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. Ritzycat

    Guidance with some chemistry concepts

    Hello! I understand that a lot of this may be considered physics, but It is for AP Chemistry. We will likely be required to identify a certain element on the periodic table given a set of quantum numbers of one of its electrons. I understand the primary quantum number, n, essentially...
  2. R

    Idea i got in honors chemistry

    im only 17 and have recently joined an honors chemistry class and i found that people are trying to make new elements. now i have already heard about this before but recently i have been interested. i don't know if this has been tried before i don't know but i was wondering if you take element...
  3. C

    Gibbs phase rule at critical point

    What is the degrees of freedom at the critical point of a 1 component system such as water. in my test I put zero because the critical point is a POINT that is fixed per substance. is there any books that can back me up? I heard that my teacher said there was 1 degree of freedom which I am...
  4. L

    How Can I Teach Myself Chemistry After 20 Years Away from Textbooks?

    After 20 years of being a locksmith, I have decided that I want to get a college degree and I'll be starting next year! As part of my degree, I will be doing two chemistry courses which will cover: - Intermolecular forces, chemical equilibrium, energy considerations and chemical reactivity...
  5. I

    Calculating Entropy Change in an expansion

    1. Suppose that you have a sample of a gas in a cylinder equipped with a piston that has a volume of 1.50 L, a pressure of 1.20 atm, and a temperature of 250 K. Suppose that the gas is expanded reversibility under isothermal conditions until the pressure is 0.75 atm. What is the entropy change...
  6. pmd28

    Quantum Chemistry: Theory based questions

    Hey all, I want to preface this with I wasn't sure if I should put this in the physics thread since it is quantum mechanics or in chemistry thread since this is for my Physical Chemistry course. I will gladly move the thread if the community feels it is more appropriate in the physics thread. I...
  7. J

    Physical Chemistry: Chemical Equlibrium

    Homework Statement For the reaction: 2SO3(g) →2SO2(g)+O2(g) when 2.00 mol of SO3 is added to a flask at 10.0 L and 350 K at fixed volume, at equilibrium the ratio of SO2:SO3 is 0.663. What is the values of the equilibrium constant? What is ΔG° at this temperature? Homework Equations...
  8. E

    Chemistry Calculating weight needed for micromole of solution

    Homework Statement Here is the question: What weight of neutral red (molecular weight 289) must be dissolved in 1.00 ml to give a =40.0 µM (µmol l-1) solution? Give your answer in MICROGRAMS (µg). Homework Equations Not sure the only one I'm aware of is mole concentration (mol dm^-3) =...
  9. D

    Thinking about a second bachelor's or master's, which route should I take?

    Hi all, I'm new around here but I've checked out the site several times, thought it might be a good place to get some feedback. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS Chem in 2013, and have spent the last year working in sales. I'm now situated in Lubbock, TX (where Texas Tech is...
  10. P

    Exploring Equilibrium Constants & Kinetics: A Closer Look

    Consider the following generic equilibrium: aM + bN ⇌ cO + dP An equilibrium constant, K, can be defined as: $$K = \frac{[O]^c [P]^d}{[M]^a [N]^b}$$ But couldn't we also define another equilibrium constant similarly with coefficients that are in the same ratio as our original equation? For...
  11. Ritzycat

    Why Does Thermochemistry Equate Q of Solution to Negative Q of Reaction?

    Hello! I have a few conceptual questions regarding thermochemistry. In thermochemistry, why is Q of solution equal to negative Q of reaction? Why is a volume decrease equal a POSITIVE value for w?
  12. I

    Sig Figs in Chemistry: Calculate Mass of O2 from Gasoline

    Homework Statement Calculate what mass of oxygen is required to completely combust 500.0g of gasoline. Assume that the gasoline contains only octane.[/B]Homework Equations My problem is... I don't know WHEN to apply sig figs. If this is a multi-step problem (i to iv in this case), do I apply...
  13. C

    Validity of the Pauling Scale of Electronegativity?

