- Chemistry is the scientific discipline that studies the composition, properties, and behavior of matter.
- Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass. It can exist in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.
- The atom is the basic unit of matter. It consists of a nucleus, which contains positively charged protons and uncharged neutrons, surrounded by negatively charged electrons.
- Elements are pure substances made up of a single type of atom. There are 118 known elements, each with its unique properties and atomic number.
- The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It was first proposed by Dmitri Mendeleev.
- Chemical reactions involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds between atoms. They result in the transformation of substances into different substances.
- Chemical bonds are forces that hold atoms together in molecules or compounds. The main types of chemical bonds are ionic, covalent, and metallic.
- Acids and bases are fundamental concepts in chemistry. Acids release hydrogen ions (H+) in water, while bases release hydroxide ions (OH-). The pH scale is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance.
- Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds. Carbon forms the basis of life and is present in a wide range of molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
- Inorganic chemistry focuses on the properties and behavior of inorganic compounds that do not contain carbon. This includes metals, minerals, and nonmetals.
- Analytical chemistry involves the identification, separation, and quantification of chemical components in a sample. It plays a crucial role in fields such as forensic science, environmental analysis, and pharmaceutical research.
- Physical chemistry combines principles of physics and chemistry to study the physical properties and behavior of chemical systems. It involves areas such as thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy.
- Biochemistry examines the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. It investigates topics such as metabolism, enzymes, and the structure of biological molecules.
- Polymer chemistry focuses on the synthesis, structure, and properties of polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating subunits. Polymers have diverse applications, including plastics, fibers, and adhesives.
- Green chemistry aims to develop environmentally friendly and sustainable chemical processes. It promotes the design of chemical products and processes that minimize hazards to human health and the environment.