Welcome to the exciting world of chemistry! If you are just starting a chemistry class you may be wondering what you can expect to learn over the course of the semester. You can watch the Introduction to Chemistry presentation below to learn more about:
- What is chemistry?
- What are the different types of research?
- What are the five main areas of study in chemistry?
Introduction to Chemistry Notes (PDF for printing): Introduction to Chemistry Notes
Introduction to Chemistry Practice Problems: After watching the Introduction to Chemistry presentation you should be able to answer the following questions. (If you would like to print the practice problems as a worksheet you may click here: Introduction to Chemistry Practice Problems)
1. Identify each type of investigation as an example of pure research or applied research.
a. A researcher analyzes the composition of Saturn’s atmosphere.
b. A researcher improves the fuel efficiency of a combustion engine.
c. A researcher works on ways to improve the agricultural yield of an acre of corn
d.A researcher examines the unique crystalline structure of snowflakes.
2. Match each activity to one of the five areas of chemistry. (Organic, inorganic, biochemistry, physical, analytical)
a. Determining the energy transferred when water reaches the boiling point
b.Finding out how much water vapor is in a sample of air
c. Studying the conversion of light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis
in plants
d. Manufacturing polyester, which contains carbon
e. Studying crystals of the mineral quartz
f. Performing quality control during the manufacturing of Advil
g. Explaining how the speed of a reaction can be increased by adding a catalyst
h. Studying the clotting mechanism of blood
3. Identify each piece of data as either qualitative (descriptive) or quantitative (numerical).
a. Blue
b. 150 pound
c. 110° C
d. Round
e. Smells like roses
f. 35 mph
g. Hot
Click here for answers to the Introduction to Chemistry Practice Problems!