Chemistry
Chemistry is the scientific study of matter, its properties, structure, composition, and the changes that it undergoes. It is a central science that links other scientific disciplines such as physics, biology, and geology. Chemists study the structure, properties, and behaviour of matter at the atomic and molecular levels, and how these properties are related to the behaviour of matter in the macroscopic world.
Chemistry can be divided into several sub-disciplines, including analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Analytical chemistry focuses on the development of methods to identify and quantify chemical substances and measure their properties. Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms and the structure and function of biological molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates Inorganic chemistry is the study of the properties and behaviour of inorganic compounds, which are substances that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds, which contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. Physical chemistry is the study of the physical properties and behaviour of chemical systems, including thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and kinetics.
Chemistry is a fundamental science that has many practical applications in everyday life, such as the development of new materials, drugs, and fuels, and the production of food and consumer products. Chemists work in a variety of fields, including academia, industry, government, and healthcare, and they use a wide range of experimental techniques and tools, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and computational modelling.
In summary, chemistry is the scientific study of matter and its properties, structure, composition, and the changes that it undergoes. It is a central science that links other scientific disciplines and is divided into several sub-disciplines, including analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Chemists use a wide range of experimental techniques and tools and work in a variety of fields, including academia, industry, government, and healthcare.
Analytical Chemistry
Analytical chemistry is concerned with the identification, separation, and quantification of chemical compounds in various samples. It involves the development and use of techniques for measuring and analyzing the chemical composition of substances.
Quantitative Analysis
: Quantitative analysis involves the determination of the amount or concentration of a particular chemical species in a sample. This may be done using methods such as titration, gravimetry, or spectrophotometry.
Qualitative Analysis
: Qualitative analysis involves the identification of the chemical components in a sample. This may be done using methods such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, or infrared spectroscopy.
Electroanalytical Chemistry
: Electroanalytical chemistry is concerned with the use of electrochemical methods to analyze chemical compounds. This may include the use of voltammetry, potentiometry, or coulometry to measure the properties of chemical compounds.
Environmental Analysis
: Environmental analysis involves the study of the chemical composition of environmental samples, such as air, water, and soil. This may involve the use of methods such as gas chromatography or atomic absorption spectroscopy to detect and measure pollutants.
Pharmaceutical Analysis
Pharmaceutical analysis involves the study of the chemical composition of drugs and other pharmaceutical products. This may involve the use of methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis to analyze drug formulations.
Forensic Analysis
Forensic analysis involves the use of analytical chemistry techniques to analyze evidence in criminal investigations. This may involve the use of methods such as DNA analysis or chromatography to identify and analyze trace evidence.
Physical Chemistry
Anything that has mass and takes up space is considered matter. This includes both atoms and molecules, which are the building blocks of all substances.
The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. These states are determined by the arrangement and motion of atoms or molecules.
The fundamental particle from which all matter is made is the atom. Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and their properties determine the behaviour of the elements that they make up.
A state in which the rates of the forward and reverse reactions of a chemical reaction are equal. At equilibrium, the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant.
The process by which atoms are held together to form molecules or compounds. This can occur through the sharing, donating, or receiving of electrons.
A process in which one or more substances are converted into different substances with different properties. Chemical reactions involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds.
The study of the relationship between heat, energy, and work. Thermodynamics can be used to predict the direction and extent of chemical reactions.
Organic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) in solution, while bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution. The pH scale is used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution.
Biochemistry
A list of key concepts in chemistry that are important for both beginners and advanced students. These concepts are foundational and provide the basis for understanding more complex chemical phenomena.
Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry
The study of the structure, properties, and reactions of compounds containing carbon. Organic compounds are found in living organisms and play a key role in biological processes.
The study of the chemical processes and substances occurring within living organisms. Biochemistry is a multidisciplinary field that combines chemistry, biology, and physics.