Grade 10 Chemistry: Introduction to Chemistry

Vocabulary practice flashcards based on Grade 10 Inorganic Chemistry Sub-strand 1.1, exploring fundamental definitions, branches of chemistry, career roles, societal applications, pharmacology basics, and substance misuse concepts.

Chemistry

The branch of science that studies the composition, structure, properties, and changes of matter, and the energy involved in those changes.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Central Science

A title given to Chemistry because it connects other fields of science, such as Biology and Physics.

Organic Chemistry

The branch of Chemistry that studies compounds built on a carbon backbone, usually joined with hydrogen.

Inorganic Chemistry

The branch of Chemistry that studies elements and compounds not based on carbon chains, such as metals, minerals, salts, acids, and bases.

Physical Chemistry

The branch of Chemistry that studies the link between matter and energy, including reaction rates and energy absorption or release.

Analytical Chemistry

The branch of Chemistry focused on identifying what substances are present in a sample and how much of each exists.

Biochemistry

The branch of Chemistry that examines chemical reactions taking place inside living organisms.

Nuclear Chemistry

The branch of Chemistry that studies radioactivity and changes occurring in the nucleus (centre) of atoms.

Environmental Chemistry

The branch of Chemistry that investigates chemical processes in air, water, and soil, as well as the effects of pollution.

Industrial Chemistry

The branch of Chemistry that focuses on manufacturing useful products in large quantities in factories.

Pharmacist

A professional who prepares and dispenses medicines and advises patients on proper dosage and safe usage.

Chemical Engineer

A professional who designs and manages machines and processes used for large-scale manufacturing of products.

Medical Laboratory Technologist

A professional who analyses blood and other clinical samples to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases.

Food Technologist

A specialist who develops food products and ensures food safety through preservation techniques and quality testing.

Agricultural Chemist / Soil Scientist

A scientist who tests soil composition, provides recommendations on fertilisers and lime, and develops safe pesticides.

Forensic Scientist

A professional who analyses physical evidence such as fibres, fingerprints, and chemicals to assist in solving crimes.

Stereotype

A fixed, oversimplified belief about a group of people, such as the incorrect notion that certain careers are restricted by gender.

Drug

Any substance that alters the functioning of the body or the mind.

Medicine

A drug specifically used to prevent, treat, or cure an illness.

Prescription

A formal written instruction issued by a qualified doctor directing a pharmacist on which medicine a specific patient must receive.

Dosage

The specific quantity of medicine to be taken, the frequency of administration, and the duration of treatment.

Substance Use

The act of consuming any substance that alters body or mind functions, including alcohol, tobacco, khat, cannabis, or inhaled solvents.

Substance Abuse

The harmful consumption of a substance: using too much, using it too frequently, taking it without a prescription, or using it for non-medical reasons.

Overdose

Consuming a quantity of a drug greater than what the body can safely process, which can result in poisoning, loss of consciousness, and death.

Tolerance

A condition where the body adapts to a drug over time, requiring progressively larger doses to produce the original effect.

Dependence and Addiction

A state in which the body and mind compel a person to continue consuming a drug despite adverse physical, mental, or social harm.

Withdrawal

The distressing physical and psychological symptoms (such as tremors, sweating, nausea, and anxiety) experienced when a dependent person abruptly ceases drug intake.

Paracetamol

A medicine taken orally to relieve mild pain and reduce fever, which causes severe liver damage if taken in an overdose.

Amoxicillin

An antibiotic medicine that kills or stops the multiplication of bacteria; it is ineffective against viral infections and requires the complete prescribed course to prevent bacterial resistance.

Artemether-lumefantrine

An oral tablet medication taken over several days to eradicate malaria parasites in the bloodstream.

Insulin

A hormone medicine injected subcutaneously to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetes management.

Salbutamol

An inhaled medication that relieves asthma symptoms by relaxing and expanding constricted airways.

Biological Pathway of a Drug

The five-step journey of a pharmaceutical agent in the body: (1) entry, (2) absorption into the blood, (3) circulation to brain and organs, (4) breakdown by the liver, and (5) excretion by the kidneys in urine.

Stimulants

A class of drugs that accelerate the activity of the central nervous system and body (e.g., nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, and khat).

Depressants

A category of drugs that decelerate the functioning of the brain and central nervous system (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, sleeping pills, and opioids).

Hallucinogens

Substances that distort sensory perceptions, causing users to see, hear, or feel things that do not exist (e.g., LSD, magic mushrooms, and cannabis/bhang).

Opioids

A group of potent depressant drugs that suppress pain perception and slow down respiratory rate (e.g., morphine, heroin, and tramadol).

Inhalants

Volatile chemical vapours (such as glue, petrol, and solvents) breathed in through the nose or mouth that cause rapid CNS depression and risk sudden sniffing death.

Anabolic Steroids

Synthetic substances misused by some athletes to accelerate muscle growth, which cause liver damage, heart disease, stopped growth in adolescents, and mood swings.

NACADA

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse; a Kenyan body providing guidance, advocacy, and support against substance abuse.

Safe and Healthy Learning Environment

A school and classroom setting that is clean, orderly, and entirely free from danger, fear, bullying, and illicit substances.