Introduction to Chemistry and the Scientific Method

A set of key vocabulary terms and definitions covering the fundamental concepts of chemistry, its principal branches, and the scientific method.

Chemistry

A branch of science that studies matter and the changes it undergoes.

Central Science

A designation given to chemistry due to its interdisciplinary nature.

Organic Chemistry

The study of carbon and its compounds.

Inorganic Chemistry

The study of all elements except carbon.

Analytical Chemistry

The identification of the composition, both qualitative and quantitative, of substances.

Physical Chemistry

The study of the physical principles that underlie the structure of matter and chemical transformations.

Biochemistry

The study of living systems, both plant and animal.

Scientific Method

A general approach to problem-solving used by scientists to acquire a systematic and reliable body of knowledge about the world.

Theories

Hypotheses that withstand testing and explain or predict behavior.

Sir Francis Bacon

The individual who first documented the scientific method.