What is Chemistry: Definition and 993 Discussions

Chemistry is the scientific study of the properties and behavior of matter. It is a natural science that covers the elements that make up matter to the compounds composed of atoms, molecules and ions: their composition, structure, properties, behavior and the changes they undergo during a reaction with other substances.In the scope of its subject, chemistry occupies an intermediate position between physics and biology. It is sometimes called the central science because it provides a foundation for understanding both basic and applied scientific disciplines at a fundamental level. For example, chemistry explains aspects of plant chemistry (botany), the formation of igneous rocks (geology), how atmospheric ozone is formed and how environmental pollutants are degraded (ecology), the properties of the soil on the moon (cosmochemistry), how medications work (pharmacology), and how to collect DNA evidence at a crime scene (forensics).
Chemistry addresses topics such as how atoms and molecules interact via chemical bonds to form new chemical compounds. There are two types of chemical bonds: 1. primary chemical bonds e.g covalent bonds, in which atoms share one or more electron(s); ionic bonds, in which an atom donates one or more electrons to another atom to produce ions (cations and anions); metallic bonds and 2. secondary chemical bonds e.g. hydrogen bonds; Van der Waals force bonds, ion-ion interaction, ion-dipole interaction etc.

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  1. hdp12

    Chemistry Determine Weight Percent given molecular weight....

    Homework Statement So for my homework assignment in 'Materials Science and Engineering', We were given the following problem. 1. Li and Ra both are both BCC metals. For this problem assume they form a complete solid solution (even though the very large difference in their atomic size tell us...
  2. C

    Conceptual explanation for ΔS=Q/T

    So understand how to solve a problem using the equation: ΔS=Q/T But is there a conceptual explanation for why the equation works. And I'm not looking for a proof, but I simply want to understand why this equation should be intuitive. Thanks for your time!
  3. B

    Measuring Alkyl Chain Cross-Sectional Area for Gibbs Adsorption

    1. Surfactant molecule is made from water-loving head and grease-loving tail (Figure 1). My question: How do we measure the cross-sectional area of the alkyl chain of surfactant? Do we measure it vertically (refer to GREEN DOUBLE ARROWS of Figure 1) or horizontally (refer to RED DOUBLE ARROWS of...
  4. C

    What is Enthelpy Conceptually?

    So I understand that enthalpy is energy. But what energy specifically? Is enthalpy heat energy? Is it the energy that bonds atoms together and that's why it can either be released or absorbed? Or is that what Gibbs free energy is? I'm trying to make sense of the equation: ΔG=ΔH-TΔS...
  5. ShellDough

    Question regarding the rate law of a reaction

    Homework Statement Data in the table were collected at 300 K for the following reaction: A(g) + B(g) → products Concentration of A 1.00 0.100 1.100 Concentration of B 0.100 0.100 1.00 Initial Rate (M/s) 1.29x10^-29 1.33x10^-30 1.30x10^-29...
  6. K

    Physical Chemistry Homework: Equilibrium Constant and Gas Properties

    Homework Statement I have the following task: A chemical reaction 2 A(g) <-> B(g) + C(g) has an equilibrium constant defined by: ln=0.8+ 1050/T−1,3.105/T² a) What is K at 400K? Calculate ΔrG0 In a volume of 5L you get 2 moles of A and 0.5 moles of B. Reaction still proceeds at 400K. Consider...
  7. GiantSheeps

    Reasons for error in percentage of oxygen in KClO3 lab

    Homework Statement I did this lab on percentage of oxygen in potassium chlorate and I got a percent error of about 30%. I now need to find three reasons for error, and human error does not count. I think one could be that the masses used in calculating the theoretical percentage of oxygen were...
  8. B

    Learn About Using the Liter in Chemistry Courses

    I'm taking my 3rd chem course and I was just wondering why do we use the Liter? Shouldn't we just use cm^3 on the instruments and use dm^3? I never got it.
  9. W

    Chemistry in Daily Life: Coursework Ideas & Experiments

    Homework Statement Coursework topic - Chemistry in daily life Hi recently i am doing a coursework with topic " Chemistry in daily life" i am having trouble with where to start. The main purpose of this thread is asking for some chemistry experiment which involved in daily life. There are some...
  10. J

    Chemistry Chemistry textbook for physics majors?

