1.1Development in Chemistry Field and Its Importance in Daily Life
Chemistry is an essential branch of science that touches almost every aspect of our daily lives, from the food we eat to the medicines that keep us healthy. The term originated from the Arabic word 'al-kimiya'. Rather than being confined to laboratory experiments, chemistry helps us understand the matter surrounding us, how it is structured, its properties, its compositions, and how different substances interact.
Learning Objectives
- 1.1.1 State the meaning of chemistry.
- 1.1.2 State examples of chemicals commonly used in daily life.
- 1.1.3 Generate ideas on the development of chemistry field and the contributions of chemical technology towards mankind.
- 1.1.4 State examples of careers related to chemistry field.
Chemicals in Daily Life
Categorise common chemicals across major sectors.
Food
Preservative, colouring, flavouring, antioxidant, stabiliser.
Medicine
Antibiotic, antiseptic, vitamin, chemotherapy, analgesic.
Agriculture
Herbicide, pesticide, fungicide, fertiliser, hormone.
Industry
Paint, polymer, glass, ceramic, detergent, colouring, alloy.
Brief Explanation
Understand the meaning of chemistry and how it appears in daily life.
Meaning of Chemistry
Chemistry studies the structures, properties, compositions, and interactions between matters. All substances around us are made up of chemicals, and daily activities involve chemical reactions, such as the attractive colours of fireworks caused by a mixture of chemicals.
Development of Chemical Technology
Researches in various chemical fields constantly cover diverse disciplines, including biochemistry, botany, and forensics, which require chemical knowledge to solve problems. The need to solve modern problems spurs the development of chemical technology, as technologies from the 60s and 70s might not be suitable today.
| Field | Examples of related careers |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology | Biotechnology researcher, biomedical engineer |
| Pharmaceutical | Doctor, pharmacist |
| Cosmetics | Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic consultant |
| Green technology | Green technology chemist, engineer |
| Nanotechnology | Nanotechnology engineer, food scientist |
- Food preservation with salt or sugar.
- Food preservation by freezing.
- Food preservation using nanotechnology (e.g., bread with nanocapsules).
Check Understanding
Answer the questions, then check your answers.
What is the origin of the word 'chemistry'?
Name two examples of chemicals commonly used in agriculture.
Give two examples of careers related to the field of nanotechnology.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these errors when learning about chemistry in daily life.
Common Misconceptions
Compare each misconception with the correct fact.
Chemicals are unnatural, synthetic, and harmful substances.
All matter around us is made up of chemicals, including natural substances vital for life like water, salt, vitamins, and minerals.
Careers in chemistry are restricted to laboratory technicians and academic chemists.
Knowledge of chemistry is applied widely across varied modern professions, including doctors, green technology engineers, cosmetic consultants, and food scientists.
Summary
Key facts to remember.
- Chemistry is the study of matter's composition, structure, properties, and interactions, originating from the Arabic word 'al-kimiya'.
- Chemistry is ubiquitous in daily life, categorised across food, medicine, agriculture, and industry.
- Continuous research and chemical technology have advanced problem-solving techniques, such as modern food preservation using nanotechnology.
- Rapid industrial development creates vital careers in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, green technology, and nanotechnology.
Quick Activity
Complete all parts before checking your score.
A. Objective Quiz
Which of the following is an example of a chemical used in the food industry?
A student aspires to work in the green technology sector. Which career is directly related to this field?
B. Fill in the Blanks
Chemistry is a field of science that studies the structures, properties, compositions and interactions between _______.
The word chemistry originated from the Arabic word _______.
C. Match the Chemical with Its Sector
Drag each chemical on desktop. On mobile, tap a chemical and then tap the matching box.
Chemicals
Antibiotic Fertiliser Detergent PreservativeSector
Keywords
Tap or hover over a term to read its meaning.
