INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY

CHEMISTRY AND ITS IMPORTANT

Chemistry is not something strange that is studied only in the laboratory.

Almost everything around us is related to chemistry.

Chemistry is very much part of our lives. The word “chemistry” originates from

the Arabic word al-kamiya, which means ‘the art of transforming metals’

What is chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, properties and interactions of matter

Chemistry is acknowledge as a branch of science that deals with matter.

All matter is chemical. The study of chemistry concerns all kinds of

chemicals Chemicals are not only found in laboratory but

also in common substances such as metals, paper, stones, medicines, water, air, coal, etc.

Some examples of common chemicals used in daily life and their uses

Examples of common chemicals

Uses

Sodium chloride

(Table salt)

To give food taste (food would be tasteless without table salt)

Calcium carbonate To make marble tiles

Acetic acid

(Vinegar)

To preserve food

Insulin For diabetic patient to control sugar in the blood

Silicon chips Used in computers and devices like television sets, washing machine, etc

Many important advances in science and technology have been made possible by the production of new chemicals by chemists or chemistry related professionals.

Chemistry related careers

Chemistry opens the door to many careers.

Since chemistry studies all kinds of substances, chemists can be found working in a large number of different area such as laboratory, food industries, water treatment industries and others.

Knowledge of chemistry is useful to almost everyone and in every field.

Chemistry Related Careers

Doctor Engineer

Accountant

Farmacist

Chemist

Nurse

Geologist

Farmer

Chemical-based industries in Malaysia and their contribution

Palm oil industry Petrochemical industry

Scientific MethodA systematic method used to solve problems in science

Making observation

Making inference

Identifying problem

Making hypothesis

Identifying variables

Controlling variables

Planning an experiment

Collecting data

Interpreting data

Making conclusion

Writing report

Format of a report Problem statement: Aim: Hypothesis: Variables: (a) Manipulated variable: (b) Responding variable: (c) Fixed variable(s): Materials: Apparatus: Procedure:

Data and observation: Interpreting data: Discussion: Conclusion:

Attitude and value Inculcate scientific attitudes and

noble value Observations should be done

objectively, carefully and patiently Rational, critical and analytical

when interpreting data and making inferences or conclusions

Diligent and persevering

Activity 1.2

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