Chemistry: An Introduction

Chapter 1

Why is Chemistry Important?

In Our Daily Lives

» New Materials

» New Pharmaceuticals

» New Energy Sources

» Food Supplies

» Can you think of others?

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

Chemistry

Chemistry is the science that deals with the materials of the universe and the changes that these materials undergo.

Chemical Changes

What are examples of chemical changes?

steel rusting

wood burning

food cooking

grape juice fermenting

plant growing

How do we know that these are chemical changes?

The Work of Chemists

What type of jobs would chemists have?

FBI

FDA

EPA

Water Company

Chemical Company

Crime Lab

Cosmetic Company

Hospital

Education

Electric Power Co.

Research Lab

Pharmaceutical Co.

Science

Science is both a noun and a verb.

Science is a body of knowledge and a method of adding to that body of

knowledge.

Steps in the Scientific Method

1.1. ObservationsObservations

--quantitative - measurement involves a quantitative - measurement involves a number and a unit.number and a unit.

--qualitativequalitative

2.2. Formulating hypothesesFormulating hypotheses

-- possible explanation for the possible explanation for the observationobservation

3.3. Performing experimentsPerforming experiments

-- gathering new information to decidegathering new information to decide

whether the hypothesis is validwhether the hypothesis is valid

Qualitative & Quantitative Observations

red book

round tire

wooden desk

metal chair

aluminum foil

glass square

rough board

four quarters

six wheels

24 students

five atoms

65 oC

2” X 4” X 8’

two graduated cylinders

Make a list in your notes of qualitative & quantitative observations.

Qualitative Quantitative

Outcomes Over the Long-Term

Theory (Model)Theory (Model)

--A set of tested hypotheses that give anA set of tested hypotheses that give an overall explanation of some natural overall explanation of some natural

phenomenon.phenomenon.

Natural LawNatural Law

-- The same observation applies to many The same observation applies to many different systemsdifferent systems

-- Example - Law of Conservation of MassExample - Law of Conservation of Mass

Law vs. Theory

A A lawlaw summarizes what happens; summarizes what happens;a a theorytheory (model) is an attempt to (model) is an attempt to explain explain whywhy it happens. it happens.

01_03

Observation

Hypothesis

Experiment

Theory(model)

Experiment

Theorymodifiedas needed

Prediction

Law

The various parts of the scientific method.

Problems of the Scientific Method

Scientists must be objective when using the scientific method. The scientific method is affected by:

profit motives religious beliefs

wars misinterpretation of data

budgets emotions

fads prejudices

politics peer pressure

Scientific Terminology

What is the difference between a hypothesis & a theory?

What is the difference between an observation & a theory?

What is the difference between a natural law and a theory?

Why Take Chemistry?

Chemistry is the central science!Biology, physics, medicine, and engineering

depend upon chemical knowledge.

The critical thinking, study, & organizational skills learned in chemistry are invaluable in other fields of endeavor.

Chemical knowledge is invaluable in making sound choices in everyday life in using medications, pesticides, cleaning agents, etc.

Learning Chemistry

These skills are absolutely necessary for learning chemistry!

1. Math skills

2. Study skills

3. Note-taking skills

4. Listening skills

5. Organizational skills

6. Vocabulary skills

7. Critical thinking skills

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

The Best Approach to Learning Chemistry

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

Three Steps to Success in Chemistry

1. Do not miss class!

2. Ask questions!

3. Complete all homework!

The Learning Process

It is no disaster to make a mistake as long as you learn from it!!

Each test, quiz, or lab is a learning exercise. You will be successful in chemistry if you learn from your mistakes!!!