TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY – Chemistry Notes Form One
Definition: Chemistry is a branch of science which deals with the composition, properties and structure of matter and the changes matter undergo.
Science is the scientific study of nature.
MATTER: – Is anything that has mass (weight) and occupies space
Matter includes materials or substances of nature which make up our environment such as water, air, stones, plants, animals etc
There are three branches of science which are Physics, Chemistry and Biology
BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY
Branches of chemistry include
(i) Physical chemistry
(ii) Organic chemistry
(iii) Inorganic chemistry
(iv) Analytical chemistry
(v) Biochemistry
(vi) Chemical engineering.
Physical chemistry deals with the relations between the physical properties of a substances and their chemical composition and transformations.
Organic chemistry deals with the properties and behavoiur of organic compounds.
Inorganic chemistry deals with properties and behavior of inorganic compounds.
Analytical chemistry deals with the studies of instruments and methods used to separate, identify and quantify chemical species in matter.
Biochemistry deals with the study of chemical processes that occurs in living things.
Chemical engineering deals with the design, development and operation of processes that convert raw materials into useful products.
The people who study chemistry are called CHEMISTS.
The people who studied chemistry in Ancient time were called ALCHEMISTS
Since chemistry is a science that involves experiments and practical work, chemists have to acquire scientific skills in order to be successful in obtaining facts and verifying them. successfully.
These skills include:
(i) Making thorough observations.
(ii) Recording accurately what has been observed
(iii) Organizing the observed and recorded information.
(iv) Repeating tests to ensure observations are accurate.
(v) Drawing conclusions from observations
(vi) Predicting possible outcomes of similar experiments
Therefore, chemistry students should apply these skills to be able to think logically and critically.
RELATIONSHIP OF CHEMISTRY WITH OTHER RELATED DISCIPLINES
Chemistry is related with other disciplines such as physics, biology, agriculture, geology, environmental sciences and mathematics.
WHY STUDYING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHEMISTRY AND OTHER DISCIPLINES IMPORTANT?
(i) It helps to understand the world around us and give insight to physical and biological processes.
(ii) It provides useful integrated skills and acts as a foundation for understanding scientific skills through researching different phenomena
(iv) It helps to understand different professions resulting from learning chemistry, eg a person who studies chemistry with other discipline may become a medical doctor, pharmacist, nurse, chemical analyst, laboratory technician, researcher, chemical engineer, teacher and environmentalist. Therefore, a chemistry may be employed in hospitals, schools, research centres, energy sectors, chemical industries, etc.
The following are some disciplines which are related to chemistry
1. BIOLOGY
Chemistry and Biology are related in biochemistry and biotechnology.
Biochemistry studies the chemical processes that occurs within living organisms for understanding biological systems.
Biotechnology involves the use of living organisms to produce economically useful products by combining the knowledge and skills from chemistry, biology and chemical engineering
Generally, the relationship between chemistry and biology bring development that solves daily life challenges related to agriculture, medicine, nutrition and environmental issues.
2. PHYSICS
Chemistry and physics are related in physical chemistry.
Physical chemistry drives innovations and technological advancements in various areas such as medical instruments, materials science and products from manufacturing industries.
3. AGRICULTURE
Chemistry and agriculture are related through agro-chemistry.
Agro-chemistry deals with the chemical processes related to plants, animals and soil health, crop protection and fertilizers. It ensures food availability and security as well as good agricultural practices which improves the quality of agricultural products.
4. GEOLOGY
Chemistry and geology are related through geochemistry field.
Geochemistry field applies chemistry theores and principles in investigating the chemical composition and processes of the earth and other planets.
Geochemists use their knowledge in investigating the abundance and distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals which is the foundation of mining industry.
5. ENVIRONMETAL SCIENCE
Chemistry and environmental science are related in environmetal chemistry and atmospheric chemistry.
Both fields apply chemistry theories and principles to study the ineractions of chemicals in the environment such as pollution and their impacts to the natural world.
6. MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is applied in almost all areas of chemistry including physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry.
It is applied in measuring of volume, temperature and concentration of chemical substances, calculating percentage and ratios that expresses concentration, composition and products of chemical reactions.
