Introduction to Chemistry
Lesson 1
By B.E Namithambo –Bed.Sc. Chemistry.
Lesson Objectives
1. Define chemistry
2. Explain six branches of chemistry
1. Meaning of Chemistry
• chemistry was derived from Egyptian word Kēme (chem) which
means earth
• Chemistry is the scientific study of matter, its properties, composition,
and changes it undergoes
• It explains how substances interact with each other and with energy
Matter: anything that has mass and occupies space.
2. Branches of Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Industrial Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
2. BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY
(i) Physical Chemistry
• The study of how matter behaves physically and chemically and how
energy is involved in these changes.
• Generally, it focuses on how physical properties affect chemical
properties as well as structure of a substance
Example: How temperature or pressure affects reaction rate.
2. BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY cont..
(ii) Environmental Chemistry
• The study of chemical processes occurring in the environment and
their effects on living organisms.
• Example: Studying pollution, acid rain, and ozone depletion.
Environmental Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry cont..
2. BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY cont..
(iv) Industrial Chemistry
• The application of chemistry to develop and manufacture different
products on a large scale.
• Example: Making fertilizers, soap, cement, and plastics.
Industrial Chemistry cont..
2. BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY cont..
(v) Organic Chemistry
• The study of carbon-containing compounds, especially those found in
living things.
• It studies structure , composition and chemical properties of organic
compounds.
• Example: Alcohols, sugars, plastics, and fuels proteins, lipids , nucleic
acids , DNA, RNA, amino acids.
2. BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY cont..
(vi) Inorganic Chemistry
• The study of compounds that do not contain carbon and hydrogen
atoms. Example: Reactions involving metals, acids, and bases, salts