As Chemistry is the study of the nature, properties and composition of
matter, and how these undergo changes, it is referred to as the Central
Science. Chemistry is the science about basic structure of substances,
i.e what they are made of, how they interact and what role they play in
living things. Those working in this field are usually called chemists.
These people study the numerous compositions of matter and its related
properties. Chemists search for new information about matter and the ways
this information can be applied.
It is vital to every aspect of ones life. Everything you hear, see, smell,
taste, and touch involves chemistry and chemicals (matter). Chemistry
plays a great role even in the air you breathe, the food you eat and the
clothes you wear. Chemistry is all around us. There is a saying that,
the better we know chemistry, the better we know our world.
There are various branches/ specialisations in chemistry. Usually
most of the chemists specialize in more than one area depending on the
specialization they have chosen. Some of the specialisations are
Agrochemistry, Analytical chemistry, Astrochemistry, Biochemistry,
Chemical Engineering, Environmental chemistry, Food chemistry, Inorganic
chemistry, Organic chemistry, Nuclear chemistry, Physical chemistry etc.
Agrochemistry or agricultural chemistry deals with the application of
chemistry for agricultural production, food processing, and
environmental remediation as a result of agriculture. Analytical
chemistry is the branch of chemistry involved with studying the
properties of materials or developing tools to analyze materials.
Astrochemistry is the study of the composition and reactions of the
chemical elements and molecules found in the stars and in space.
Biochemistry is the branch of chemistry concerned with the chemical
reactions that occur inside living organisms. Chemical engineering
involves the practical application of chemistry to solve problems.
Environmental chemistry is the chemistry associated with soil, air, and
water and of human impact on natural systems. Inorganic chemistry is the
branch of chemistry that deals with the structure and interactions
between inorganic compounds, i.e compounds that aren't based in
carbon-hydrogen bonds. Organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry deals
with the chemistry of carbon and living things. Nuclear chemistry is the
branch of chemistry associated with nuclear reactions and isotopes.
Physical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that applies physics to
the study of chemistry. Examples of physical chemistry are Quantum
mechanics and thermodynamics.
