Overview
This lecture introduces the importance of chemistry as a foundational science and covers basic concepts including definitions of chemistry, matter, and the states and transitions of matter.
Importance of Studying Chemistry
- Chemistry is essential for all science majors such as biology, engineering, and medicine.
- Advancements in technology often result from developments in chemistry research.
- Chemistry builds problem-solving skills crucial for both academic and real-life applications.
What is Chemistry?
- Chemistry is defined as the study of the properties and behavior of matter.
- Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
States of Matter
- Three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.
- Solid: definite shape and definite volume.
- Liquid: indefinite shape and definite volume.
- Gas: indefinite shape and indefinite volume.
Changes of State (Phase Transitions)
- Solid to liquid: melting.
- Liquid to solid: freezing.
- Liquid to gas: evaporation.
- Gas to liquid: condensation.
- Solid to gas: sublimation.
- Gas to solid: deposition.
- Chemists study and manipulate these state changes and their properties.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Chemistry — the study of the properties and behavior of matter.
- Matter — anything that has mass and takes up space.
- Solid — state of matter with definite shape and volume.
- Liquid — state of matter with indefinite shape but definite volume.
- Gas — state of matter with both indefinite shape and volume.
- Melting — transition from solid to liquid.
- Freezing — transition from liquid to solid.
- Evaporation — transition from liquid to gas.
- Condensation — transition from gas to liquid.
- Sublimation — transition from solid to gas.
- Deposition — transition from gas to solid.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review properties and examples of each state of matter.
- Prepare for discussion on the various properties of matter in the next class.