QUEZON CITY UNIVERSITY

GENERAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

MODULE 1

(INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY)
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Give understanding of the fundamental concepts and language of chemistry
2. Demonstrate familiarity with the metric system
3. Express very large amount and very small amounts in scientific notation
4. Carry out calculations using scientific notation
Introduction
Chemistry has been called the “central science” because it is important to so many
other fields of scientific study. So, even if you have not taken a chemistry course,
chances are good that you have seen some chemistry before. This course helps you to
connect pieces of information you have already picked up, increase your understanding
of chemical concepts, and give you a more coherent and systematic picture of
chemistry. It can also help you appreciate the chemical viewpoint and the way it can
help you understand the natural world.

Lesson 1 Introduction to the Study of Chemistry

 I. What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes that matter undergoes.

Matter - Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Examples of matter: Air, Water, a table, soil, YOU!

II. Five Major Branches of Chemistry

1. Organic Chemistry – a branch of chemistry that deals with compounds containing
carbon and hydrogen only

2. Inorganic Chemistry – a branch of chemistry that deals with compounds that do not
contain carbon
3. Biochemistry – study of chemical processes that occur in living things
 4. Analytical chemistry - a branch of chemistry that deals with the composition of
matter

  5. Physical Chemistry – deals with the mechanism, the rate, and the energy transfer
that occurs when matter undergoes a change. * Investigates underlying scientific
principles behind changes. Chemical change = chemical reaction!

III. Pure and Applied Chemistry

1. Pure Chemistry – pursuing of knowledge simply for the sake of knowing it or to
satisfy man’s natural curiosity
2. Applied Chemistry – research that is directed toward a goal or application in order
to solve a problem

3. Technology – the means by which society provides its members with the things
they need or desire
 
IV. Why study Chemistry?

1. In order to explain the natural world.

2. To help you prepare for a career.
3. To become an informed citizen.

. V. Chemistry Far and Wide

1. Materials – Chemists design materials to fit specific needs in the world.

a. Macroscopic – the world in which objects are large enough to see.
b. Microscopic – the world in which objects can only be seen under magnification
2. Energy – Chemists play an essential role in finding ways to conserve, produce,
and store
3. Medicine – Chemistry supplies the medicines, materials, and technology that
doctors use to treat their patients
.
4. Biotechnology – applies science to produce biological products and processes
.  5. Agriculture – Chemists help develop more productive crops and safer, more
effective ways to protect crops.

a.Soil quality testing to improve soil

b. Adding fertilizers to the soil
c. Developing herbicides to prevent weeds
d. Developing insecticides to kill pests
e. Developing other chemicals to prevent plant disease
f. Biochemists modify the genes of plants

6. The Environment – Chemists identify pollutants and prevent pollution

 V. The Scientific Method

Definition – A logical, systematic approach to solving problems.

1. Problem – a question to be answered, usually stated as a question.

2. Observations – Using your senses to obtain information about the problem.
3. Hypothesis – A proposed explanation for an observation.
4. Experiment – A procedure used to test your hypothesis.
a. Manipulated or independent variable – a variable you change.
b. Responding or dependent variable – a variable you observe.
5. Conclusion – Analyze experimental results to form theories or laws.
a. Theory – a well- tested explanation for a set of observations. - Tries to
explain why, but can never be proven
b. Law – a concise statement that summarizes results of many
observations. –
A law is simply a statement of fact that does not try to explain.

Activities:

Video to watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Q2q20KaEk

Link: to read:

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Assessment:
Direction:Identify the following:
_________________ 1. study of chemical processes that occur in living things
__________________2. a branch of chemistry that deals with compounds that do not
contain carbon
__________________3. a branch of chemistry that deals with the composition of
matter
__________________ 4. a question to be answered, usually stated as a question
__________________ 5. is the study of matter and the changes that matter undergoes
__________________6. using your senses to obtain information about the problem
__________________ 7. a procedure used to test your hypothesis
__________________ 8. anything that has mass and occupies space
__________________ 9. analyze experimental results to form theories or laws
__________________ 10. a proposed explanation for an observation
Reflection:
As a student, discuss the importance of chemistry in our daily life.
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Assignment:
Make a survey of the items in your home that contain chemicals. If possible, determine
from their labels the name of the chemical ingredient(s). A table similar to the one
below can be constructed to summarize results. (Observe proper care in handling the
items).

Item Uses Chemical Ingredient

1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.
References:
1. https://www.slideshare.net/kendonsmith/chapter-1-introduction-to-chemistry-16534448
2. Chemistry for Engineers, Brown Lawrence, S, Holme Thomas A,2012