Introduction to Chemistry

Chemistry (about chemistry ) The branch of science which deals with the composition and properties of matter, changes in matter and the laws or principles which govern these changes is called Chemistry. Branches of Chemistry

Physical Inorganic Organic Analytical Biochemistry

Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry

The branch of chemistry which deals with the physical properties and physical behavior of material things is called physical chemistry. The study of all elements and their compounds except carbon is called inorganic chemistry. The branch of chemistry in which we study the compounds of carbon is called organic chemistry. The branch of chemistry which discusses the analytical methods for getting information about chemical compounds and chemical processes is called analytical chemistry. The study of chemical compounds present in living things is called biochemistry.

Industrial

Chemistry

The application of chemical knowledge in technology and industry and the preparation of industrial products are called industrial chemistry.

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Share on twitterShare on facebookShare on emailShare on printMore Sharing Services5 Steps Involved in Getting Information in the Scientific Method Science is not only an integrated knowledge of physical and biological phenomena but also the methodology through which this knowledge is gathered. The process of scientific discoveries is a cyclic process. In science the facts are gathered through observations and experiments and then theories or law are deduced. The scientific method include following four steps: 1. Observation 2. Inference 3. Prediction 4. Experiment Observation The observations are made by the five senses of man. Men made equipments are also used for making observations. For example microscope is used for observing minute objects. Thermometer is used to measure temperature. Sensitive balance is used to determine the mass of a very light object. The capacity of man made instruments is also limited. But it can be improved by improving technology. Thus better and more reliable information are given to the scientists who produce better result. Information acquired through careful observations are called facts. These facts are foundation of scientific knowledge. Inference The facts gathered through observations are carefully arranged and properly classified. Correlating the knowledge thus acquired with previous knowledge, we try to think of a

tentative solution to explain the observed phenomenon. The tentative solution is called hypothesis. The validity of this hypothesis is tested through the results obtained from experiments. The results are discussed by the scientists and the hypothesis is accepted or rejected. The accepted hypothesis then takes the form of theory. A theory when repeatedly gives the same results after experimentation and gives correct explanation of the scientific facts becomes a law or principle. A theory remains valid until contrary informations are given on the basis of experimentation. Thus a hypothesis requires experimental support. But Avogadro's hypothesis has been accepted as law without any experimental support. Prediction Facts, theories and laws which are deduced from observation can help in deducing more facts and phenomenon. This process is called prediction.

Experiment
An experiment is an integrated activity, which is performed under suitable conditions with specially designed instruments to get the required information. Such information is used to test the validity of the hypothesis. If a hypothesis is proved correct. It increases the reliability of known facts. If it is proved wrong, it stil can give information which can be used to deduce other results.

Chemistry

and

Society

Chemistry has played important role for well being of mankind in the form of food, clothing, shelter, medical treatment and chemical fertilizers, crops protected by insecticides, refined food and production of artificial fiber. Production of cement, iron bricks, glass, paint etc are all due to chemistry. The hazards of chemistry are so vast that no aspect of human life has remained unaffected. The smoke coming from chimneys of chemial industries and from vehicles pollute the air. It is very dangerous to breath in that air. Similarly waste water from industry, pollute canals, rivers and has bad effect on land. Excessive chemical spray on plants also has bad effect

INTRODUCTION CHEMISTRY,

TO

FUNDAMENTAL

CONCEPTS

OF

It is the smallest particle of an element which can exist with all the properties of its own element but it cannot exist in atmosphere aloneMolecule When two or more than two atoms are combined with each other a molecule is formed. It can exist freely in nature

Formula Weight
It is the sum of the weights of the atoms present in the formula of a substance.

Molecular Weight
It is the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms present in a molecule

Chemistry
It is a branch of science which deals with the properties, composition and the structure of matter.

Empirical Formula Definition

It is the simplest formula of a chemical compound which represents the element present of the compound and also represent the simplest ratio between the elements of the compound.

Examples
The empirical formula of benzene is "CH". It indicates that the benzene molecule is composed of two elements carbon and hydrogen and the ratio between these two elements is 1:1. The empirical formula of glucose is "CH2O". This formula represents that glucose molecule is composed of three elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The ratio between carbon and oxygen is equal but hydrogen is double.

Determination of Empirical Formula

To determine the empirical formula of a compound following steps are required. 1. To detect the elements present in the compound. 2. To determine the masses of each element. 3. To calculate the percentage of each element. 4. Determination of mole composition of each element. 5. Determination of simplest ratio between the element of the compound.

Illustrated Example of Empirical Formula

Consider an unknown compound whose empirical formula is to be determined is given to us. Now we will use the above five steps in order to calculate the empirical formula.

Step

Determination

of

the

Elements

By performing test it is found that the compound contains magnesium and oxygen elements.

Step

II

Determination

of

the

Masses

Masses of the elements are experimentally determined which are given below. Mass of Mg = 2.4 gm Mass of Oxygen = 1.6 gm

Step

III

Estimation

of

the

Percentage

The percentage of an element may be determined by using the formula. % of element = Mass of element / Mass of compound x 100 In the given compound two elements are present which are magnesium and oxygen, therefore mass of compound is equal to the sum of the mass of magnesium and mass of oxygen. Mass of compound = 2.4 + 1.6 = 4.0 gm % Mg = Mass of Mg / Mass of Compound x 100 = 2.4 / 4.0 x 100 = 60% % O = Mass of Oxygen / Mass of Compound x 100 = 1.6 / 4.0 x 100 = 40%

Step

IV

Determination

of

Mole

Composition

Mole composition of the elements is obtained by dividing percentage of each element with its atomic mass. Mole ratio of Mg = Percentage of Mg / Atomic Mass of Mg = 60 / 24 = 2.5 Mole ratio of Mg = Percentage of Oxygen / Atomic Mass of Oxygen

= =

40

16 2.5

Step

Determination

of

Simplest

Ratio

To obtain the simplest ratio of the atoms the quotients obtained in the step IV are divided by the smallest quotients. Mg = 2.5 / 2.5 = 1 O = 2.5 / 2.5 = 1 Thus the empirical formula of the compound is MgO

Note
If the number obtained in the simplest ratio is not a whole number then multiply this number with a smallest number such that it becomes a whole number maintain their proportion.