Chemistry is defined as a branch of pure science that talks about the existence of matter, it’s composition, properties and uses.
WHY DO WE STUDY CHEMISTRY?
Since our world is made up of matter, we study chemistry to understand the composition, properties and uses of matter.
We study chemistry to understand the world around us.
We study chemistry to make informed and reasonable decisions.
We study chemistry to make new discoveries and solve problems.
CHEMISTRY IN OUR EVERYDAY LIFE
We experience chemical changes around us most times.
Things like:
– Lightening a match
– Cooking
– Burning wood
– Making palm wine
– Rusting nails
– Rotting leaves etc….are examples of chemical reactions
Some things are made by chemical processes
example:
– Soaps and detergents
– Hair creams and perfumes
– Plastics etc
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
A scientific method is defined as a logical approach to answering questions/seeking answers about a hypothesis.
How discoveries are made by scientists includes:
Observation:
Scientists are very alert and inquisitive people, they use their senses to observe what is happening around them.
Pattern:
After observations are made , a certain pattern is followed and this often leads to the problems they try to solve.
Hypothesis:
A reasonable explanation is carried out for the purpose of this argument or investigation.
Experiments:
Appropriate experiments are carried out on the hypothesis.
When a hypothesis has been tested and found to be correct it becomes a theory, then a scientific law or principle is then established.
If the experiments give a negative result, then the Scientist goes back to modify his hypothesis or he puts forward a new one.
Theory:
A theory is defined as a group of ideas that are intended to explain something.
Uses Of The Knowledge Chemistry
Chemistry has contributed in providing our basic needs and improving the quality of our life.
Chemistry is used in the production the following:
Production of food:
Fertilizers have helped to increase food production greatly. Chemical processes are designed to preserve and store food for long periods, so that it can be exported to distant countries and it’s made available for more people.
Military:
Production of ammunition and gunpowder has made defense easier for the military.
Housing:
Materials like cement, concrete, steel, bricks and tiles which are produced by chemical industries are used to build houses in other to solve the problems of housing.
Medicine:
The variety of medicines made available to us are as a result of chemical research and technology.
Transportation:
Alloys which are strong and resistant to heat are made possible for the production of vehicles for easy Transportation.
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CHEMISTRY
1) Corrosion of Iron:
Corrosion also known as rusting of iron is the slow deterioration of iron to iron (III) oxide. It requires the presence of water and oxygen to take place.
Prevention of Rusting:
Alloying:
Alloying is defined as a process in which two or more metals are melted to form a specific material.
Alloying increases the inertness of the metal, which then increases corrosion resistance.
Cathodic Protection:
Cathodic Protection is defined as a type of technique used to control corrosion on a metal surface.
Application of protective coating.
Application of sacrificial metal.
2) Pollution:
Chemical wastes from factories, oil refineries and radioactive wastes from nuclear plants.
Oil spillage, exhaust from motor vehicles, pesticides fertilizers and acid rain has made our environment unclean and endangered plant and animal life.
3) Drug Abuse:
Drugs like cocaine, heroin, and morphine have been severally abused by people. Although many of the drugs are not used in medical treatment, unscrupulous people produce and sell them at huge profits.
CAREERS IN CHEMISTRY.
Below are some few career path for those who study chemistry:
Teaching service.
Health service:
Pharmacists, biochemists, chemists, nutritionists, dieticians etc.
Food processing.
Petroleum and petrochemical industries.
Manufacturing industries.
Agriculture.
Forestry.