Definitions of Chemistry

• Chemistry deals with the properties of materials and the changes these materials undergo. (DLB, 7th Ed., Prentice-Hall)

• Chemistry is a physical science that deals with the composition, structure and properties of substances and the reactions they undergo. As a science, chemistry involves the intuitive and creative application of knowledge gained from experiment observation and theoretical descriptions.

• Anything that bites or scratches is biology

  Anything that stinks or pops is chemistry

  Anything that does not work is physics

Definition of Matter

The two distinguishing characteristics of matter is that matter is classified as anything that has mass and occupies space.

Composition of Matter

• Pure substances

  • matter that has a fixed composition and distinct physical and chemical properties.

    • Atoms

    • Molecules

• Mixtures

  • combinations of two or more substances where each substances retains its chemical identity (its physical and chemical properties).

    • heterogeneous mixtures do not have the same composition, properties or appearance.

    • homogeneous mixtures do have the same composition, properties or appearance.