1: Science- Alchemy to Chemistry
- Page ID
- 343966
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The study of chemistry will open your eyes to a fascinating world. Chemical processes are continuously at work all around us. They happen as you cook and eat food, strike a match, shampoo your hair, and even read this page. Chemistry is called the central science because a knowledge of chemical principles is essential for other sciences. You might be surprised at the extent to which chemistry pervades your life.
- 1.1: Prelude to Chemistry, Matter, and Measurement
- Quantities and measurements are as important in our everyday lives as they are in medicine. The posted speed limits on roads and highways, such as 55 miles per hour (mph), are quantities we might encounter all the time. Both parts of a quantity, the amount (55) and the unit (mph), must be properly communicated to prevent potential problems. In chemistry, as in any technical endeavor, the proper expression of quantities is a necessary fundamental skill.
- 1.2: What is Chemistry?
- Chemistry is the study of matter—what it consists of, what its properties are, and how it changes. Being able to describe the ingredients in a cake and how they change when the cake is baked is called chemistry. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space—that is, anything that is physically real.
- 1.5: Solving Society’s Problems - Scientific Research
- How did chemistry develop? What is happening in the field of chemistry today? What can I do with a chemistry degree? All of these are good questions and they should be asked by students interested in chemistry. Research in chemistry (or any other field, for that matter) is interesting and challenging. But there are different directions a person can take as they explore research opportunities.
- 1.E: Chemistry, Matter, and Measurement (Exercises)
- These are homework exercises to accompany Chapter 1 of the Ball et al. "The Basics of GOB Chemistry" Textmap.
- 1.S: Chemistry, Matter, and Measurement (Summary)
- To ensure that you understand the material in this chapter, you should review the meanings of the bold terms in the following summary and ask yourself how they relate to the topics in the chapter.
Thumbnail: Two small test tubes held in spring clamps. (CC BY-SA 3.0; mitchell125).