6 Main Branches of Chemistry

Since chemistry is a very broad topic to study, people (most probably scientists) divided this into different branches. Here are the 6 main branches of chem..

1. Analytical chemistry- concerned with the separation, identification, and composition of materials.

Qualitative analysis vs. Quantitative analysis

Qualitative analysis involves our senses. If we say that a piece of paper is blue in color that is a qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis on the other hand involves measurement. If we say that a solution is 30 % water that is a quantitative analysis.

2. Physical chemistry- involves the study of the physical characteristics of materials and the mechanisms of their reactions.

3. Organic chemistry - study of substances containing carbon.
- the chemistry of carbon compounds

4. Inorganic chemistry- study of other substances not containing carbon
- the chemistry of materials other than those classified as organic.

5. Biochemistry- the chemistry involving living things
- the study of materials and processes that occur in living things

6. Nuclear chemistry- involves the study of subatomic particles and nuclear reactions

The Scientific Method

Scientists have a logical way of solving problems. They call this the scientific method. It is a step by step process, which leads to the solutions of problems. I know you’ve been studying this since elementary, so I’ll just enumerate the process.

1. Identify the problem- how can you solve something if you don’t know what your problem is?

2. Formulate a hypothesis- this is a scientific guess, which serves as your temporary answer to the problem

3. Test the hypothesis- in other words, do the experiment!

4. Analyze the data- what was the result of your experiment? Was your hypothesis right?

5. Formulate a conclusion/ generalization- the generalization is often the answer to the objective of an experiment.

What is Chemistry?

Here are several definitions of the word Chemistry. I’ve got them from different sources, but they all mean the same thing. Try formulating your own definition of chemistry. After all, your teacher wouldn’t just want you to copy the meaning. They want you to understand it.

- Chemistry is a physical science. (what is physical science? Go check it out in the encyclopedia! =D )
- Chemistry is the study of matter, their composition, structure, properties, and the changes they undergo.
- Chemistry is the science of materials, their composition and structure, and the changes they undergo.
- Chemistry is the study of chemicals.

Ok. So what is chemistry?

One definition says it’s the study of matter. Do you still remember what matter is? Well, if you’ve forgotten it, I’m sure you’ll never forget it again once you’ve studied Chem.

Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass and weight.

This means that you’re matter as well as all the things around you.

Chemistry studies everything about matter (including the most elementary particles that make it up!). Can you imagine how broad that is? That’s the reason why this subject is divided into different systems, or commonly called branches (which will be discussed later on).

Chemistry came from the Greek word “chemeia” which means alchemy. Alchemy is often called the art of metal working. The early alchemists’ goal was to seek for the “elixir of life” or better known as the Philosopher’s stone (yep! Just like the one in Harry Potter!). It was believed that this stone can make man immortal. This is the reason why alchemy was called the “black art” or “black magic”. The practice of alchemy was the beginnings of chemistry.

However, unlike alchemy, which is fraught with magic and superstition, chemistry slowly evolved into a form of science. It is based on facts gained from observation and experiments. Chemistry is also called a “servant science” because it is being used in different fields of study like biology, physics, earth science, and lots more!

This subject may sound very hard. But believe me, it’s also very interesting! It’s fun learning Chemistry! And remember:

“If you think this subject is difficult, it will be difficult. But if you think it’s fun and easy, then it will definitely be so!”

Welcome to Basic Chemistry!

This blog was created for people who would like to get some information about chem. If you're a third year high school student or anyone who just likes to read about chem, you might find my blog useful. Right now, I'm still making my modules to post in this blog. I'll start posting around late December or early January.

Basic Chemistry covers topics like states of matter, molecules, the atom, the periodic table, moles, chemical reactions, gas laws, balancing equations, and lots more!

So visit my blog again in a few weeks time, ok?

Until then, bye! =)