Pearson Chemistry Chapter 1: Introduction to Chemistry

Matter

anything that has mass and occupies space

Chemistry

the study of the composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes

Organic Chemistry

the study of compounds containing carbon

Inorganic Chemistry

the study of substances that, in general, do not contain carbon

Biochemistry

the area of chemistry that focuses on processes that take place in organisms

Analytical Chemistry

the area of chemistry that focuses on the composition of matter

Physical Chemistry

the area of chemistry that deals with the mechanism, the rate, and the energy transfer that occurs when matter undergoes a change

Pure Chemistry

the pursuit of chemical knowledge for its own sake

Applied Chemistry

research that is directed toward a practical goal or application

Technology

the means by which a society provides its members with those things needed and desired

Observation

information obtained through the senses; observation in science often involves a measurement

Hypothesis

a proposed explanation for an observation

Experiment

a repeatable procedure that is used to test a hypothesis

Independent Variable

the variable that is changed during an experiment; also called manipulated variable

Dependent Variable

the variable that is observed during an experiment; also called the responding variable

Model

a representation of an object or event

Theory

a well-tested explanation for a broad set of observations

Scientific Law

a concise statement that summarizes the results of many observations and experiments