    I've only had a single semester of general chemistry but am in my third year of physics and will be taking general chemistry II this upcoming semester. In addition to the assigned text (Chemistry: A Molecular Approach, Tro) what I'm wondering is whether there are any textbooks that treat the...
  11. E

    Organic chemistry boiling point

    Homework Statement State true or false: The boiling point of propanoic acid is less than that of n-butyl alcohol, an alcohol of comparable molecular weight. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Is this just a question where you either know it or don't OR is there some argument based off...
  12. avorobey

    Why wouldn't half-reactions in a battery just go on?

    Have been trying to better understand how batteries work. Forgive me if the question's naive. A half-reaction on one of the electrodes in a battery produces free electrons (for example) and consumes anions (or produces cations). I understand why, if there's an external wire for electrons to...
  13. W

    Coursework Chemistry Project -- Idendification of different types of polymer

    Homework Statement Topic : Idendification of different types of polymer Suggested materials : Plastic bottles or materials Sugeested methods of analysis : Volumetric analysis, Chromatography ,pH, Solvent extration, Distillation General purpose of project : To inculcate awareness on health and...
  14. Karan Punjabi

    Understanding Hybridization in Chemistry: Fact or Fiction?

    I just read what is hybridization its features and all. My textbook has a statement that hybrid orbital makes a stronger covalent bond than the old atomic orbitals but this can only be happen when hybrid orbital has less energy than the any of mixing orbitals. So is it true?
  15. CheesyPeeps

    React with Br2 & I2 Higher Question

    Homework Statement Which of the following will react with Br2 but not with I2? A OH− B SO3 2− C Fe2+ D Mn2+ Homework Equations N/A The Attempt at a Solution The answer given in the marking scheme is C, and I can't figure out how to come to that conclusion. Is it something to do with...
  16. RoboNerd

    Effects of Crushing a Solid on Equilibrium Position

    Hi everyone. So I have been learning about equilibrium recently in class... and suppose I have the following reaction: A(s) + B(aq) <-----> C(aq) + D(g) [Note: in parentheses, I indicate the state of my substances] So I was told recently that pulverizing my solid "A" would not change the...
  17. R

    Needing help identifying a salt.

    So I recently did a titration lab with a monoprotic acid and sodium hydroxide. After using stochiometric ratios I found the molar mass to be around 175g/mol. It is possible I have a huge percentage error, but can anyone think of an acid that is monoprotic and is within the range of that molar...
  18. Alpha123

    Why the experimental error for CaOH is larger than MgO?

    Homework Statement I did a lab on the experimental application of Hess's law. There were two experiments where a substance in a solution was dissolved and the temperatures were recorded. Then the standard heat of formation for the substance was calculated. The first experiment used MgO and HCL...
  19. Stephanus

    Understand Chemistry Bond Symbol for Antioxidants and Free Radicals

    Dear PF Forum, I'm trying to understand antioxidant and free radicals. But I'm afraid that my chemistry is weak. Perhaps someone can help me with this picture? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxide This is Hydrogen Peroxide. Neutral. As much as I can surmise in this picture is... 1...
  20. GiantSheeps

    Naturally occurring elements yet to be discovered?

    So I know that all the elements above 92 on the periodic table do not occur naturally, does that mean that we've discovered all the naturally occurring elements? Is it possible that there can be elements with a higher atomic number than 118 that we just haven't discovered yet in nature?
  21. Stephanus

    What Can You Do with Wolfram Alpha in Chemistry?

