Outline of chemistry

Outline of Chemistry

Chemistry is the scientific discipline involved with elements and compounds composed of atoms, molecules, and ions: their composition, structure, properties, behavior, and the changes they undergo during a reaction with other substances. The discipline of chemistry is a branch of physical science that studies the composition, structure, properties, and change of matter. Chemistry addresses topics such as how atoms and molecules interact via chemical bonds to form new chemical compounds. This article provides an outline of the major categories and topics that encompass the field of chemistry.

Branches of Chemistry

Chemistry is broadly divided into several primary branches, each of which is a specialized field of study.

• Analytical Chemistry: The study of the composition of matter, involving the development of tools and techniques for measuring physical properties and identifying substances.
• Biochemistry: The branch of chemistry that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms.
• Inorganic Chemistry: Focuses on the properties and behavior of inorganic compounds, which encompass metals, minerals, and organometallic compounds.
• Organic Chemistry: The study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds and materials.
• Physical Chemistry: Deals with the principles and methodologies of both chemistry and physics and is concerned with the physical properties of molecules, the forces that act upon them, and their energy states.
• Theoretical Chemistry: Utilizes principles and methodologies of abstract concepts and computational techniques to understand chemical phenomena.

Important Concepts in Chemistry

Chemistry encompasses a wide range of concepts that are foundational to the discipline.

• Atom: The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus and electrons.
• Molecule: A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.
• Chemical Bond: The lasting attraction between atoms that enables the formation of chemical compounds.
• Chemical Reaction: A process that leads to the transformation of one set of chemical substances to another.
• Periodic Table: A tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, organized on the basis of their atomic numbers, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties.

Fields Related to Chemistry

Chemistry intersects with a variety of other scientific disciplines, contributing to a broad range of fields.

• Environmental Chemistry: The study of chemical processes occurring in the environment which are impacted by human activities.
• Pharmacology: The branch of medicine and biology concerned with the study of drug action.
• Material Science: An interdisciplinary field focusing on the design and discovery of new materials, particularly solids.
• Chemical Engineering: The branch of engineering that deals with the production and manufacturing of products through chemical processes.

See Also

• History of Chemistry
• List of Chemists
• Chemical Industry
• Safety in Chemistry

External Links

• American Chemical Society
• Royal Society of Chemistry