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An Introduction to Chemistry

Click to edit Master subtitle style Unit 1 Notes

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What is Science?
Science is a way of thinking much more than a body of

knowledge (Carl Sagan).


Science helps us to understand the world around us.


Make Observations Propose Explanations Use Inferences Develop Theories

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The Common Methods of Science


Science offers logical explanations to the universe

through empirical evidence.


We will use these basic steps:


Ask a Question Gather Information Develop a Hypothesis Perform an Experiment Analyze Data Draw a Conclusion Replicate the Results
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The Common Methods of Science


Ask a Question

Determine the problem to be solved. Fundamental question or specific problem

Gather Information

Background research to see if others have solved the problem.

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The Common Methods of Science


Develop a Hypothesis

A testable explanation for a phenomenon Not a random guess

Perform an Experiment

Conduct a controlled experiment to test hypothesis Identify the important variables

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The Common Methods of Science


Analyzing Data

Gather data from experiment Present data in table/graph

Draw a Conclusion

Determine if the hypothesis is supported or rejected by the results.

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The Common Methods of Science


Replicate the Results

Good experiments can be repeated Large Sample Size

Communicate the Findings


Present your results in a paper or to an audience You should be able to defend your research

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Controlled Experiments
Good experiments test only one variable at a time

keeping everything else the same.


Independent Variable
Factor being tested Only thing changed between different groups.

Dependent Variable

Factor measured for change Affected by the IV

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What is Chemistry?
Chemistry studies the composition of matter and how

matter changes.

Provides logical explanations for observations Describes the building blocks for everything.

Like any science, the ideas of chemistry have changed

due to more and better data.

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What is Chemistry?
Alchemy (BC 1650)

Practical Alchemy developed tools and techniques for working with chemicals. Mystical Alchemy focused on the idea of perfection and transforming any metal into gold.

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What is Chemistry?
Antoine Lavoisier

Father of Modern Chemistry Brought observation and measurement to the study of materials.

Constructed the Metric System the known elements

Listed

Beheaded during the French Revolution

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Branches of Chemistry
Chemists study matter in a variety of branches:

Inorganic Organic Analytical Physical Biochemical

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Branches of Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry

The study of chemicals that do not contain carbon.

Organic Chemistry

The study of chemicals that contain carbon. Like in chemicals in living organisms.

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Branches of Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry

Studies the composition of matter. Identifies compounds and their components.

Physical Chemistry

Studies the mechanisms, rates, and energy transfers in chemical reactions. Identifies interactions between elements.

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Biochemistry

Studies the processes that occur in organisms. Understand the structure and function of matter within the body.

Theoretical Chemistry

Designs new compounds Develops new ideas

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Science and Technology


Pure Science

Knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Understanding the fundamental characteristics of the universe.

Applied Science

Technology uses science to improve society. Engineering.

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Law and Theory


Scientific Law

Statement that summaries results of observations. The same thing happens again and again without fail.

Scientific Theory

Explanation for a broad set of observations. Provide models and makes prediction. May be modified or refined with new data.

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