Basic Chemistry:

A Foundation

1
Chemistry: An Introduction

Chapter 1

2
 Why is Chemistry Important?

In Our Daily Lives

New Materials
New Pharmaceuticals
New Energy Sources
Food Supplies
Can you think of others?

3
Chemistry deals with the natural world.

4
Source: Terry Donnelly/Stone/Getty Images
 Why is Chemistry Important?

In Your Education
Help you learn to Gather and Organize Information
Qualitative and Quantitative
Help you learn to find Patterns in Information
Help you learn to Analyze Complex Systems
Help you develop skills to Predict Future Events based
on Patterns of Behavior
Help you develop Problem-Solving Skills
Systematic Approach

5
 What is Chemistry?

The science that deals with the materials of the

universe and the changes these materials undergo
The Central Science
Understanding most other fields of science requires an
understanding of Chemistry

6
Solving Problems Using a Scientific Approach

Define the Problem

Gather Information
Facts
Observations
Propose Solutions
Organize Information and look for Patterns
Hypotheses

7
Solving Problems Using a Scientific Approach

Evaluate your Proposed Solutions

Test your Patterns by using them to Predict What
Will Happen
Experiments

8
 The Scientific Method

A process of studying natural phenomena that

involves making observations, forming laws and
theories, and testing theories by experimentation

9
The launch
of the space
shuttle gives
clear
indications
that
chemical
reactions are
occurring.

Source:
NASA
 The Scientific Method

Make Observations
Qualitative Descriptions
Quantitative Measurements
Formulate Hypotheses
Possible Explanations for Observed Characteristics or
Behaviors
Perform Experiments
Test Hypothesis

11
 The Scientific Method

Repeat the process until we get a well-tested

explanation
Theory a set of assumptions put forth to explain
some aspect of the observed behavior of matter
May need to be modified or discarded as new
information (observations) becomes known

12
 The Scientific Method

While Experimenting we may Observe the Same

Behavior all the time, and therefore be able to Predict
this Behavior will Always Occur in the Future
Law a generally observed behavior
Without explanation as to why the behavior occurs!

13
The Difference Between a Theory and a Law

Laws predict what will happen

Theories explain why something happens

Which will also allow you to predict what will happen!

14
Figure 1.1:
The various
parts of the
scientific
method.
The Best Approach to Learning Chemistry
Learn the Vocabulary of Chemistry
Definitions of Terms
How Common Vocabulary is Applied to Chemistry
Memorize Important Information
Names, Formulas and Charges of Polyatomic Ions
Solubility Rules
Learn and Practice Processes
Systematic Names and Formulas
Dimensional Analysis
Do the Questions and Exercises at the End of the Chapter
to Test your Understanding and help you See the
Patterns

16