Introduction to Chemistry - Chapter 1-4

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on chemistry, its branches, and the scientific method.

Chemistry

A branch of science that deals with matter, its composition, properties, and changes; often called the central science because it underpins other scientific fields.

Central Science

A label for chemistry highlighting its foundational role in understanding all other areas of science.

Composition

What is present in matter.

Structure

How matter is formed, arranged, and shaped.

Properties

Characteristics of matter and how it behaves, including changes in state.

Classification

How matter is categorized based on characteristics.

Inorganic Chemistry

Study of inorganic compounds, typically those without carbon–hydrogen bonds; examples include metals, minerals, salts, and coordination compounds.

Organic Chemistry

Study of carbon-containing compounds, especially hydrocarbons and their derivatives; examples include pharmaceuticals, plastics, fuels, and dyes.

Biochemistry

Study of chemical processes in living organisms; examples include enzymes, DNA/RNA, and metabolism.

Analytical Chemistry

Study of the composition of substances and how to identify and quantify them; techniques include chromatography, spectroscopy, and titration.

Physical Chemistry

Branch dealing with the physical properties of molecules and how chemical reactions occur from a physical perspective; includes thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum chemistry.

Agriculture (Role of Chemistry)

Chemistry contributes to agriculture through soils, fertilizers, crop protection, and improved yields.

Medicine (Role of Chemistry)

Chemistry aids medicine by developing drugs, diagnostics, and therapies.

Food (Role of Chemistry)

Chemistry helps in food science, preservation, safety, and quality.

Industry (Role of Chemistry)

Chemistry enables production of materials, energy, and consumer goods in industry.

Home (Role of Chemistry)

Household products, cleaners, and everyday goods rely on chemical principles.

Water (Role of Chemistry)

Chemistry governs water treatment, quality, and interactions with the environment.

Scientific Method

A systematic process used to investigate phenomena, solve problems, and build knowledge; conclusions are based on evidence and logic.

Observe

Use of the senses to describe scientific phenomena in the surroundings.

Question

Asking how, what, when, who, which, why, or where to begin inquiry.

Research

Systematic investigation to discover facts, solve problems, or develop theories.

Hypothesis

An educated guess about how things work that can be tested.

Experiment

A controlled test of a hypothesis, with independent (changed) and dependent (measured) variables.

Hypothesize

To make an educated prediction that can be tested through observation or experimentation.

Draw Conclusion

Decide whether the data supports or refutes the hypothesis.

Report

Share findings with others through reports, publications, or presentations.

Critical Thinking

The ability to observe, analyze, and evaluate information using credible evidence to support arguments.

Creativity

Imagination and creative thinking to find new ways to solve problems and break down complex issues.

Collaboration/Teamwork

Working with others to combine knowledge, receive feedback, and achieve common goals.

Innovation

Using experimentation to develop new methods and solutions, enabling adaptation and new insights.

Measurements

is the process of determining the size, amount, or degree of something standard unit.

the international system of Units (si)

The modern form of the metric system

Rule 1.

Non-zero digits are always significant.

Rule 2.

Zeros at the beginning of a number are never significant.