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Basic Chemistry: A Foundation: by Steven S. Zumdahl

This document provides an introduction to basic chemistry concepts. It discusses why chemistry is important both in daily life and education. Chemistry is defined as the science that deals with the materials of the universe and how they change. The scientific method is introduced as a process used to study natural phenomena through observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation and theory development. The key differences between scientific laws and theories are explained. The document emphasizes learning chemistry vocabulary, memorizing important information, and practicing processes through questions to help understand patterns.

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Kent Ferraro
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331 views16 pages

Basic Chemistry: A Foundation: by Steven S. Zumdahl

This document provides an introduction to basic chemistry concepts. It discusses why chemistry is important both in daily life and education. Chemistry is defined as the science that deals with the materials of the universe and how they change. The scientific method is introduced as a process used to study natural phenomena through observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation and theory development. The key differences between scientific laws and theories are explained. The document emphasizes learning chemistry vocabulary, memorizing important information, and practicing processes through questions to help understand patterns.

Uploaded by

Kent Ferraro
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 16

Basic Chemistry:

A Foundation

by Steven S. Zumdahl
University of Illinois

1
Chemistry: An Introduction

Chapter 1

2
Why is Chemistry Important?
• In Our Daily Lives
– New Materials
– New Pharmaceuticals
– New Energy Sources
– Food Supplies
– Can you think of others?

3
Chemistry deals with the natural world.

4
Source: Terry Donnelly/Stone/Getty Images
Why is Chemistry Important?
• In Your Education
– Help you learn to Gather and Organize
Information
• Qualitative and Quantitative
– Help you learn to find Patterns in Information
– Help you learn to Analyze Complex Systems
– Help you develop skills to Predict Future
Events based on Patterns of Behavior
– Help you develop Problem-Solving Skills
• Systematic Approach
5
What is Chemistry?
• The science that deals with the materials
of the universe and the changes these
materials undergo
• The Central Science
– Understanding most other fields of science
requires an understanding of Chemistry

6
Solving Problems Using a Scientific
Approach
• Define the Problem
• Gather Information
Facts
Observations
• Propose Solutions
• Organize Information and look for Patterns
• Hypotheses

7
Solving Problems Using a Scientific
Approach
• Evaluate your Proposed Solutions
• Test your Patterns by using them to Predict
What Will Happen
• Experiments

8
The Scientific Method
• A process of studying natural phenomena
that involves making observations, forming
laws and theories, and testing theories by
experimentation

9
The launch
of the space
shuttle gives
clear
indications
that
chemical
reactions
are
occurring.

Source:
NASA
The Scientific Method
• Make Observations
– Qualitative  Descriptions
– Quantitative  Measurements
• Formulate Hypotheses
– Possible Explanations for Observed
Characteristics or Behaviors
• Perform Experiments
– Test Hypothesis

11
The Scientific Method
• Repeat the process until we get a well-
tested explanation
• Theory  a set of assumptions put forth
to explain some aspect of the observed
behavior of matter
– May need to be modified or discarded as new
information (observations) becomes known

12
The Scientific Method
• While Experimenting we may Observe the
Same Behavior all the time, and therefore
be able to Predict this Behavior will Always
Occur in the Future
• Law  a generally observed behavior
– Without explanation as to why the behavior
occurs!

13
The Difference Between a Theory and a
Law

• Laws predict what will happen

• Theories explain why something


happens
– Which will also allow you to predict what
will happen!

14
Figure 1.1:
The various
parts of the
scientific
method.
The Best Approach to Learning
Chemistry
• Learn the Vocabulary of Chemistry
– Definitions of Terms
– How Common Vocabulary is Applied to Chemistry
• Memorize Important Information
– Names, Formulas and Charges of Polyatomic Ions
– Solubility Rules
• Learn and Practice Processes
– Systematic Names and Formulas
– Dimensional Analysis
• Do the Questions and Exercises at the End of the
Chapter to Test your Understanding and help you
See the Patterns

16

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