What is Chemistry and Its Applications

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 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 Methods 

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

I. 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.

II. Cathodic Protection

Cathodic Protection is defined as a type of technique used to control corrosion on a metal surface.

III. Application of Protective Coating

III. 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.