CH1000 Fundament als of Chemistry Module 1 Chapter 1
An Introduction into Chemistry
What is Chemistry? Chemistry is the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of
matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. Simply put, chemistry is the study of matter and matter is any object that has mass and
occupies space. The study of chemistry is vast and broad. From interactions between atoms which form
the building blocks of the universe to large energetic changes such as thermal transfer which makes life possible. Your life is touched by chemistry every day.
Chemists try to understand the how and why chemical changes occur. Chemists and other scientists use the scientific method as a means to gain
understanding and solve problems.
The Scientific Method
Observations Laws
Hypothesis
Experiment
Theory (model)
(analysis) (explanation)
(analysis)
1. Make an observation / Form a question 2. Collect facts or data that is relevant to your
observation/question. (Generally done through experimentation)
3. Formulate a hypothesis that accounts for the data on hand and can be tested by further experimentation.
4. Plan and do additional experiments to test the hypothesis.
5. Modify the hypothesis as necessary so that it is compatible with all pertinent data.
Hypothesis , Theory, Laws
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation of certain facts that provides a basis of further explanation.
During experimentation, the hypothesis should be the expected outcome of the process based on all previous information.
Once a hypothesis has become well tested and established, it is called a theory, or a model.
Scientific theory is well tested and generally established information. It is an explanation of the general principles of certain phenomena with considerable evidence or facts to support it.
Scientific theory can be changed or disproven as new information becomes available and/or new discoveries are made.
Scientific laws are simple statements of natural phenomena to which no exceptions are known under the given conditions. An example of a scientific law is Newtons law of gravity. Gravity is a
natural phenomena which exists in the universe with no known exceptions.
Physical States of Matter Solid, Liquid, Gas
Solid Definite shape and volume Rigid particle structure Shape can be independent of
container Very slight compressibility
Liquid Definite volume but indefinite
shape Firm but not rigid particle
structure (surface tension) Takes shape of container Slight compressibility
Gas Indefinite volume and no
fixed shape Particles independent of each
other and far apart Highly compressible
Classifying Matter The term matter refers to all materials. A substance is a type of matter with a definite, fixed composition. A pure substance is either an element or compound. Some common elements are copper, gold and iron Some common compounds are salt, sugar and water
Homogeneous matter is uniform in appearance and has the same properties throughout
Heterogeneous matter consists of two or more physically distinct phases
A phase is the homogeneous part of a system separated from other parts by a physical boundary
A system is simply the body of matter under consideration
Mixtures
A mixture is a material containing two or more substances and can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous.
Pure Substance Mixture
Always has a definite composition by mass.
Always contains two or more substances that can be present in varying amounts
The elements in a compound lost their identities and may be separated only by chemical means.
The components of a mixture do not lose their identities and may be separated by physical means
Matter
Pure Substance (homogeneous composition)
Mixtures of two or more
substances
Elements Compounds Solutions
(homogeneous composition one
phase)
Heterogeneous mixtures (two or
more phases)
Reading Review
Provide an example of a homogeneous mixture.
Provide an example of a heterogeneous mixture.
List the physical states of matter.
True or False: A solution is another term for homogeneous mixture
Fill in the blank: Oxygen is a ____ _________ which exists in a mixture commonly known as air.
Slide 1
An Introduction into Chemistry
The Scientific Method
Hypothesis, Theory, Laws
Physical States of Matter Solid, Liquid, Gas
Classifying Matter
Mixtures
Reading Review
