What is Chemistry ? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the science that studies the properties of matter and how matter interacts with energy. Chemistry is considered a physical science and is closely known to physics. Chemistry is sometimes known as the “central science” because it is an important part of other major sciences such as biology, earth science, and physics. Scientists who specialize in chemistry are called chemists.

Why is Chemistry Important?

Chemistry is used all around us. Doctors use chemicals to make medicines that help us when we are sick. Engineers use chemistry to make electronic devices like your TV and cell phone. Farmers use chemicals to help their crops grow so we have food. Even chefs use chemicals to cook delicious meals. By understanding chemistry, you can better understand the world around you and how it works.

What is Matter?

Matter is what surrounds us: your computer, the air you breathe, your lunch, even you are made of matter. By studying chemistry, you will learn all about matter and its properties.

Components of Matter

Matter is made up of different building blocks.

Atom – Matter is made up of small building blocks called atoms. It takes millions upon millions of atoms to make the smallest object.

Element – Substance consisting of only one type of atom called an element.

Compound – Compounds are made up of different types of elements.

Mixture – A material consisting of different types of compounds that are not chemically combined.

Chemistry Subjects:

Mixtures and Compounds:

• Naming Compounds
• Mixtures
• Separating Mixtures
• Solutions
• Acids and Bases
• Crystals
• Metals
• Salts and Soaps
• Water

Matter: 

• Atom
• Molecules
• Isotopes
• Solids, Liquids, Gases
• Melting and Boiling
• Chemical Bonding
• Chemical Reactions
• Radioactivity and Radiation
• Glossary and Terms
• Chemistry Lab Equipment
• Organic Chemistry
• Famous Chemists

Elements and the Periodic Table

• Elements
• Periodic Table

Alkali Metals

• Lithium
• Sodium
• Potassium

Alkaline Earth Metals

• Beryllium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Radium

Transition Metals

• Scandium
• Titanium
• Vanadium
• Chromium
• Manganese
• Iron
• Cobalt
• Nickel
• Copper
• Zinc
• Silver
• Platinum
• Gold
• Mercury

Post-transition Metals

• Aluminum
• Gallium
• Tin
• Lead

Metalloids

• Boron
• Silicon
• Germanium
• Arsenic

Nonmetals

• Hydrogen
• Carbon
• Nitrogen
• Oxygen
• Phosphorus
• Sulfur

Halogens

• Fluorine
• Chlorine
• Iodine

Noble Gases

• Helium
• Neon
• Argon

Lanthanides and Actinides

• Uranium
• Plutonium