Form 4 Chapter 1: Introduction to Chemistry

The Meaning of Chemistry

1. Chemistry is the study of materials and substances of the world and the chemical
changes of matter.
2. The knowledge of chemistry contributes to the development of chemical-based
industries in agriculture, food processing, petroleum and medicine.

Scientific Investigation
1. A scientific method involves a series of carefully planned steps done systematically
based on the rules and principles of science to solve problems experimentally.
2. Usually, an experiment which involves scientific method follows a sequence of well-
planned steps as listed below:
(a) Making observations
(b) Making an inference
(c) Identifying the problem
(d) Proposing a hypothesis
(e) Identifying variables
(f) Controlling variables
(g) Planning the experiment
(h) Collecting data
(i) Analyzing and interpreting data
(j) Drawing a conclusion
(k) Writing a report
3. There are three types of variables involved in an experiment:
(a) Manipulated variable: A situation or condition that is intentionally manipulated
or changed in order to observe its relationship with the responding variable.
(b) Responding variable: The dependent variable that changes according to the
changes of manipulated variable. A responding variable is recorded as the
data of the experiment.
(c) Controlled variable: Situations or conditions that are fixed and intentionally
kept under control.

The Scientific Attitudes and Noble Values

1. With the development of scientific attitudes and noble values while conducting
scientific investigations, the younger generations of scientists are more inclined to
become critical, inquisitive, open-minded, fair and competent citizens.

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