CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY  
Concept of chemistry  
Chemistry is a branch of science which deals with the composition, properties and  
structure of matter and the changes matter undergo.  
Science is the scientific study of nature.  
MATTER: – Is anything that has mass (weight) and occupies space  
Matter includes materials or substances of nature which make up our environment  
such as water, air, stones, plants, animals.  
BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY  
Branches of chemistry includes:  
(i) Physical chemistry  
(ii) Organic chemistry  
(iii) Inorganic chemistry  
(iv) Analytical chemistry (v) Biochemistry  
(vi) Chemical engineering.  
Physical chemistry deals with the relations between the physical properties of a  
substances and their chemical composition and transformations.  
Organic chemistry deals with the properties and behaviour of organic compounds.  
Inorganic chemistry deals with properties and behavior of inorganic compounds.  
Analytical chemistry deals with the studies of instruments and methods used to  
separate, identify and quantify chemical species in matter.  
Biochemistry deals with the study of chemical processes that occurs in living things.  
Chemical engineering deals with the design, development and operation of  
processes that convert raw materials into useful products.  
The people who study chemistry are called CHEMISTS.  
The people who studied chemistry in Ancient time were called ALCHEMISTS.  
Since chemistry is a science that involves experiments and practical work, chemists  
have to acquire scientific skills in order to be successful in obtaining facts and  
verifying them successfully. These skills include:  
(i) Making thorough observations.  
(ii) Recording accurately what has been observed  
(iii) Organizing the observed and recorded information.  
(iv) Repeating tests to ensure observations are accurate.  
(v) Drawing conclusions from observations  
(vi) Predicting possible outcomes of similar experiments  
Therefore, chemistry students should apply these skills to be able to think logically  
and critically.  
Question  
Since chemistry is a science that involves experiments and practical works, chemists  
have to acquire scientific skills in order to be successful in obtaining facts and  
verifying them. Describe six (6) skills required by the chemists.  
Answer  
Scientific skills refer to the abilities and competencies that enable individuals to use  
scientific knowledge effectively to investigate, understand, and explain the natural  
world. These skills are fundamental for conducting scientific inquiry, solving problems,  
and making informed decisions based on evidence and facts.  
The following are the scientific skills required by chemists so as to be able to think  
more clearly, logically, and even critically  
Careful and thorough observations. It involve using the senses or scientific  
instruments to notice and describe phenomena in detail. It requires attention to  
detail, patience, and objectivity to ensure that nothing important is overlooked.  
Thorough observations form the foundation of scientific inquiry by providing accurate  
data about the subject under study.  
Accurate recording of what has been observed. Accurate recording involves  
writing down or electronically capturing data, measurements, and descriptions  
without distortion or omission. This ensures that the information can be reviewed,  
analyzed, and verified by others.  
Organising the observed and recorded information. Organizing the information  
logically in tables, charts, or graphs helps in identifying patterns and relationships.  
This helps to interpret results and communicate findings clearly to others.  
Repeating tests to make sure observations are accurate. Repetition, or  
replication, of experiments is essential to confirm that results are consistent and  
reliable. By conducting multiple trials, scientists reduce the influence of random errors  
or anomalies, thereby increasing confidence in the validity of their observations.  
Drawing conclusions from observations. This skill involves analyzing the  
organized data to interpret what the results mean in the context of the hypothesis or  
research question. Drawing conclusions requires critical thinking to determine  
whether the evidence supports or refutes a scientific idea.  
Predicting possible outcomes of similar experiments. Based on the conclusions  
and knowledge gained, scientists can make informed predictions about what might  
happen in future experiments under similar conditions. This skill is important for  
designing new experiments and advancing scientific knowledge.  
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHEMISTRY AND OTHER RELATED DISCIPLINES  
Chemistry is related with other disciplines such as physics, biology, agriculture,  
geology, environmental sciences and mathematics.  
Importance of studying relationship between chemistry and other  
disciplines  
(i) It helps to understand the world around us and give insight to physical and  
biological processes.  
(ii) It provides useful integrated skills and acts as a foundation for understanding  
scientific skills through researching different phenomena  
(iii) It helps to understand different professions resulting from learning chemistry.  
Examples: Medical doctor, Pharmacist, Nurse, Chemical analyst, Laboratory  
technician, Researcher, Chemical engineer, Teacher and Environmentalist.  
Therefore, chemistry may be applied in hospitals, schools, research centres,  
energy sectors, chemical industries, etc.  
The following are some disciplines which are related to chemistry  
BIOLOGY. Chemistry and Biology are related in biochemistry and biotechnology.  
Biochemistry studies the chemical processes that occurs within living organisms for  
understanding biological systems.  
Biotechnology involves the use of living organisms to produce economically useful  
products by combining the knowledge and skills from chemistry, biology and chemical  
engineering.  
The relationship between chemistry and biology bring development that solves daily  
life challenges related to agriculture, medicine, nutrition and environmental issues.  
PHYSICS. Chemistry and physics are related in physical chemistry. Physical  
chemistry drives innovations and technological advancements in various areas such as  
medical instruments, materials science and products from manufacturing industries.  
AGRICULTURE. Chemistry and agriculture are related through agro-chemistry.  
Agro-chemistry deals with the chemical processes related to plants, animals and soil  
health, crop protection and fertilizers. It ensures food availability and security as well  
as good agricultural practices which improves the quality of agricultural products.  
GEOLOGY. Chemistry and geology are related through geochemistry field.  
Geochemistry field applies chemistry theores and principles in investigating the  
chemical composition and processes of the earth and other planets. Geochemists use  
their knowledge in investigating the abundance and distribution of chemical elements  
in rocks and minerals which is the foundation of mining industry.  