    I propose the Pauling Scale is not valid in all circumstances, and other scales of electronegativity would do better to predict the behavior of electron density in molecules: Electronegativity seems to be poorly defined for such a widely used chemical property: a 'tendency' of an atom or...
  14. G

    In your education system, is physics closer to maths or to chemistry?

    Here in Spain all of them are independent subjects at university and last year of high school, but in the first years of high school the contents related with physics and chemistry are joined in the same subject. The same happens with biology and geology. Therefore, high school physics teachers...
  15. S

    Chemistry homework help with enthelpy

    Homework Statement A 34.05 gram liquid sample of an unstable compound is deposited in a metal piston assembly that has a cylinder with a diameter of 20.0 cm. After the sample is added, the piston is placed in contact with the liquid and the piston vent is closed. This process removes all...
  16. Ziliba

    Help with experiment recording

    Hello! I need a little help! At school we did an experiment. We took cooper sulphate (CuSO4.5H2O) and heated it.Then we tried to see whether there are five moles of water to each mole of cooper sulphate. I am asked to "start with a brief statement of how the experiment allowed you to determine...
  17. Etienne

    Science Fair *Investigation / Paper*

    So, I want to write a paper for this year's science fair. I wanted to ask, if anyone could give me a few suggestions on some cool topics? It doesn't necessarily have to be Chemistry, it could be Physics, Mathematics, Bio, etc. If anyone has some ideas about Food Chemistry, that'd be cool too...
  18. J

    Partial Derivative Manipulation for Physical Chemistry Homework problem

    Homework Statement Given the functions Q(v,w) and R(v,w) [/B] K = v(dQ/dv)r and L = v(dQ/dv)w Show that (1/v)K = (1/v)L + (dQ/dw)v (dW/dv)r I have the problem attached if for clarity of the information. Homework Equations I assume everything is given in the problem. The Attempt at...
  19. E

    MHB Chemistry - Enthelpy Questions (gr 12)

    So I just started learning about enthalpy changes and all the equations that go along with it (for grade 12 chem). I wasn't sure how to do a few questions, so I'd really appreciate the help. I'm mostly kinda confused on when to use the equations q = mcdeltaH and deltaH = ndeltaHx 1) If at 25°C...
  20. \Theta

    Computational Chemistry in undergrad?

    Hey there folks! I'm a math/computer science major focusing on scientific computing and I was wondering what courses I would need to take in my undergrad to be able to help out in Computational/Theoretical Chemistry. I've taken general chem and taking P Chem soon, is this enough or are there...
  21. C

    Good chemistry books for beginners

    Hi what would be some good books for helping to understand chemistry for beginners? I'm not sure what kind of level of understanding this forum is aimed at or if it is (or can be) made to accommodate people who have very limited understanding of science. Unfortunately I didn't take science...
  22. S

    Chemistry Question regarding Chemistry ( Moles

    Homework Statement A silicon chip used in an integrated circuit of a computer has a mass of 4.86 mg. How many silicon atoms are present in this chip? Homework Equations no. of moles of element = no. of particles / 6.22 * 10^23 particles No. of moles of a element : mass of element...
  23. S

    Chemistry Jobs in physics, chemistry or biology

    Hello everyone I'm coming here to ask for some career advice. I graduated last year with my degree in accounting and I'm really at a point that I just hate it and am getting out of the field completely. I was originally studying to be a teacher for history and art however because of the...
  24. S

    How Does the Oxygen Balance in the Reaction C2H2 + N2O ---> CO2 + N2 + H2O?

