Chapter 1 provides an introduction to chemistry, defining it as the study of matter and its changes, with examples of matter and non-matter. It outlines five major branches of chemistry—organic, inorganic, biochemistry, analytical, and physical—and differentiates between pure and applied chemistry. Additionally, the chapter emphasizes the importance of chemistry in various fields such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental science, and introduces the scientific method as a systematic approach to problem-solving.

1. Chapter 1 – Intro to Chemistry
By Kendon Smith – Columbia Central HS – Brooklyn, MI

2. Chapter 1 Notes: Introduction to Chemistry
I. What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of matter and the
changes that matter undergoes.
Matter = Anything that has mass
and occupies space.
Examples of Matter?
Air, Water, A desk, YOU!
Examples of Non-matter?
Heat, Light, Sound, Energy

3. II. Five Major Branches of Chemistry
1. Organic Chemistry – study of essentially all
chemicals containing carbon
2. Inorganic Chemistry – study of chemicals, in
general, that do NOT contain carbon
3. Biochemistry – study of chemical processes
that occur in living things
4. Analytical chemistry – are of study that focuses
on the composition of matter.

4. II. Five Major Branches of Chemistry
5. Physical Chemistry – deals with the
mechanism, the rate, and the energy transfer
that occurs when matter undergoes a change.
* Investigates underlying scientific principles
behind changes.
Chemical change = chemical reaction!

5. II. Pure and Applied Chemistry
1. Pure Chemistry – pursuing of knowledge
simply for the sake of knowing it or to satisfy
man’s natural curiosity about the world.
2. Applied Chemistry – research that is directed
toward a goal or application in order to solve
a problem.
3. Technology – the means by which society
provides its members with the things they need
or desire.

6. III. Why study Chemistry?
1. In order to explain the natural world.
2. To help you prepare for a career.
3. To become an informed citizen.

7. IV. Chemistry Far and Wide
1. Materials – Chemists design materials to fit
specific needs in the world.
a. Macroscopic – the world in which objects
are large enough to see.
b. Microscopic – the world in which objects can
only be seen under magnification
2. Energy – Chemists play an essential role in
finding ways to conserve, produce, and store
energy.

8. IV. Chemistry Far and Wide
3. Medicine – Chemistry supplies the medicines,
materials, and technology that doctors use to
treat their patients.
- Biotechnology – applies science to produce
biological products and processes

9. IV. Chemistry Far and Wide
1. Agriculture – Chemists help develop more
productive crops and safer, more effective ways
to protect crops.
i. Soil quality testing to improve soil
ii. Adding fertilizers to the soil
iii. Developing herbicides to prevent weeds
iv. Developing insecticides to kill pests
v. Developing other chemicals to prevent plant diseases
vi. Biochemists modify the genes of plants

10. IV. Chemistry Far and Wide
5. The Environment – Chemists identify
pollutants and prevent pollution

11. V. The Scientific Method
Def – A logical, systematic approach to solving
problems.
1. Problem – a question to be answered, usually
stated as a question.
2. Observations – Using your senses to obtain
information about the problem.
3. Hypothesis – A proposed explanation for an
observation.

12. V. The Scientific Method
4. Experiment – A procedure used to test your
hypothesis.
a. Manipulated or independent variable – a
variable you change.
b. Responding or dependent variable – a
variable you observe.

13. V. The Scientific Method
1. Conclusion – Analyze experimental results to
form theories or laws.
a. Theory – a well tested explanation for a set
of observations.
- Tries to explain why, but can never be
proven
b. Law – a concise statement that summarizes
results of many observations.
- A law is simply a statement of fact that does
not try to explain.

15. End of Chapter 1
Read and study the rest of the
chapter on your own for the test.
Pay attention to vocabulary!
Start off the year with a good test
grade! Don’t underestimate this test!