    Dear PF Forum, Do anybody know the 'Wolfram Alpha' for chemistry? For example. If I enter: HCl + NaOH The website will produce something like HCl + NaOH -> NaCl + H2O (+ or - energy would be preferable) or if I enter: C6H12O6 + O2 The website will produce something like: Do you mean: C6H12O6 +...
  22. W

    Chemistry Career in Theoretical/Experimental Physics through Chemistry

    Hi everybody, Have followed this forum for a year or so and decided it's about time to sign up. I have a couple of questions regarding my career. I'm currently a 2nd year Chemist, with interests in quantum/theoretical chemistry. My plans at the moment are leaning towards applying for a PhD...
  23. zAbso

    Programs Should I Major in Physics? Balancing Workload and Career Goals

    I'm currently a sophomore in college studying computer science while minoring in both physics and chemistry. I constantly find myself debating whether I should or shouldn't major in physics instead of it being a minor. I already have quite a workload with computer science and I'm not sure how...
  24. CollinsArg

    Heat: Microscope - Seeing Matter React

    Hi! is there any microscope or images in which we can see how a matter reacts as it is heated? And how was it proved that when matter is heated their particules vibrate faster?. Tahnk you!
  25. francisfrances

    Organic chemistry or chemistry

    hi i am in the natural cosmetics industry and would like to have a scientific understanding of my craft. Accordingly do i study chemistry, organic chemistry or is there something else i should be looking at.many thks
  26. M

    Is life a matter of evolving chemistry?

    is life a matter of constantly evolving chemistry?
  27. V

    Physics or physical chemistry

    I'm currently in my first year of a MSc in physical chemistry and in the process of deciding what topic to choose for my thesis (most likely starting around april). I think my personal interests lie more on the side of physics than chemistry (I have only become sure of it this year). My...
  28. D

    Life Advice | Should I go for a Second Major in Physics?

    Sorry if this is in the wrong forum. (If you don't want to read my rant, just skip to the bottom paragraph.) I am currently majoring in chemistry at university, and I am graduating next semester. I like chemistry, unlike most people, but I'm a little different than my fellow undergraduate...
  29. J

    Advice on Taking a 6 week General Chemistry 1 Class

    Hello, I'm currently enrolled in a 6 week General Chemistry 1 class that starts in January. The class meets about 5 hours a day Monday - Friday. I took the introductory chemistry course offered at my college this fall, and I was able to keep an A+ without much trouble. What can I do between now...
  30. Titan97

    Chemistry Books on practical organic chemistry

    Is there a good book that contains various methods for qualitative analysis of organic compounds? (Like Tollens test for aldehydes).
  31. Zeeboozoo

    Tangibly Explaining HUP to General Chemistry Students

    I understand this topic has been brought up before, however there appears to be "truth" or "lies" and very little in between when it comes to explaining the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) to students of freshman chemistry. I'm teaching university general chemistry to students who've had...
  32. L

    Physics or Chemistry: PhD Career Prospects & Interactions

    I have searched the forums for this thread and have read several threads but I still have a few unanswered questions. Which major will involve more of the interactions between subatomic particles? Right now, chemistry is very interesting to me because it deals a lot with the interactions of the...
  33. C

    How to Keep Up with Molecular Orbitals for Intro Chemistry

    I am a professional math and science tutor, primarily focused on math and physics. I used to tutor organic chemistry but gave it up because I didn't want to study orgo an hour per week for the rest of my life. I like general chemistry and have no trouble with most topics, but the way of...
  34. Mwett

    Chemistry Choose Between Chemistry & Physics for University Studies

    Good evening, I'm a student in my last year of high school and I'm still not sure about what I'd want to study later at University. I'm sure I want to do something with science but I am hesitating between chemistry and physics. I think I'm more interested in physics but am afraid it is going to...
  35. M

    Number of molecular hits from air onto a surface

    Homework Statement Compute the average number of molecular hits, per unit time, experienced by a square inch of surface exposed to air, under normal conditions. Assume air is a mixture composed of 80% N2, 20% O2, both of which are assumed to be ideal gases. You will have to perform angular...
  36. saranya_sarah

    Combining chemistry and physics

    Hi, I enjoy both chemistry and physics, then perhaps wish to combine my interest and pursue it in a single career... Is that possible? Thanks in advance
  37. B

    Solubility in water -- High school chemistry

    Q1. Why do simple molecular substances tend to be insoluble in water? Q2. Molecular substances are often soluble in organic solvents. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution [/B] A1. Water molecules have strong intermolecular attractions between them. In order for a substance to...
  38. S

    Do you see a problem with the wording of this chemistry question?

