Chemistry Introduction.ppt
- 1. 1 Basic Chemistry: A Foundation by Steven S. Zumdahl University of Illinois
- 3. 3 Why is Chemistry Important? • In Our Daily Lives – New Materials – New Pharmaceuticals – New Energy Sources – Food Supplies – Can you think of others?
- 4. 4 Chemistry deals with the natural world. Source: Terry Donnelly/Stone/Getty Images
- 5. 5 Why is Chemistry Important? • In Your Education – Help you learn to Gather and Organize Information • Qualitative and Quantitative – Help you learn to find Patterns in Information – Help you learn to Analyze Complex Systems – Help you develop skills to Predict Future Events based on Patterns of Behavior – Help you develop Problem-Solving Skills • Systematic Approach
- 6. 6 What is Chemistry? • The science that deals with the materials of the universe and the changes these materials undergo • The Central Science – Understanding most other fields of science requires an understanding of Chemistry
- 7. 7 Solving Problems Using a Scientific Approach • Define the Problem • Gather Information Facts Observations • Propose Solutions • Organize Information and look for Patterns • Hypotheses
- 8. 8 • Evaluate your Proposed Solutions • Test your Patterns by using them to Predict What Will Happen • Experiments Solving Problems Using a Scientific Approach
- 9. 9 The Scientific Method • A process of studying natural phenomena that involves making observations, forming laws and theories, and testing theories by experimentation
- 10. The launch of the space shuttle gives clear indications that chemical reactions are occurring. Source: NASA
- 11. 11 The Scientific Method • Make Observations – Qualitative Descriptions – Quantitative Measurements • Formulate Hypotheses – Possible Explanations for Observed Characteristics or Behaviors • Perform Experiments – Test Hypothesis
- 12. 12 The Scientific Method • Repeat the process until we get a well- tested explanation • Theory a set of assumptions put forth to explain some aspect of the observed behavior of matter – May need to be modified or discarded as new information (observations) becomes known
- 13. 13 The Scientific Method • While Experimenting we may Observe the Same Behavior all the time, and therefore be able to Predict this Behavior will Always Occur in the Future • Law a generally observed behavior – Without explanation as to why the behavior occurs!
- 14. 14 The Difference Between a Theory and a Law • Laws predict what will happen • Theories explain why something happens – Which will also allow you to predict what will happen!
- 15. Figure 1.1: The various parts of the scientific method.
- 16. 16 The Best Approach to Learning Chemistry • Learn the Vocabulary of Chemistry – Definitions of Terms – How Common Vocabulary is Applied to Chemistry • Memorize Important Information – Names, Formulas and Charges of Polyatomic Ions – Solubility Rules • Learn and Practice Processes – Systematic Names and Formulas – Dimensional Analysis • Do the Questions and Exercises at the End of the Chapter to Test your Understanding and help you See the Patterns