    Hello, I was wondering if anyone could help to explain something simple to me, I am lost for answers, and this is something a 7th grader should know I am assuming. C2H2 + N2O ---> CO2 + N2 + H2O. Now this may seem like a retarded question, but how can there be two oxygen molecules in the...
  25. S

    Can conversion methods in chemistry be applied to electrical engineering?

    can we use some conversion types of chemistry in electrical. Lke in chemistry we used to calculate that if mass of 50g require 500ml of water to dissolve then mass of 10g requires = (500*10)/50 . similarly can we use the same tecnique to find some electrical quantities for example dielectric of...
  26. B

    Studying Organic Chemistry and General Chemistry

    Hello! Is it possible to study the organic chemistry without the firm knowledge of general chemistry? I took the general chemistry on last year and will take the organic chemistry on this Fall but I forgot the majority of topics from general chemistry...I heard that organic chemistry is quite...
  27. B

    Calculating ECell of Anode-Half Cell? Chemistry Review

    Homework Statement The redox reaction of peroxydisulfate with iodide has been used for many years as part of the iodine clock reaction which introduces students to kinetics. If E°cell = 1.587 V and E° of the cathode half-cell is 0.536 V, what is E° of the anode half-cell? S2O82–(aq) + 2H+ +...
  28. HeavyMetal

    Programs Chemistry Major Thinking (too much?) about Physics

    I have been doing research in chemistry for quite a while now. I love chemistry! But for about a year now, all of the questions that I've had are of a more purely physical nature. My mentor has some good answers for me, but a lot of the time he doesn't seem to care or know about the answer. He...
  29. B

    Function Group vs. Mechanisms approach (Organic Chemistry)

    Hello! For those who took (or have been taking) the organic chemistry, which methodology do you prefer to tackle the mechanism and prediction questions? I have been reading Loudon & Wade (functional group-based) and Clayden (mechanism-based), but I feel like the mechanism-based approach is...
  30. S

    Chemistry Struggling to decide between physics of chemistry for career prospects

    I'm having trouble deciding between the two as I don't want to go into any specific field, my goal is just to be in a position to have a proper career. I don't know which subject has more prospects in the industry but I'll probably want to progress to a masters eventually and obviously will have...
  31. djh101

    Schools Which branch of physics to pursue going to grad school from chemistry?

    I will be applying for schools soon in physics, although my bachelors is in chemistry. Although I have decided that I would rather pursue physics than chemistry in graduate school, at the moment, I do not have my heart set on any specific sub-discipline of physics. So, assuming I have absolutely...
  32. B

    Seeking Advice on Chemistry Study

    Hello! I am a rising sophomore with double majors in a chemistry and microbiology. The reason I wrote this post is to seek your advice on my plan to review the chemistry for myself and for the research lab; I am currently working for the synthetic chemistry lab that focuses on the...
  33. A

    Physics vs Chemistry: What Do You Prefer & Why?

    Well i want to see what do you prefer and why?
  34. B

    Seeking Advice on Organic Chemistry textbooks

    Hello! I have some questions about the textbooks in the organic chemistry. I have been using the organic textbooks by L.G. Wade, Clayden, and Loudon. I love those books, but I have been hearing that the textbooks wrote by Klein, Carey, Morrison Boyd, and Hornback are really good. Do I...
  35. R

    Friendliest Chemistry Textbook

    I am about to take a teacher certification test for HS Chemistry. I would love to get suggestions from you on the friendliest textbook available out there for self studying, since I will study entirely on my own. The scope would be about two-semester introductory college level, I would also...
  36. B

    Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, and General Biology

    Hello! I am a rising sophomore with double major in a microbiology and a chemistry. I wrote this thread because I need a guidance in the course selection for the upcoming Fall Semester. Is taking both organic chemistry and biochemistry a good idea? I know that the biochemistry is based on...
  37. S

    Programs Physics or Chemistry: Which Major Should I Choose for Grad School and Research?

    Hello everyone, I am new here and have been digging through the forums to see if my problem has been discussed before, but couldn't really find the answers I was looking for. I am a community college student transferring to university this fall, majoring in physics. However I have had this...
  38. S

    Is General Chemistry for Engineers Different from Regular General Chemistry?

