2 A SUBJECT WORTH EXPLORING The 'Major' Branches of Chemistry WARM UP What branches of chemistry are you studying? Which one interests you most? Which one do you find more difficult? Why? What is chemistry? is the study of the composition, , and properties of matter, and of the elements of the Earth and its atmosphere. Chemistry may be pure science or applied science, but there is no sharp line of demarcation between the two. Chemistry 1 behaviour MORE is considered the predecessor of chemistry. Its two principal goals were transmutation of the baser metals into gold and the discovery of a universal remedy (the production of an elixir which gave health to those who drank it). It included elements of chemistry, philosophy, astrology, and medicine. 1 Alchemy Pure chemistry refers to pure research – it just tries to have a better understanding of the properties of existing matter. It is divided into three main branches: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Pure chemistry the study of compounds containing carbon chemically to hydrogen. It is the study of chemicals in living organisms and of all the chemical reactions related to life. Organic chemistry deals with bonded focuses on non-living matter and non-carbon based substances. Non-organic materials do not contain a carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond. Compounds studied by inorganic chemists include crystal structures, minerals, metals, catalysts, and most elements on the Periodic Table. Inorganic chemistry analyses how matter and energy interact. It deals with the principles and methodologies of both chemistry and physics and studies how chemical structure influences the physical properties of a substance. Physical chemistry Applied chemistry deals with the application of the principles and theories of chemistry to practical purposes. The two main branches of applied chemistry are analytical chemistry and biochemistry. Applied chemistry is the study involving how we analyse the chemical components of . Analytical chemistry is divided into two areas: qualitative and quantitative analysis. Analytical chemistry samples main involves the determination of the components of substances. The former helps to identify how much of each component is present in a substance. Most modern analytical chemistry is quantitative. Examples of areas using analytical chemistry include , environmental science, and drug testing. The latter forensic science is the branch of chemistry which on the chemical reactions and processes that inside living organisms. Biochemistry is concerned with the structure and chemical processes of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other molecules found in or produced by organisms. Biochemistry focuses occur DO Do you know what forensic chemistry is? Surf the net to find information. 1