Unit 1: Introduction
to Chemistry
WHAT IS CHEMISTRY?
WHAT IS CHEMISTRY?
 Chemistry
is the study of matter and the
transformations it undergoes.
 What is matter?
– Anything that has mass and takes up space.
IMPORTANCE OF CHEMISTRY
 Chemistry
is all around you.
– All matter is made of chemicals
– All matter is constantly undergoing changes
– The air you breathe
– The food you digest
– Clothes you wear
 Chemistry
science.
is often said to be the central
Five Areas of Chemistry
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Organic Chemistry – Study of molecules
containing carbon(gasoline, food, plastics)
Inorganic Chemistry – Study of molecules not
containing carbon(salts, metals)
Biochemistry – the study of chemical
processes within living things
Analytical Chemistry – chemistry that focuses
on the composition of matter
Physical Chemistry – deals with the
mechanism, rate, and energy transfer of
chemical reactions
Why Study Chemistry?
 Explain
your natural world
– Satisfy a curiosity you may have
 Why do peeled apples turn brown?
 Why do eggs become firm when you cook them?
 Why does soda stay fizzy longer while sealed in
the fridge?
 Why does bread rise when you bake it?
 Why do Cheddar Bo’s taste so good?
Why Study Chemistry?
 Prepare
for a Career
– Want to be a ...
– Welder?
– A doctor?
– Jeweler?
– A chef?
– Food Tech?
– Hair stylist?
Why Study Chemistry?
 Become

Having a grasp of chemistry and science will
make you better at making good decisions

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
an informed citizen
Do vaccines cause autism?
Are GMOs bad for you?
Should dihydrogen monoxide be banned?
Understanding chemistry will prevent you
from being taken advantage
SCIENCE vs. TECHNOLOGY

How is science different from technology?

Science: - Experimental investigation and
exploration of natural phenomena
– Pursues knowledge for its own sake
– Does not cause change in itself

Technology - the practical application of
scientific knowledge
– The 'stuff' produced with science.
– Leads to change (for better or for worse)
SCIENCE V.S. TECHNOLOGY (Cont)

Examples of science:
– What causes the flu?
– How are atoms put together?
– How is genetic information stored and transmitted?

Examples of technology
– Flu vaccine
– Atomic bomb
– Genetic engineering
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
The Scientific Method is a logical, systematic approach to solving a
scientific problem or explaining a natural phenomena. The method
includes (but is not limited to):
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Make observations
–
–
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hypothesis - a proposed explanation for an observation
Example: studying with certain kinds of music improves test grades.
Test hypothesis through experiments
–
–
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Example: Music is relaxing.
Develop a hypothesis
–
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Observation - information obtained through the senses, often
requiring a measurement.
Experiment - a repeatable procedure that is used to test a
hypothesis
Example: record test results after studying with different kinds of
music, including no music at all.
Develop a theory
Theory: A well tested explanation for a broad set of observations.
–
–
Example: Classical music has a positive effect on exam grades.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD (Cont)

Theories:
– are never completely certain
– May change as more experiments are performed.
– model - physical picture or mathematical expression
of a theory.
– Example: The model of the atom

Develop a law
Summarizes the outcome of several experiments that occur
repeatedly and consistently.
–
–
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Example: Classical & instrumental music improved exam grades
the most vs. no music.
Can be proven or disproven
The scientific method must be free of bias.