Chemistry: An Introduction Chapter 1

Why is Chemistry Important? In Our Daily Lives In Our Daily Lives New Materials New Materials New Pharmaceuticals New Pharmaceuticals New Energy Sources New Energy Sources Food Supplies Food Supplies Can you think of others? Can you think of others?

Chemistry deals with the natural world. Source: Terry Donnelly/Stone/Getty Images

Fireworks are a beautiful illustration of chemistry in action. Source: PhotoDisc/Getty Images

Why is Chemistry Important? In Your Education In Your Education Help you learn to Gather and Organize Information Help you learn to Gather and Organize Information Qualitative and Quantitative Qualitative and Quantitative Help you learn to find Patterns in Information Help you learn to find Patterns in Information Help you learn to Analyze Complex Systems Help you learn to Analyze Complex Systems Help you develop skills to Predict Future Events based on Patterns of Behavior Help you develop skills to Predict Future Events based on Patterns of Behavior Help you develop Problem-Solving Skills Help you develop Problem-Solving Skills Systematic Approach Systematic Approach

Bart Eklund checking air quality at a hazardous waste site. Source: Courtesy, Bart Eklund

What is Chemistry? The science that deals with the materials of the universe and the changes these materials undergo The science that deals with the materials of the universe and the changes these materials undergo The Central Science The Central Science Understanding most other fields of science requires an understanding of Chemistry Understanding most other fields of science requires an understanding of Chemistry

A chemist in the laboratory.

Ruth Benerito, the inventor of easy- care cotton. Source: AP Photo/Ric Risberg

Solving Problems Using a Scientific Approach Define the Problem Define the Problem Gather Information Gather Information  Facts  Observations Propose Solutions Propose Solutions Organize Information and look for Patterns Organize Information and look for Patterns Hypotheses Hypotheses

Evaluate your Proposed Solutions Evaluate your Proposed Solutions Test your Patterns by using them to Predict What Will Happen Test your Patterns by using them to Predict What Will Happen Experiments Experiments Solving Problems Using a Scientific Approach

The Scientific Method A process of studying natural phenomena that involves making observations, forming laws and theories, and testing theories by experimentation A process of studying natural phenomena that involves making observations, forming laws and theories, and testing theories by experimentation

Figure 1.1: The various parts of the scientific method.

The Scientific Method Make Observations Make Observations Qualitative  Descriptions Qualitative  Descriptions Quantitative  Measurements Quantitative  Measurements Formulate Hypotheses Formulate Hypotheses Possible Explanations for Observed Characteristics or Behaviors Possible Explanations for Observed Characteristics or Behaviors Perform Experiments Perform Experiments Test Hypothesis Test Hypothesis

Students pondering the structure of a molecule.

The Scientific Method Repeat the process until we get a well- tested explanation Repeat the process until we get a well- tested explanation Theory  a set of assumptions put forth to explain some aspect of the observed behavior of matter Theory  a set of assumptions put forth to explain some aspect of the observed behavior of matter May need to be modified or discarded as new information (observations) becomes known May need to be modified or discarded as new information (observations) becomes known

The Scientific Method While Experimenting we may Observe the Same Behavior all the time, and therefore be able to Predict this Behavior will Always Occur in the Future While Experimenting we may Observe the Same Behavior all the time, and therefore be able to Predict this Behavior will Always Occur in the Future Law  a generally observed behavior Law  a generally observed behavior Without explanation as to why the behavior occurs! Without explanation as to why the behavior occurs!

The Difference Between a Theory and a Law Laws predict what will happen Laws predict what will happen Theories explain why something happens Theories explain why something happens Which will also allow you to predict what will happen! Which will also allow you to predict what will happen!

The Best Approach to Learning Chemistry Learn the Vocabulary of Chemistry Learn the Vocabulary of Chemistry Definitions of Terms Definitions of Terms How Common Vocabulary is Applied to Chemistry How Common Vocabulary is Applied to Chemistry Memorize Important Information Memorize Important Information Names, Formulas and Charges of Polyatomic Ions Names, Formulas and Charges of Polyatomic Ions Solubility Rules Solubility Rules Learn and Practice Processes Learn and Practice Processes Systematic Names and Formulas Systematic Names and Formulas Dimensional Analysis Dimensional Analysis Do the Questions and Exercises at the End of the Chapter to Test your Understanding and help you See the Patterns Do the Questions and Exercises at the End of the Chapter to Test your Understanding and help you See the Patterns

The launch of the space shuttle gives clear indications that chemical reactions are occurring. Source: NASA