Introduction to

Chemistry
 Science
O From the Latin word “scientia”
O Knowledge (“scientia”) gained from
using observations and experiments to
describe and explain the world around
us.
 Science
(knowledge)

Natural
Social Science
Science
(human behavior)
(nature)
 Biological
Science

Natural Physical
Science Science

Earth Science
 Physical
Science

Physics
(forces and Chemistry
energy)
 Chemistry
O Study of matter and the changes
that it undergoes.

O But, why is chemistry important to

me?
 Branches of Chemistry
O Organic: most carbon-containing
chemicals
O Inorganic: matter that does not contain
carbon
O Physical: changes of matter and energy
changes
O Analytical: components and composition
of matter
 Branches of Chemistry
O Biochemistry: matter and processes in
living things
O Theoretical: chemical interactions through
the use of math and computers
O Industrial:
O Environmental:
 Scientific Method
O All scientists observe things, try to
explain their observations and
conduct experiments to test their
ideas.
O This process is known as:
Scientific Method
 Scientific Method
O Description
O Sequence of steps followed in order
to solve a problem. The order of the
steps may vary with the problem.
 Observations
O Qualitative: using the senses
* color * size
* texture * shape
O Quantitative: measurements
* mass * volume
* length * time
* temperature
 Hypothesis
O Possible explanation for a
situation
O Prediction
O Has to be tested
 Experiments
O Variable: quantity that can have more than a
single value

Independent: factor that affects the measure

of another variable

Dependent: factor that changes as a result

of changes in the independent variable
 Experiments

O Control group:
group used for comparison
Example #1

O Control group: solar light

Example #2
O Control group: white light
Example #3
O Control group: pure water
 Theory vs. Law
O Theory:
 Explanation of a natural phenomenon based on
many observations and investigations over
time

O Law:
 Statement or equation that describes a natural
phenomenon
 Theories
O Big Bang
O Evolution
O Plate tectonics Laws
O Atomic theory
O Universal Gravitational Law
O Newton’s Laws of Motion
O Conservation of Energy
O Gas Laws