The Concept of Chemistry

The Concept of Chemistry

Explain the concept of Chemistry

1.1.1 Meaning of chemistry

Chemistry is a branch of science which deals with the study of nature, properties and composition of matter. Matter can be defined as anything that has weight or mass and can occupy space. Therefore, in chemistry we study about materials that make up the earth and universe.

Materials/Objects Made by Application of Chemistry

Mention materials objects made by application of chemistry

1.1.2 Materials made by the application of chemistry

Application of chemistry knowledge enables the production of different materials and products that we need to live better. In everyday life, we need different substances to meet our basic human needs like food, shelter, clothing, comfort and health.

Some materials made by the application of chemistry include kerosene (paraffin), sugar, chalk, shoes, clothes, common salt, soft drinks, medical drugs (medicines), toothpaste and plastics. Others are spirits, wines, shoe polishes, cement, baking soda, petrol, diesel and cosmetics (soaps, body oils and lotions, body and hair creams, etc). All these materials, among others, are made by applying chemical processes.

Many products made by the application of chemistry in industry are all around us. Some of these materials are summarized in Table 1.1 below:

Field where applied	Examples of products
Medicine	Drugs, vaccines, equipment, nutritional supplements, bandages
Agriculture	Agro-chemicals ( fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, acaricides), animal drugs and vaccines, animal feed and supplements
Manufacturing industry	Vehicles, cement, plastics, chemicals, paints, iron sheets, vanishes, glue
Food and beverage industry	Soft and alcoholic drinks, baked food, canned food, spices, cooking oil, salt
Home care and cosmetics industry	Cosmetics, detergents, toothpaste, shoe polish, insecticides, antiseptics, disinfectants
Transport	Fuels, lubricants, oil, grease, tar, coolants, tyres
Textile industry	Clothes, dyes, bleaches, wax, threads
Leather industry	Shoes, belts, purses, automobile seats, clothing, bags

<strong>1.2. Importance of chemistry in life</strong>

1.2.1 Areas (fields) where chemistry is applied

Mention areas where chemistry is applied

1.2. Importance of chemistry in life

State the importance of Chemistry in daily life

1.2.1 Areas (fields) where chemistry is applied

Chemistry is such an important subject that it is applied in many fields such as agriculture, manufacturing industry, medicine, food and beverage industry, education, home care and beauty industry, transport and communication, textile industry and leather industry, among others.

As we have seen, chemistry is applied in many fields which are important in our every-day lives. Below is a detailed explanation of how chemistry is applied in these fields to produce materials or services that are important in plant, animal and human life.

Agriculture

Sustainable crop and animal production is enhanced by application of chemistry knowledge. Fertilizers, insecticides, acaricides, herbicides (weed killers) play a good role in crop production. In order to get a good harvest, it is important for the farmer to apply fertilizer, herbicide and insecticide to improve production.