This document introduces chemistry and explains its importance. Chemistry is the central science that underlies many other fields. It is important in daily life for developing new materials, medicines, energy sources and more. Studying chemistry helps develop skills like gathering and analyzing information, finding patterns, and problem solving. The scientific method is the process used in chemistry to make observations, form hypotheses and laws, and conduct experiments to test theories. Mastering key concepts, vocabulary, and processes is important for learning chemistry.

1. 1
Basic Chemistry:
A Foundation
by Steven S. Zumdahl
University of Illinois

2. 2
Chemistry: An Introduction
Chapter 1

3. 3
Why is Chemistry Important?
• In Our Daily Lives
– New Materials
– New Pharmaceuticals
– New Energy Sources
– Food Supplies
– Can you think of others?

4. 4
Chemistry deals with the natural world.
Source: Terry Donnelly/Stone/Getty Images

5. 5
Why is Chemistry Important?
• In Your Education
– Help you learn to Gather and Organize
Information
• Qualitative and Quantitative
– Help you learn to find Patterns in Information
– Help you learn to Analyze Complex Systems
– Help you develop skills to Predict Future
Events based on Patterns of Behavior
– Help you develop Problem-Solving Skills
• Systematic Approach

6. 6
What is Chemistry?
• The science that deals with the materials
of the universe and the changes these
materials undergo
• The Central Science
– Understanding most other fields of science
requires an understanding of Chemistry

7. 7
Solving Problems Using a Scientific
Approach
• Define the Problem
• Gather Information
Facts
Observations
• Propose Solutions
• Organize Information and look for Patterns
• Hypotheses

8. 8
• Evaluate your Proposed Solutions
• Test your Patterns by using them to Predict
What Will Happen
• Experiments
Solving Problems Using a Scientific
Approach

9. 9
The Scientific Method
• A process of studying natural phenomena
that involves making observations, forming
laws and theories, and testing theories by
experimentation

10. The launch
of the space
shuttle gives
clear
indications
that
chemical
reactions
are
occurring.
Source:
NASA

11. 11
The Scientific Method
• Make Observations
– Qualitative  Descriptions
– Quantitative  Measurements
• Formulate Hypotheses
– Possible Explanations for Observed
Characteristics or Behaviors
• Perform Experiments
– Test Hypothesis

12. 12
The Scientific Method
• Repeat the process until we get a well-
tested explanation
• Theory  a set of assumptions put forth
to explain some aspect of the observed
behavior of matter
– May need to be modified or discarded as new
information (observations) becomes known

13. 13
The Scientific Method
• While Experimenting we may Observe the
Same Behavior all the time, and therefore
be able to Predict this Behavior will Always
Occur in the Future
• Law  a generally observed behavior
– Without explanation as to why the behavior
occurs!

14. 14
The Difference Between a Theory and a
Law
• Laws predict what will happen
• Theories explain why something
happens
– Which will also allow you to predict what
will happen!

15. Figure 1.1:
The various
parts of the
scientific
method.

16. 16
The Best Approach to Learning
Chemistry
• Learn the Vocabulary of Chemistry
– Definitions of Terms
– How Common Vocabulary is Applied to Chemistry
• Memorize Important Information
– Names, Formulas and Charges of Polyatomic Ions
– Solubility Rules
• Learn and Practice Processes
– Systematic Names and Formulas
– Dimensional Analysis
• Do the Questions and Exercises at the End of the
Chapter to Test your Understanding and help you
See the Patterns