Unit 1: NATURE OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY FBISE

CHEMISTRY
DEFINITION
“Chemistry is defined as the science that investigates the materials of the universe
and the changes that these materials undergo. Chemistry deals with composition,
structure, properties, behavior and changes of matter and energy.”
Understanding the fundamental concept of chemistry help to explain natural phenomena and apply them to
the formation of new substances, drugs and technologies.
BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is diverse field of study, surrounding numerous sub- fields and interdisciplinary areas.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Definition
“Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with substances containing
carbon (except carbonates, bicarbonates, oxides and carbides).”
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Definition
“Inorganic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with
elements and their compounds except organic compounds.”
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
Definition
“Physical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with laws
and theories to understand the structure and changes of matter.”
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Definition
“Analytical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the methods and
instruments for determining the composition and properties of matter.”
BIOCHEMISTRY
Definition
“The branch of chemistry that deals with physical and chemical changes
that occur in living organisms is called biochemistry.”
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
Definition
“Environmental chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of chemical and
toxic substances that pollute the environment and their adverse effects on human beings.”
INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
Definition
“Industrial chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals
with the large-scale production of chemical substances.”
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
Definition
“The branch of chemistry that deals with the study of the interaction between drugs
and biological targets, as well as the development of new medicinal agents.”
POLYMER CHEMISTRY
Definition
“The branch of chemistry that focuses on the study of polymers, their types, properties,
uses, importance and types of polymerizations is called polymer chemistry.”
Examples of synthetic polymers include nylon bearings, plastic bags, polyethylene cups, polyester, Teflon
coated cook ware and epoxy glue etc.
GEOCHEMISTRY
Definition
“Geochemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of chemical
composition, distribution, and transformation of elements and compounds in the
Earth's crust such as rocks, minerals, soils, water and the atmosphere.”
NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
Definition
“The branch of chemistry that deals with the changes that
occur in atomic nuclei is called nuclear chemistry.”
ASTROCHEMISTRY
Definition
“Astrochemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of chemical processes and reactions
that occur in astronomical environments, such as stars, planets, comets and interstellar space.”

DAILY LIFE APPLICATIONS OF CHEMISTRY

Organic chemistry
To treat diseases, organic chemists synthesize new medicines that interact with specific targets like proteins or
enzymes.
Inorganic chemistry
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are used as rechargeable batteries for electronics, toys, wireless headphones,
handheld power tools, small and large appliances, electrical storage devices and electric vehicles.
Analytical chemistry
Forensic chemistry is the application of analytical chemistry. It involves the examination of physical traces,
such as body fluids, bones, fibers and drugs. It can be used to identify an unknown compound. For example,
drugs are often found in various colored powders and are analyzed to determine their content.
Physical chemistry
Physical chemistry is a part of our everyday life. The batteries in our vehicles are built on the principle of
electrochemistry.
Environmental chemistry
Environmental chemistry is used to protect water that has been poisoned by soil and dust by using different
methods e.g., sedimentation, filtration and disinfection.
 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
SCIENCE: “Science is the systematic process of constructing and organizing knowledge about the universe.”
Science seeks to understand the natural world. For example, chemists seek to understand the behaviour and
properties of materials, chemical reactions and the fundamental principles that control the behaviour of matter.
TECHNOLOGY
“Technology is the process of applying scientific knowledge to practical applications,
resulting in the creation of tools, machines and systems that enhance our lives.”
Science and technology play a major role in the field of chemistry by providing tools, machines, techniques
and methods which can help in discovery and development of new materials. These also help in improving
quality of products. Technology has revolutionized the field of chemistry, making research and applications
more efficient. It has enabled chemists to more effectively analyze and identify substances. Their work is
beneficial for chemists working in pharmaceutical and other chemical industries.
ENGINEERING: “Engineering is the use of science and mathematics to design and
construct systems, structures, and tools for various processes.”
Chemical engineers develop and design manufacturing processes for the production of chemicals, fuels, food,
medicines, polymers, detergents, paper etc. They often work to maximize productivity and product quality.
TECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE The integration of scientific
Science is the systematic knowledge for human needs
study to explore the is known as technology. This
natural world. Science integration provides a
intends to recognize the pathway to the development
fundamental principles of systems, techniques
and processes of and tools.
the natural
world.
ENGINEERING
Engineering is the application
of scientific principles to
construct and improve systems,
structures and machines.

APPLICATIONS OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

Science, technology and engineering work together to solve problems in real-world situations.
EXAMPLES
(i) Investigating rusting of iron: A bike or car will rust over time. Scientists could investigate the
chemical reactions that occur between iron, water and oxygen that cause rust to form. Experiments could be
conducted to understand the factors that influence this process and help develop strategies to prevent rust.
(ii) Harnessing solar energy: Scientists may study the principles of photovoltaic cells to understand
how sunlight can be converted into electricity. Technologists can develop solar panels based on the
scientific principles discovered. Engineers play their role in designing and implementing large-scale
renewable energy systems. For instance, an electrical engineer might design the wiring and connections of
a solar power plant, a civil engineer could be involved in designing the infrastructure. In this example,
science helps us understand the underlying principles of converting sunlight into electricity. Technology
transforms this knowledge into practical applications, such as solar panels and energy storage systems.
 Engineering takes these technologies and implement them on a larger scale. Together, science, technology and
engineering contribute to the development and utilization of sustainable energy sources.

(iii) Designing a water filtration system: Engineers design water filtration systems. Chemical
engineers can help develop processes to remove contaminants from water while mechanical engineers design
physical components. Together, they create a solution to clean drinking water for a community. From
understanding chemical reactions to using technological devices to solving practical problems through
engineering.
Coagulant aid
(Taste and odour control)
(disinfectant)

Corrosion control

Mckenzie river
Settling Basin
Filter

Hayden Bridge Reservoir

Pre-treatment

Post-treatment
(iv) Organic chemistry in action
The oil is used to make French fries. Potatoes contain carbohydrates, which are organic molecules.
Scientists study carbohydrates to learn more about how they work, so food technologists extract oil from seeds.
Chemical engineers design oil production equipment and processes so that oil is produced efficiently and used
safely for cooking.
(v) Plastic bags: Plastic bags are made from polymers. Scientists study the small building blocks known as
monomers. When monomers combine, they form long chains known as polymers. One of those long chains
is polyethylene, which is one of the many polymers found in plastic bags. Engineers and technicians use these
discoveries to create bags that are durable, flexible and easy to make.
These examples demonstrate how science, technology, and engineering work together in various aspects of
our daily lives. Whether it’s understanding chemical reactions, using technological devices or solving
practical problems through engineering solutions, these concepts are interconnected and contribute to
advancements that impact the world around us.