    In the chemical engineering curriculum I saw "general chemistry for engineers." How different is it from regular general chemistry which everyone else takes? We are currently using Burdge chemistry. Besides regular problems and additional exercises it does have biological and engineering...
  39. C

    Software for making Physics charts and chemistry charts?

    Hi, What software could you recommend for making complex physics and chemistry charts (for better overview) like the following 3 examples? Exapmple of SI. Units in physics http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/i/SubwayDiagram.gif Chemistry chart...
  40. C

    An easier Alternative to Clayden organic chemistry?

    Hi, I've red the first 4 chapters in Clayden Organic chemistry, and I got to admit I find the first chapters on NMR and Orbital theory lacking in explanation and figures. I don't feel like i have a clear understanding of the concept after reading these chapters because they seem to assume...
  41. A

    Comparison of acids Organic Chemistry

    Please look at pictures. I am wondering for (d). Why is the answer the second one? To which structure in Table 3.1 should I compare it to? I compare the first one to CH3CO2-. What about the second one?
  42. RJLiberator

    Basic Chemistry Questions: Understanding the Fundamentals

    Hello everyone, This site is so beautiful. There's an overwhelming amount of information and resources. It is a future scientist's dream to come across this site. I have fully committed to my goals of going further in physics and I am taking it a step up today due to posting here. My knowledge...
  43. T

    Programs Chemistry major: Organic Chemistry Seems Boring plus more rantty stuff

    I'm taking Organic Chem 1 and 2 during this summer because I'm double majoring with Material Science but so far Organic 1 just feels a bit boring. Yes ofc I'm going to get an A in it but idk it's interesting but at the same time not. I mean High School Ap chem and College inorganic chem...
  44. C

    Linus Pauling's General Chemistry

    Is anyone able to comment on the crystalline structures in the second chapter? Copper's cubic unit of structure is described as a face-centered cubic arrangement with atoms at coordinates 0,0,0; 0,1/2,1/2; 1/2,0,1/2; 1/2,1/2,0. The iron cubic unit of structure is described as a body-centered...
  45. Q

    Lewis Acid/Base Chemistry in formation of Sulfuric Acid

    Homework Statement How does sulfur trioxide react with water to form sulfuric acid Homework Equations This is clearly a Lewis acid/base problem. The Attempt at a Solution Okay, I tried drawing sulfur trioxide out with three double bonds (as it is traditionally drawn). I know...
  46. E

    What should a chemistry undergrad do to move toward an Engineering MS

    Hello - I am a student at the University of Richmond. I went to the university in order to get a chemistry degree to provide a solid pure science foundation for a later graduate engineering degree. I am realizing now that that might have been a mistake, as I was looking at Georgia Tech's...
  47. Ritzycat

    Some insight into chemistry for me?

    Hello friends of Physics forum. I am a high school junior, I will be finishing up finals next week. This year, I took Honors Chemistry, arguably the hardest class i have taken so far. However, I also found it the most fascinating and intriguing class. I am a mathematically oriented person and I...
  48. Feodalherren

    Chemistry redox reaction - gases mixing

    Homework Statement How many milliliters of Cl2 gas, measured at 28.0 °C and 750 torr, are needed to react with 18.5 mL of 0.173 M NaI if the I- is oxidized to IO3- and the Cl2 is reduced to Cl-? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution So the molar mass is .0030906 mol NaI...
  49. W

    Chemistry - Limiting Reactants, Thermochemical Change

    The problem is that 'my' solution is at variance with the solution provided for the question in the solutions manual that accompanies the textbook I am using. Homework Statement "A 14.1-mL sample of 0.996 M NaOH is mixed with 32.3 mL of 0.905 M HCl in a coffee-cup calorimeter (see Section...
  50. M

    How Do Geologists Determine the Age of Rock Samples Using Isotopic Ratios?

    Homework Statement Geologists are able to calculate ages of rock samples through measurements of certain isotopic rations combined with known radioactive decay rates (all such decays being considered to adhere to 1st order kinetic rate laws). Two such processes leading to stable isotopes are...
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