chapter 1 chemistry: an introduction

here we will: define chemistry understand the importance of learning chemistry recognize the general steps scientists use in solving problems illustrate the scientific method develop successful strategies for learning chemistry

Chemistry: is the study of the structure of matter, its properties and the changes it undergoes (both physical and chemical).

The importance of learning chemistry not just chemists use chemistry! so do doctors, lawyers, mechanics, firefighters, forensic scientists, detectives… chemists help produce new materials & sources of energy

The importance of learning chemistry If the chemical processes in your body stop, you will be dead All the things you eat and drink are chemicals Everything you touch (including the air you are breathing) is a chemical The better you understand the reactions and structures of those chemicals, the better your life will be.

There’s a dark side too… Chemical discoveries and inventions can be applied in good or bad ways Pharmaceuticals to cure diseases Chemical weapons to kill and maim

A real-world chemist Just a few of many fields in chemistry: Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical, Nuclear, Medical, Electrochemistry, Biochemistry, Neurochemistry, Astrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc…

real-world chemistry freon When first synthesized, it was a wonder It could be used as a non-corrosive, stable refrigerant; was safer than ammonia then it was discovered that freon (a CFC) was actually destroying the ozone layer It is now banned!

learning chemistry you will learn how to be a better problem solver (which will help you in other classes and in the “working world”) The class will often not be easy, but it will never be impossible this course is also designed to help you understand what chemistry is, how it works, and emphasizes how it applies to your life

Chemistry is often called the central science, because it is behind a lot of what happens around us

We will understand better the nature of these chemicals and how we can manipulate them

We will look at matter in two ways. Macroscopic: objects or processes are of a size which is measurable and observable by the naked eye. Microscopic: of a size which is too small to be observed with the unaided eye

Chemistry Often looks at macroscopic events, then tries to explain what is happening at the microscopic level

Using scientific thinking to solve a problem this whole section is a great example of how to use scientific problem solving but you can also think of personal experiences… why did the light go out? why did my car stop? why did I take chemistry? why didn’t I sign up for wildlife biology? what is this thing on my shoulder?

The scientific method the whole process of solving problems is called the scientific method

The Scientific Method Slide 1 1. Select Layout that looks like 2. Add text to the Title. Use the Formatting toolbar to: Change the Font Change the Size Change the Style (Bold, Italic, Shadow) Use the Draw toolbar to pick a color for the text: 3. Add text to the Body: Use Alignment buttons on the formatting tool bar to center the text. Also change the Font, Size, Style and Color of the text

we have to repeat the process many times once our hypotheses start working we can develop a theory theory (model) = set of hypotheses that gives an overall explanation of some phenomenon a good theory should be able to predict what may happen

The difference between observation and theory observations can be witnessed, measured, recorded theories are just best explanations of what happened humans are fallible, so are their explanations and interpretations

Law v. theory a law is a summary of observed behaviors, not an explanation For example: the law of gravity says things fall; it tells what happens A theory of gravity tries to explain why things fall (gravity = warp in space-time?)

remember the scientific method is immersed in humanity \ it can have problems, but it works well

learning chemistry You need to learn a new vocabulary Be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them Be able to use abstractions for microscopic events Need to be patient and persistent

learning chemistry: it’s your job