1.

Introduction to Chemistry
2. Changes
3. Properties of matter
4. Chemical Terminology
5. Air
6. Hydrogen
7. Water
8. Acids, Bases and Salts
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is the branch of science which deals with substances(matter)- their
composition, properties and their interaction with other substances. The
material of which a physical body is made up of is called a substance.
Substances may be found in nature or are man-made or synthesized.
Minerals, sulphur, water, coal etc. are substances found in nature whereas
paper, fabric, paint, drugs etc. are man-made. Substances undergo physical
or chemical changes when subjected to an energy change about which we will
study in chapter 2.
IMPORTANCE OF CHEMISTRY
Chemistry plays an important role in everyday life and helps to fulfil man’s
basic needs. Some major fields of contribution of chemistry are:
1. Medicine: Extensive research has led to the discovery of various drugs
like sulfa drugs and antibiotics to combat various diseases.
2. Agriculture: Different fertilizers and insecticides have helped to yield
better crops.
3. Industries: Chemistry plays a vital role in the development of industries
which include dyes and drugs, paints, plastics, synthetic fibres and
petrochemical.
Some pictures of various products of chemistry has been given below.

Fig 1- Calcium Capsules (medicines)

Fig 2- Plastic Bags (Industries)

CHEMSITRY IN ANCIENT TIMES
1. Metals: Early mankind after they learnt of the usage of fire, began
cooking food for which they needed vessels leading to the discovery of
metals from their ores.
2. Salts: Particular salts were found to be useful as food preservatives.
3. Yeasts: Simple distilleries sprouted up for preparing wine by
fermentation.
4. Plant extracts: The extracts were used for dyeing and colouring
clothes.
5. Glass: First made in Egypt around 3000 B.C. by fusing sand, soda and
lime.
IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES BY CHEMISTS
1. In the 8th century, alchemists called nitric acid- aqua fortis.
2. In the 9th century, the first mention of sulphuric acid was noted.
3. In 1630, Van Helmont discovered existence of carbon dioxide.
4. In 1772, Daniel Rutherford discovered nitrogen gas.
5. In 1774, Joseph Priestly discovered oxygen and later ammonia.
6. In 1776, Henry Cavendish first prepared hydrogen.
7. In 1776, De Lassone first prepared carbon monoxide.
8. In 1777, Lavoisier, recognized the elementary nature of sulphur.
 9. In 1807, John Dalton postulated the atomic theory.
10. By the end of the 19th century, the modern atomic theory was
established laying the foundation of all modern concepts of chemistry.
SOME BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY
1. Inorganic Chemistry(study of elements and compounds)
2. Organic Chemistry(study of carbon and its compounds)
3. Physical Chemistry(study of physical aspects of chemistry)
4. Biochemistry(study of chemical process in living matter)

CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Chemistry is the branch of science which deals with chemicals, their
composition and properties and the changes which the chemicals undergo.
The chemical reactions which include a large number of experiments are
carried out in the chemistry laboratory using different laboratory apparatus.

Fig 3- A typical chemistry lab

SIMPLE CHEMICAL APPARATUS USED IN THE CHEMISTRY
LABORATORY
The apparatus used in the chemistry laboratory include:
1. Test Tubes: It is a glass tube made of hard glass or pyrex glass to
withstand heat. It is used mainly for heating substances, preparing and
identifying gases and for conducting chemical reactions.

Fig 4- Test Tubes

There is a test tube holder for holding the test tube and a test tube rack
for keeping test tubes.
2. Beakers and flasks: They are glass apparatus of different shapes and
sizes. Beakers are mainly used for holding substances, collecting
solutions and carrying out reactions. Flasks are mainly of three types –
i) Round Bottom Flask(for heating liquid reactants)
ii) Flat Bottom Flask(for reactions not requiring heat)
iii) Conical Flask(for conducting reactions.

Fig 5- Beakers Fig 7- Flat Bottom Flask

 Fig 6- Round Bottom Flask
3. Funnels, evaporating dish and measuring cylinders: A funnel’s
main function is transferring a liquid. Evaporating dish is used for
evaporating liquids whereas, measuring cylinder helps in measuring
liquids.
4. Tripod Stand: It is made of cast iron and supports the apparatus

placed on top of it for heating.

Fig 7- Tripod Stand
5. Wire Gauze: It is made of wire mesh and asbestos and is placed on
top of the tripod stand. It prevents the glass apparatus from cracking
and initiates even distribution of heat.

Fig 8- Wire Gauze

6. Stand and clamp: The stand has a clamp or ring to hold the glass
apparatus placed on the tripod stand.

Fig 9- Stand and Clamp

7. Bunsen Burner: