Introduction to Chemistry and its Branches

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of chemistry, the fundamental components of matter, and the primary branches of the chemical sciences.

Chemistry

The science that studies matter, its properties, composition, and the changes it undergoes in reactions.

Matter & Substances

The study of all matter — solids, liquids, and gases — and the substances they are made of, exploring the physical and chemical properties of elements and compounds found in nature.

Atomic Structure

The study of protons, neutrons, and electrons that make up atoms, which are the building blocks of all matter.

Composition

The study of how elements combine in specific ratios to form compounds with unique properties and formulas.

Chemical Changes

The investigation of how matter transforms and interacts through chemical reactions and bonding, including processes such as burning, rusting, and dissolving.

Energy & Reactions

The examination of how energy drives chemical reactions and how heat, light, and electricity relate to chemistry, including heat released or absorbed during reactions.

Organic Chemistry

The study of carbon-containing compounds, including hydrocarbons and their derivatives, which forms the basis of life sciences and pharmaceuticals.

Inorganic Chemistry

The study of inorganic compounds such as metals, minerals, and salts, covering elements and compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.

Physical Chemistry

A branch that combines chemistry with physics to study how matter behaves at the molecular level, including thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum chemistry.

Analytical Chemistry

A branch focused on identifying and measuring substances in samples using techniques like chromatography, spectroscopy, and titration.

Biochemistry

The exploration of chemical processes within living organisms, including metabolism, DNA replication, and enzyme activity.

Industrial Chemistry

The application of chemical principles to the large-scale manufacturing of products such as plastics, fuels, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals for commercial use.