Chemistry

Chemistry is the scientific discipline concerned with the properties of matter and the interactions between different types of matter. Chemistry is divided into several sub-disciplines, including inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry and chemical engineering. Inorganic chemistry deals with the study of the properties of inorganic compounds, while organic chemistry focuses on the study of organic compounds. Physical chemistry investigates the physical properties of chemicals and their interactions with other substances. Analytical chemistry is concerned with the analysis of chemical substances. Biochemistry investigates the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. Chemical engineering applies principles of chemical engineering to the design and operation of chemical plants and processes.

The history of Chemistry can be traced back to ancient times when people first began to study the composition of matter. The word “chemistry” comes from the Greek word “chemeia” which means “art of metals”. The early Greeks were interested in Metalurgy, which is the science that deals withthe properties and extractionof metals from their ores. In fact, oneof the earliest recorded chemists was an Egyptian metallurgist namedKhemet-Amun-Ra who lived around 3000 BC.

The developmentof modern Chemistry took place duringthe Scientific Revolutionin Europe duringthe 16thand 17thcenturies. This was a time when many new scientific discoveries were made and new theories developed about how matter works. Duringthis period, chemists such as Robert Boyleand Antoine Lavoisierbegan to develop our modern understandingof Chemistry.
It wasn’t until 1869 that Dmitri Mendeleevpublished his periodic tablewhich categorized all then known elements accordingto their atomic structure. This work provided a framework for further studiesinto element behaviorand ledto many important discoveriesin fields suchas quantum mechanicsand nuclear physics. Today, Chemistry plays an important role in many aspects our lives;from medicineand agricultureto environmentalprotectionand energy production. It is safe to say that we rely heavily on Chemistry in everyday life!