1.1 Chemistry

• Because living and nonliving things are made of matter, chemistry affects all aspects of life and most natural events.
• Chemistry can be divided into five traditional areas of study: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry.
• Pure research can lead directly to an application, but an application can exist before research is done to explain how it works.
• Chemistry can be useful in explaining the natural world, preparing people for career opportunities, and producing informed citizens.

1.2 Chemistry Far and Wide

• Chemists design materials to fit specific needs. Chemists play an essential role in finding ways to conserve energy, produce energy, and store energy.
• Chemists supply the medicines, materials, and technology that doctors use to treat patients. Chemists help to develop more productive crops and safer, more effective ways to protect crops.
• Chemists help to identify pollutants and prevent pollution.
• To study the universe, chemists gather data from afar and analyze matter that is brought back to Earth.

1.3 Thinking Like a Scientist

• Alchemists developed tools and techniques for working with chemicals.
• Lavoisier helped to transform chemistry from a science of observation to the science of measurement that it is today.
• Steps in the scientific method include making observations, testing hypotheses, and developing theories.
• When scientists collaborate and communicate, they increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

1.4 Problem Solving in Chemistry

• Effective problem solving always involves developing a plan and then implementing the plan.
• The steps for solving a numeric word problem are analyze, calculate, and evaluate. The steps for solving a conceptual problem are analyze and solve.