What Is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or separate
to form other substances, and how substances interact with energy. 

Every material in existence is made up of matter — even our own bodies. Chemistry is involved
in everything we do, from growing and cooking food to cleaning our homes and bodies to
launching a space shuttle. Chemistry is one of the physical sciences that help us to describe
and explain our world.

Chemistry is the study of matter and the chemical reactions between substances. Chemistry is
also the study of matter’s composition, structure, and properties. 

A basic chemical hypothesis first emerged in Classical Greece when Aristotle defined the four
elements of fire, air, earth, and water.

Father of Early Chemistry Abu Musa Jabir ibn Hayyan al azdi, or Geber
Father of Modern Chemistry Antoine Lavoisier / Robert Boyle

Different Branches of Chemistry

The study of chemistry can be organized into distinct branches that emphasize subsets
of chemical concepts.

Analytical chemistry: Analytical chemistry seeks to determine the exact chemical

compositions of substances.

Biochemistry: Biochemistry is the study of chemicals found in living things

(such as DNA and proteins).

Inorganic chemistry: Inorganic chemistry studies substances that do not contain

carbon.

Organic chemistry: Organic chemistry studies carbon-based substances.

Physical chemistry: Physical chemistry is the study of the physical properties of

chemicals.

Biophysical chemistry: Biophysical chemistry is the application of physical chemistry

in a biological context.
What is the importance of chemistry and why would we want to learn about it?

Chemistry is the study of matter and its interactions with other matter and energy.

Chemistry is important because everything we do is chemistry! Even our body is made of

chemicals. Chemical reactions occur when we breathe, eat, or just sit there reading. All matter
is made of chemicals, so the importance of chemistry is that it's the study of everything. Many of
the changes you observe in the world around you are caused by chemical reactions.

Chemistry is a branch of Science. The word Science is derived from a Latin word “Scientia”
meaning knowledge.

Science depends on three bases: Hypothesis, Observation and Experiment. The knowledge we
get after Hypothesis, Observation and Experiment is called Science.

Main Sciences are:

Universal Sciences Here we study Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Social Sciences Here we study people and Society

Formal Sciences Here we study math and logic

The word Chemistry is derived from a Arabic/Latin word “Keem” meaning “Dust”. Chemistry is
the study of matter.

In Chemistry we study:

 Composition of matter the ingredients of a substance or it is made up of which things

 Structure of matter
 Properties of matter
 Reaction of matter