What is chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties and interactions. Some of the technologies which make use of chemistry are computer chips, art supplies, medicines, power plants, plastics, alternative fuels etc.
Branches of chemistry
There are several subdivisions in chemistry. They are organic, inorganic, physical and analytical. In addition to these four main, there are biochemistry, environmental, polymer, computational, organometallic, solid state and many others.
Classification of matter and energy
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Matter can be classified into pure substances and mixtures. Pure substances are further classified into elements and compounds. Mixtures can be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Energy is the ability to do work or cause changes. Energy is of two types: Kinetic and Potential energy.
Determination of physical or chemical changes
Physical change is the one in which the chemical structure of the substances is not changed.
In chemical change, chemical structure of the substances is changed. There are several signs that may indicate a chemical change has taken place. Ex: Gas production (bubbling). Physical property is the property of matter that can be observed or measured without changing the matter chemically while chemical property describes how a sample of matter reacts chemically with other matter.
Scientific processes
A hypothesis is an educated guess (prediction) and a theory can become a law if enough evidence is found. There are common aspects of scientific experimentation like observations, questions, hypothesis formation, experimentation, trend recognition, conclusion formation, communication and validation of results and model formation.
How to study chemistry
Memorize basic information to save time later. Learn vocabulary quickly for understanding when it is used later. Take each problem in steps. Connect each thing u learn with previous concepts. Keep up with the work – chemistry builds on prior knowledge.
