Branches of Chemistry

Introduction

• Overview of major types of chemistry and their uses.
• Example: Analytical chemistry in crime scene investigations.

Analytical Chemistry

• Definition: Study of analyzing chemical components of a sample.
• Applications:
  • Forensic science
  • Environmental science
  • Drug testing
• Branches:
  • Qualitative Analysis: Determines components of substances.
  • Quantitative Analysis: Identifies how much of each component is present.

Biochemistry

• Definition: Study of chemical processes in living organisms.
• Importance of chemical compounds in the body (e.g., carbon, oxygen, hydrogen).
• Disciplines:
  • Enzymology: Study of enzymes.
  • Endocrinology: Study of hormones.
  • Clinical Biochemistry: Study of diseases.
  • Molecular Biochemistry: Study of biomolecules and their functions.

Organic Chemistry

• Definition: Study of carbon compounds (fuels, plastics, food additives, drugs).
• Example: Photosynthesis in plants.
• Role of Organic Chemists: Isolate/synthesize new materials and study their properties.
• Branches:
  • Study of ketones, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and alcohols.

Inorganic Chemistry

• Definition: Study of elements and compounds other than carbon/hydrocarbons.
• Focus on non-living substances without carbon-hydrogen bonds.
• Topics Studied:
  • Crystal structures
  • Minerals
  • Metals
  • Catalysts
  • Most elements on the periodic table.

Industrial Chemistry

• Definition: Applies chemical and physical processes to transform raw materials into beneficial products.