    I don't need help with the actual question, I just wanted to know if anyone else thinks there's an issue with this question of it it's just me. I've spoke to my tutor and he's confirmed what I need to do so I'm fine on that front, but I was curious if I'm just interpreting the wording...
  39. Axon

    Chemistry The difference between physics and chemistry?

    What is the difference between physics and chemistry? I asked my Science teacher (who teaches Physics in senior years) and he said that chemistry was basically applied physics.
  40. GiantSheeps

    Sources of Error in Flame Test Lab

    Homework Statement In a flame test lab, where different unknown substances are heated and the identity of the substance is determined by the color emitted, what can be some sources of error? Homework Equations n/a The Attempt at a Solution I need three sources of error, and so far I have...
  41. ptownbro

    Figuring Subscripts in Single Replacement Equations

    Homework Statement When figuring out the product from a reaction using single replacement type of a reaction, we believe we understand what the elements and compounds will be produced but can't figure out how the subscripts are calculated/determined in some examples. #1 ZnS + O2 ---> ZnO + S...
  42. B

    Constant Volume Calorimetry - Why does (ΔnRT)=(Δn)RT

    When doing constant volume calorimetry, the enthalpy can be calculated as follows: ΔH = ΔU + Δ(PV) ΔH = w + q + Δ(PV) ΔH = PΔV + q + Δ(PV) and at constant volume: ΔH = q + VΔP which I've then see people rewrite using the ideal gas law as follows: ΔH = q + (Δn)RT where Δn is the change in...
  43. E

    Organic Chemistry Nucleophile Reactivity Rate

    CH3Br + Nu- → CH3Nu + Br- The decreasing order of the rate of the above reaction with the following nucleophiles is: [ Nu = (I) PhO- (II) AcO- (III) HO- (IV) CH3O- ] My answer is IV > III > II > I However the answer is IV > III > I > II I'm having a hard time understanding why...
  44. M

    Schools Question about Physical Chemistry Graduate School

    I'm currently a freshman a MIT. I was planning to do a Chemistry and Physics double major but after looking at the requirements for a Chemistry minor, it wouldn't take any additional classes to do a Physics and Math double major with a minor in Chemistry. The reason this is appealing to me is...
  45. CollinsArg

    I want to study Chemistry, What can I do?

    Hi! I need advices for posibilities...I'm from Argentina...I am 21...this is my situation: in my country studying in universities is free in public universities...so it is very common to start to study something and then change the major...so I first study music for a year, then I leave it and I...
  46. HeavyMetal

    Orthonormal spin functions (Szabo and Ostlund problem 2.1)

    Homework Statement [/B] Taken straight out of Szabo and Ostlund's "Quantum Chemistry" problem 2.1: Given a set of K orthonormal spatial functions, \{\psi_{i}^{\alpha}(\mathbf{r})\}, and another set of K orthonormal functions, \{\psi_{i}^{\beta}(\mathbf{r})\}, such that the first set is not...
  47. Alpha123

    What are the esters formed from fumaric acid and propanol ?

    Homework Statement what are the esters formed by: -fumaricacid and propanol? - succinic acid and butanol -citric acid and methanol and how does each one smell Homework Equations none The Attempt at a Solution I have drawn out each of the structural diagrams but i couldn't draw the esters. My...
  48. G

    Can helium prevent ozone formation in electron-plasma chemistry?

    a possible way to make superoxide oxygen anions without making ozone? please tell me, normally if there is dioxygen present and a electron emitter such as a sharp needle electrode with HV is in the dioxygen there will be mostly ozone and oxygen anions (negative oxygen ions, superoxide) formed...
  49. K

    How do I find the ph without using Hasselbach's equation?

    Homework Statement hi so in my lab class we made a buffer solution by mixing 20.00 ml of 0.100 M Sodium Hydroxide and 40.00 ml of 0.100 M of acetic acid. We then poured 15ml of this buffer solution into a beaker. So we essentially have 15 ml of this buffer solution in the beaker. We then added...
  50. R

    Coal Gasifier - Thermodynamics Question

    Homework Statement The problem is in the attached picture. I simply do not know what an "equilibrium equation" is and what it means by the composition. My professor is unbelievably difficult to get a straight, understandable answer from. I've already taken thermodynamics, but we did not learn...
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