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CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY
Science has been classified into various branches for simplification of study. It is broadly classified into Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Mathematics is not branched as a science but considered as the basis of all science.
Chemistry may be defined as the science that is concerned with
the characterization and classification of matter and the chemical
transformations which it undergoes. However, this may not be an
adequate definition as each new chemical concept stimulates fresh
observation and experimentation leading to growing refinement as
well as development of other concepts.
From the above it follows that, an understanding of chemistry
starts with characterization (i.e. composition and structure) of
different types of matter. As all matter (available naturally or
synthetically prepared) is made up of atoms of different elements,
study of elements and its atoms constitutes a fundamental branch
of chemistry. The chemical behavior of matter can be explained using
atomic structure as its basis. Similarly the physical behavior of
matter provides information regarding molecular structure.
Chemistry is further divided into three branches :-
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1. |
Organic Chemistry |
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Study of carbon compounds. |
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2. |
Inorganic Chemistry |
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Study of elements (metals or non-metals) and compounds other than those studied in organic chemistry. |
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3. |
Physical Chemistry |
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Deals with structure of matter and the laws governing chemical reactions of organic or inorganic matter. (i.e. chemical bonding, electrolysis, gas laws, chemical thermodynamics etc.) |
All these subjects and more will be dealt with in detail during the course of this book.
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