Example Exercise 1.

1 Introduction to Chemistry
What is the difference between ancient chemistry and modern chemistry?

Solution
The principal difference is that modern chemistry is founded on the scientific method.Ancient
chemistry was based on speculation, whereas modern chemistry is based on planned experiments.

Practice Exercise
What question can we ask to distinguish a scientific theory from a natural law?
We can distinguish a theory from a law by asking the question, “Is the proposed statement measurable?” If we
take measurements and verify a relationship by a mathematical equation, the statement is a law; if not, it is a
theory.

Introductory Chemistry: Concepts and Critical Thinking, 8th Edition © 2018 Pearson Education, Inc.
Charles H. Corwin
 Example Exercise 1.2 Learning Chemistry
Is it possible to have different perceptions of a single visual image?

Solution
Yes, a single image can suggest two different observations. That is, an observer may view a half glass of water as
“half full” or “half empty.

Practice Exercise
Why would a student at first find a chemistry problem difficult to solve when later the solution seems easy and
obvious?

If the student has an unconscious assumption that chemistry is a difficult subject, the student may assume a
chemistry problem is difficult to solve.

Introductory Chemistry: Concepts and Critical Thinking, 8th Edition © 2018 Pearson Education, Inc.
Charles H. Corwin