Introduction to Chemistry and Natural Sciences

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of natural sciences, the definition and origins of chemistry, physical versus chemical changes, and the scientific method based on introductory lecture notes.

Natural Sciences

Disciplines that study nature, substances, and the changes occurring within them.

Physics

A fundamental natural science that studies the states of matter and its changes.

Biology

A fundamental natural science that studies the living world, including plant and animal life.

Chemistry

The natural science that studies the substances forming the universe, investigating their composition, properties, internal structure, and the reactions through which they transform.

Physical Changes

Changes in certain properties of a substance that do not alter its chemical identity, altering only its energetic state (such as crystallization, melting, settling, or change of shape).

Chemical Changes

Transformations that alter the fundamental properties and chemical identity of a substance (such as metal combustion, fermentation, or a match burning).

Historical Origin of Chemistry

A scientific discipline that likely originated from the synthesis of Greek philosophy and the practical knowledge of ancient Egyptians.

Etymology of the Word 'Chemistry'

A term first recorded in 4th-century Egyptian astronomical writings, possibly meaning 'black earth' or referring to a sacred divine craft used to produce silver and gold.

Scientific Inquiry Pathway

The step-by-step scientific process progressing as: Experiment $\rightarrow$ Observation $\rightarrow$ Hypothesis $\rightarrow$ Theory $\rightarrow$ Law.