Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the composition, structure, properties, and changes of matter. It seeks to understand the characteristics of substances, the interactions between different types of matter, and the transformations that substances undergo during chemical reactions.
Chemistry is often referred to as the "central science" because it connects and overlaps with many other scientific disciplines, including physics, biology, environmental science, and materials science.
Key concepts in chemistry include:
-
Atoms and Molecules: Atoms are the basic units of matter, and molecules are formed when two or more atoms bond together.
-
Chemical Reactions: These involve the rearrangement of atoms to form new substances, often involving the breaking and forming of chemical bonds.
-
Periodic Table: This organizes all known elements based on their properties and atomic structure, providing a framework for understanding chemical behavior.
-
States of Matter: Matter can exist in different states—solid, liquid, gas, and plasma—each with distinct properties.
-
Stoichiometry: This involves calculations that relate quantities of reactants and products in chemical reactions.
-
Thermodynamics: The study of energy changes during chemical processes.
-
Kinetics: The study of the rates of chemical reactions.
Chemistry plays a vital role in numerous areas, including medicine, environmental science, engineering, and food science, influencing everything from drug development to pollution control and materials science.