Constructed Response
Acids, Bases, and Salts
Branches of Chemistry
Teacher Guide
Students will need about 10 minutes to complete these constructed response tasks.
Objectives assessed:
 Identify the branches of chemistry and their related areas of study.
1. A high school student is considering a career in chemistry. What are five areas of study
that the student might consider? Give an example of at least one compound, product, or
process the student might encounter while exploring each branch of chemistry in your
list.
Correct response(s):
Sample Correct Response: Inorganic chemistry is the study of compounds that do not
contain carbon chains. Inorganic compounds include sodium chloride or water. Organic
chemistry is the study of carbon-based compounds and their derivatives. Compounds
related to organic chemistry include fuel, sugar, or lipids. Biochemistry is the study of
chemical processes in living organisms. A biochemist might study the synthesis and/or
processing of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, DNA, and RNA. Physical chemistry applies the
principles of physics to the study of chemical systems to examine how subatomic physical
structures affect chemical properties. A study in physical chemistry might investigate
chemical equilibrium or intermolecular forces. Thermochemistry is the study of the energy
changes that are associated with chemical and physical changes. Thermochemistry
research could include analysis of melting and boiling points or measuring the energy given
off when a fuel burns. Electrochemistry focuses on the role of the electric force in chemical
compounds and reactions. A process related to electrochemistry includes the chemical
changes that take place in batteries. Nuclear chemistry is the study of nuclear reactions and
their applications. Nuclear chemists might work to refine the nuclear power-generation
process or to design smoke detectors.
Response scoring tool:
Score
Content
5
Describes five branches of chemistry and provides at least one example
for each.
4
Describes four branches of chemistry and provides at least one example
for each.
3
Describes three branches of chemistry and provides at least one
example for each.
2
Describes two branches of chemistry and provides at least one example
for each.
1
Describes one branch of chemistry and provides at least one example
for each.
0
No response, or response not appropriate to the question
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