Chemistry – The Central Science (Grade 10)

A set of flashcards covering the definition, history, branches, importance, and educational themes of chemistry as presented in the Grade 10 "Chemistry: The Central Science" notes.

What is the usual definition of chemistry?

The study of matter and the changes it undergoes.

What is matter?

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Why is chemistry called “the central science”?

Because it is intertwined with nearly every other branch of science and is vital for solving major societal issues.

Name three societal challenges in which chemistry plays a crucial role.

Climate change, water contamination, and air pollution (also food shortages).

Give three everyday activities that involve practicing chemistry.

Cooking food, cleaning the house, and taking medicine (also painting, breathing, treating injuries, etc.).

Which historical period of chemistry is known as the “black magic” period?

Prehistoric times to about 300 BC, when people believed in four elements and mystical practices.

What four elements did ancient Greek philosophers believe composed all matter?

Earth, air, water, and fire.

What was the main goal of the alchemists?

To convert cheap metals into gold and discover an elixir of life that cured all diseases and prolonged life.

Name two laboratory techniques developed by alchemists that we still use today.

Distillation and extraction.

Who developed the basic ideas about the behaviour of gases in 1661?

Robert Boyle.

Which scientist discovered oxygen in 1774?

Joseph Priestley.

Who formulated the law of conservation of matter based on experiments?

Antoine Lavoisier.

Who proposed the atomic theory in 1803?

John Dalton.

Which scientist’s work led to Avogadro’s constant?

Amedeo Avogadro, who related gas volume to particle number.

List the five main branches of chemistry.

Organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry.

What does organic chemistry study?

Mostly carbon-containing chemicals, especially hydrocarbons and their derivatives.

Which branch focuses on matter that does NOT deal with hydrocarbons?

Inorganic chemistry.

Which branch studies the behaviour and changes of matter together with related energy changes?

Physical chemistry.

What is the primary focus of analytical chemistry?

Determining the components and composition of substances.

Which branch studies matter and processes in living organisms?

Biochemistry.

Give three specialised branches of chemistry beyond the main five.

Examples: Nuclear chemistry, environmental chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, nanochemistry, green chemistry, agricultural chemistry, theoretical chemistry.

Why is chemistry considered an experimental science?

Its principles and laws arise from extensive observation, experimentation, and repeated testing.

State two reasons why studying chemistry is important for citizens.

It helps understand the nature of all materials and enables informed decisions about environmental and health issues.

Name two skills that studying chemistry helps develop.

Observing and measuring (also classifying, inferring, communicating, predicting, using numbers).

Give three industries that rely heavily on chemistry.

Food and beverage, pharmaceutical/medical, and plastics/polymers (also soaps, detergents, metals, etc.).

What are the six main themes in the Basic Education High School Chemistry course?

Particulate nature of substances, periodicity, chemical calculations, chemistry of reactions, environment, and organic chemistry.

Provide an example of a toxic and a beneficial effect of chemicals.

Some chemicals cause cancer (toxic), while others, such as medicines, save lives (beneficial).

Give two examples of items in a typical room that are made of chemicals.

A book made of cellulose and clothes made from synthetic polymers like nylon (also plastic seats, polyurethane foam, etc.).

How have technological developments influenced modern chemistry?

They serve as tools that enable new discoveries, from radioactivity research to applications in artificial intelligence.

What specific topics within reactions are the concern of physical chemistry?

Reaction rates, reaction mechanisms, and energy changes.

Why is knowledge of chemistry required for studies such as pharmacy and medicine?

Because understanding chemical principles underlies drug design, bodily processes, and medical diagnostics.

How can a better understanding of chemistry help manage chemical risks?

By allowing us to control chemical use, maximize benefits, and minimize hazards.