It allows a chemist to conduct precise experiments, make predictions and develop deep understanding on the principles governing the behavior of matter.
APPLICATION (IMPORTANCE/ CONTRIBUTION) OF CHEMISTRY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MODERN SOCIETY
Chemistry plays a significant role in the development of a modern society. It has influenced most aspects of life including healthcare, energy production and environmental sustainability.
Due to practical application of chemistry the quality of life for many people worldwide has improved. Most of the products that are obtained by the application of chemistry are useful for development of modern societies.
These products are processed in different areas such as agriculture, medicine, nutrition and cooking, manufacturing industries etc.
A. AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is a practice of growing crops and keeping animals. Farmers use many products made through chemistry knowledge to get better agriculture yields. These products include fertilizers, animal vaccines, pesticides, weed killers and processed animal feeds.
Fertilizers are used to improve the quality and quantity of crops.
Pesticides are used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to plants. Pesticides are also used in animal dips to kill pests such as ticks that attack animals
Animal vaccines are used to protect animals from diseases and also to prevent transmission of diseases between domestic animals and human being.
B. MEDICINES
Medicines found in medical stores and pharmacies such as Panadol, coughing syrups, vaccines and food supplements are all made by application of chemistry.
These materials ensure our well being through the treatment and prevention of diseases.
C. NUTRITION AND COOKING
Chemistry has an impact on the tastes, texture and nutritional value of food. Chemistry helps in understanding of different food components such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, vitamins and minerals.
Chemical reactions involved in cooking help to have food that are healthy and palatable. For example, chemical processes are useful in the preparation of breads, cakes, rock buns and biscuits.
D. MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
Textile industries, chemical industries, paper industries, food and beverage industries, transport industries, communication industries, plastics manufacturing industries, construction materials industries all depends on chemical processes.
Most of the machine parts are made of metals, plastics and rubber which are made through chemical processes. Products such as cements, rubber, papers, chemicals are made through chemical processes in these industries.
E. FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES
Chemistry knowledge is used in preservation of foods especially canned and bottled food.
Chemicals commonly used as food preservatives are common salt, nitrates, nitrites, citric acid and alcohol such as ethanol.,
Chemistry knowledge is also used in preparation of baked foods such as breads, cakes, biscuits etc.
F. TRANSOPTAION
Fuels and lubricants used in motor vehicles, aircrafts, motorcycles, ships are all produced by chemical processes.
Other materials made by application of chemistry found in the means of transport include seat covers, paints, coolants, carpets, batteries and tyres,
G. COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Chemistry plays a role communication and technology since it is applied in the development of batterie and electronic devices and transmission of data through various networks
Radios, televisions, telephones, computers, papers are example of materials used in communication made through chemical processes.
H. HOME CARE PRODUCTS AND COSMETICS
Soaps, detergents. Paints, Disinfectants, Air fresheners and polish are examples of home care products made through chemical processes which are used to make home and the surrounding clean and more comfortable to live in.
Cosmetics which are used to improve one’s appearance or odour are all made through chemical processes. These include deodorants, creams, lotions, perfumes, lipsticks etc.
I. CHEMISTRY FOR PROFESSIONAL (CAREER) DEVELOPMENT
Through studying chemistry, we get professions like Doctors, teachers, nurses, pharmacists, geologists, chemical engineers, chemical analyst, laboratory technician, researchers etc who get paid when they work.
EXERCISE
INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY
1. List down four careers in which chemistry is applied
2. Mention any five products that are chemically manufactured.
3. Explain seven areas where chemistry is applied.
4. Explain the roles of chemistry in the following fields
(a) Agriculture
(b) Human health
(c) Manufacturing industries
(d) Transport
(e) Communication
5. What are the chemical substances used in agriculture? Give any four (04) materials
6. What is the role of chemistry in overcoming health problems?
7. Use relevant examples to support statement, “Agriculture and chemical industry can work together rather than separate.”
8. In what ways have modern societies benefited from chemistry through communication and advancement of technology?
9. How does the application of chemistry contribute to a clean environment?
10. Explain how chemistry principles are used in making water clean and safe?