ENVIRONMETAL SCIENCE. Chemistry and environmental science are related in  
environmetal chemistry and atmospheric chemistry.  
Both fields apply chemistry theories and principles to study the ineractions of  
chemicals in the environment such as pollution and their impacts to the natural world.  
MATHEMATICS. Mathematics is applied in almost all areas of chemistry including  
physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and  
biochemistry. It is applied in measuring of volume, temperature and concentration of  
chemical substances, calculating percentage and ratios that expresses concentration,  
composition and products of chemical reactions.  
APPLICATION (IMPORTANCE/ CONTRIBUTION) OF CHEMISTRY IN THE  
DEVELOPMENT OF A MODERN SOCIETY  
Chemistry plays a significant role in the development of a modern society. It has  
influenced most aspects of life including healthcare, energy production and  
environmental sustainability. Due to practical application of chemistry the quality of  
life for many people worldwide has improved. Most of the products that are obtained  
by the application of chemistry are useful for development of modern societies.  
These products are processed in different areas such as agriculture, medicine,  
nutrition and cooking, manufacturing industries etc.  
AGRICULTURE. Agriculture is a practice of growing crops and keeping animals.  
Farmers use many products made through chemistry knowledge to get better  
agriculture yields. These products include fertilizers, animal vaccines, pesticides, weed  
killers and processed animal feeds. Fertilizers are used to improve the quality and  
quantity of crops. Pesticides are used for destroying insects or other organisms  
harmful to plants. Pesticides are also used in animal dips to kill pests such as ticks  
that attack animals. Animal vaccines are used to protect animals from diseases and  
also to prevent transmission of diseases between domestic animals and human being.  
MEDICINES. Medicines found in medical stores and pharmacies such as Panadol,  
coughing syrups, vaccines and food supplements are all made by application of  
chemistry. These materials ensure our well-being through the treatment and  
prevention of diseases.  
NUTRITION AND COOKING. Chemistry has an impact on the tastes, texture and  
nutritional value of food. Chemistry helps in understanding of different food  
components such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, vitamins and minerals.  
Chemical reactions involved in cooking help to have food that are healthy and  
palatable. For example, chemical processes are useful in the preparation of breads,  
cakes, rock buns and biscuits.  
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. Textile industries, chemical industries, paper  
industries, food and beverage industries, transport industries, communication  
industries, plastics manufacturing industries, construction materials industries all  
depends on chemical processes. Most of the machine parts are made of metals,  
plastics and rubber which are made through chemical processes. Products such as  
cements, rubber, papers, chemicals are made through chemical processes in these  
industries.  
FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES. Chemistry knowledge is used in preservation  
of foods especially canned and bottled food. Chemicals commonly used as food  
preservatives are common salt, nitrates, nitrites, citric acid and alcohol such as  
ethanol. Chemistry knowledge is also used in preparation of baked foods such as  
breads, cakes, biscuits etc.  
TRANSPORTATION. Fuels and lubricants used in motor vehicles, aircrafts,  
motorcycles, and ships are all produced by chemical processes. Other materials made  
by application of chemistry found in the means of transport include seat covers,  
paints, coolants, carpets, batteries and tyres.  
COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY. Chemistry plays a role communication  
and technology since it is applied in the development of batteries and electronic  
devices and transmission of data through various networks.  
Radios, televisions, telephones, computers, papers are example of materials used in  
communication made through chemical processes.  
HOME CARE PRODUCTS AND COSMETICS. Soaps, detergents. Paints,  
Disinfectants, Air fresheners and polish are examples of home care products made  
through chemical processes which are used to make home and the surrounding clean  
and more comfortable to live in.  
Cosmetics which are used to improve one’s appearance or odour are all made  
through chemical processes. These include deodorants, creams, lotions, perfumes,  
lipsticks etc.  
CHEMISTRY FOR PROFESSIONAL (CAREER) DEVELOPMENT  
Through studying chemistry, we get professions like Doctors, teachers, nurses,  
pharmacists, geologists, chemical engineers, chemical analyst, laboratory technician,  
researchers who get  
paid when they work.  
IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING CHEMISTRY  
The knowledge of chemistry is important due to the following reasons;  
1. Helps in manufacturing of medicine to cure sick people  
2. Helps to produce basic human needs like food, shelter and clothes.  
3. Helps in manufacture of detergents such as Omo and foma for cleaning  
purpose  
4. It leads to new discoveries.  
5. Helps to answer questions about nature of matter for example why iron rust?  
6. Helps in manufacturing of different products for agriculture activities such as  
fertilizers.  
7. Helps to change natural resources into useful substances.  
8. Helps in manufacturing of fuel such as Petrol, diesel and kerosene  
9. Helps to get professional people such as chemistry teachers, doctors and  
pharmacist  
REVISION EXERCISE ONE  
(1) List down four careers in which chemistry is applied.  
(2) Mention any five products that are chemically manufactured.  
(3) Explain seven areas where chemistry is applied.  
(4) Explain the roles of chemistry in the following fields:  
(a) Agriculture  
(d) Transport  
(b) Human health  
(e) Communication  
(c) Manufacturing industries  
(5) What are the chemical substances used in agriculture? Give any four (04)  
materials.  
(6) What is the role of chemistry in overcoming health problems?  
(7) Use relevant examples to support statement, “Agriculture and chemical industry  
can work together rather than separate.”  
(8) In what ways have modern societies benefited from chemistry through  
communication and advancement of technology?  
(9) How does the application of chemistry contribute to a clean environment?  
(10) Explain how chemistry principles are used in making water clean and safe?  
(11) Briefly explain why you think life would be very difficult without the study and  
application of chemistry.