Chemistry and the Scientific Method An Introduction to Chemistry

Why Study Chemistry?

The Nature of Chemistry Chemistry – study of the composition, structure, properties and reactions of matter Matter – anything that has mass and occupies space Chemists – make connections between the microscopic world (molecules, atoms, ions) and the macroscopic world (everyday life). 1 molecule of water – H2O – contains 2 atoms of hydrogen and 1 atom of oxygen.

Matter Anything that has mass and occupies space Composed of discrete, tiny particles called atoms Macroscopic – appears continuous Microscopic – is discontinuous and composed of atoms.

The Scientific Method A way of learning that emphasizes experimentation and observation. Observation – a measurement of some aspect of nature Hypothesis – A tentative interpretation or explanation of the observations Experiments – highly controlled observations designed to validate or invalidate hypotheses

Scientific law – a brief statement that synthesizes past observations and predicts future ones Theory – one or more well-established hyotheses