complex and large biomolecules are usually composed of similar units that repeat. The complex molecules are known as polymers and the basic units they are composed of, are known as monomers. Biochemistry deals with the study of cellular constituents like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids as also the chemical processes that occur in cells.
Nuclear Chemistry • It is a popular and one of the very important
branches of chemistry that studies radioactivity. It revolves around the study of the nuclear properties of and the chemical processes in radioactive substances. This branch also covers the study of the equipment used for the performance of nuclear processes. The effects of the absorption of radiation, the production and use of radioactive materials and radiotherapy come under this branch of chemistry. Nuclear chemistry also deals with the non-radioactive areas of life.
Chemistry
Chemistry • That branch of science which treats of the
composition of substances, and of the changes which they undergo in consequence of alterations in the constitution of the molecules, which depend upon variations of the number, kind, or mode of arrangement, of the constituent atoms. These atoms are not assumed to be indivisible, but merely the finest grade of subdivision hitherto attained. Chemistry deals with the changes in the composition and constitution of molecules. See Atom, Molecule.
The Importance of Chemistry • How important is chemistry? For many, chemistry is
considered the central science due to its significant connections and overlaps with other sciences. If a scientific discipline involves matter, chances are that chemistry is playing an important role. A large amount of research breakthroughs in physics would not have been possible without the use of principles and methods of chemistry. The development of specialised drugs to cure diseases and understanding of biological and geological systems would be unimaginable if it weren't for the contribution from chemistry. The list of examples is potentially endless.
Brief History of Chemistry
Pr epar ed By: Grant Roy Mercado Act Gabriel Norman Gamueta Kirby Lingad Jodonel Paule Moises Pineda Sherwin Romero
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