What is Chemistry?

What is chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. A basic understanding of chemistry is important for many subjects such as biology. Chemistry can be applied in many fields such as health and medicine, the environment, food and technology.

Essentially, chemistry affects all aspects of life because living and nonliving things are made of matter.

Chemistry is normally divided into five major areas of study

Organic chemistry

Study of chemicals that contain carbon

Inorganic chemistry

Study of chemicals that do not contain carbon (in general)

Biochemistry

The study of the processes that take place in an organism

Analytical chemistry

Area of study that focuses on the composition of matter

Physical chemistry

Focuses on the rate, mechanism and the energy transfer that occurs when matter undergoes a change.

What are some of the roles of a chemist?

Chemists design materials that are meant to satisfy specific needs

Example: certain medical or research devices

Chemists play a major role in developing new prescription drugs/medicines
Chemists help play a role in researching ways to conserve energy, store energy and generate energy.
Chemists help with agriculture such as developing more productive crops and more effective methods to help protect crops.
Chemists help to identify harmful products and help prevent pollution

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