CHEMISTRY

Chemistry is the science of atomic matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties.[1][2] Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds. Chemistry is sometimes called "the central science" because it connects physics with other natural sciences such as geology and biology.[3][4] Chemistry is a branch of physical science but distinct from physics.[5] The etymology of the word chemistry has been much disputed.[6] The genesis of chemistry can be traced to certain practices, known as alchemy, which had been practiced for several millennia in various parts of the world, particularly the Middle East.[7] BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY Organic Chemistry: This branch of chemistry deals with the study of the organic matter. The substances that primarily consist of carbon and hydrogen are termed as organic. The discipline that deals with the study of the structure, composition and the chemical properties of organic compounds is known as organic chemistry. This branch also deals with the chemical reactions that are used in the preparation of organic chemical compounds. Inorganic Chemistry: It is the branch of chemistry that relates to the structure, composition and behavior of inorganic compounds. All the substances other than the carbon-hydrogen compounds are classified under the group of inorganic substances. Oxides, sulfides and carbonates form the important classes of inorganic compounds. Industrial inorganic chemistry deals with the branch of applied science such as the manufacture of fertilizers, while the descriptive inorganic chemistry deals with the classification of compounds based on their properties. Analytical Chemistry: This is a very important branch of chemistry that deals with the analysis of the chemical properties of natural and man-made materials. The study does not restrict itself to any particular type of chemical compounds. Instrumental analysis is a prominent part of modern analytical chemistry. Analytical chemistry primarily deals with the study of the chemicals present in a substance, in what quantity they are, and how they define the chemical properties of the substance. Physical Chemistry: This branch of chemistry applies the theories of physics to atoms and subatomic particles. When physical chemistry is applied to the chemical interaction between atoms and subatomic particles, the study is known by the name, quantum mechanics. It is a relatively vast

field that deals with intermolecular forces, rates of chemical reactions as well the conductivity of different materials. Biochemistry: This discipline of chemistry represents a peep of biology into chemistry. It deals with the structure and behavior of the components of cells and the chemical processes in living beings. The complex and large biomolecules are usually composed of similar units that repeat. The complex molecules are known as polymers and the basic units they are composed of, are known as monomers. Biochemistry deals with the study of cellular constituents like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids as also the chemical processes that occur in cells. Nuclear Chemistry: It is a popular and one of the very important branches of chemistry that studies radioactivity. It revolves around the study of the nuclear properties of and the chemical processes in radioactive substances. This branch also covers the study of the equipment used for the performance of nuclear processes. The effects of the absorption of radiation, the production and use of radioactive materials and radiotherapy come under this branch of chemistry. Nuclear chemistry also deals with the nonradioactive areas of life. Chemistry is a very vast subject as it delves into the enormity of the universe. While dealing with the study of the structure and behavior of matter, it makes an attempt to encompass the study of the fundamental units that make up the universe. WHAT ARE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHEMISTRY TO OTHER FIELDS OF SCIENCE? Chemistry is also known as "Back Bone of Science". Every branch of science directly or indirectly depends on Chemistry. Chemistry is applied in biology for the theory of the most accepted chemical origin of life, phenomenon of photosynthesis, respiration, study and arrangement of amino-acids, proteins etc. Botany and zoology are basic life sciences and are also dependent on chemistry in order to study metabolic activities. In agricultural science, chemistry was used in the development of all modern synthetic fertilizers. Atmospheric science also uses chemistry - acid rain etc. Pharmacology depends on chemistry to make medicines and so it is a part of Health Sciences. Chemistry contributes in so many ways, to the science and understanding of electricity, and electrical phenomena. Modern insulators and the insulation on wires as well as semiconductors are the result of a study of chemistry. The polymer and material science fields all sprang from a study of chemistry.