Chemicals are substances with a distinct molecular composition that is produced through a chemical process. They can exist as elements, compounds, or mixtures. The study of chemicals is a fundamental aspect of chemistry, which seeks to understand the composition, structure, properties, and behavior of matter at the molecular and atomic levels.
Types of Chemicals
Chemicals can be broadly classified into the following categories:
Compounds: Substances composed of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded together, such as water (H2O) and sodium chloride (NaCl).
Mixtures: Combinations of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded and can be separated by physical means. Examples include air, seawater, and soil.
Chemical Properties
Chemicals exhibit various properties that determine their behavior and interactions. Some important chemical properties include:
Chemical reactions involve the transformation of one or more substances into different substances through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. Common types of chemical reactions include:
Combustion: The reaction of a substance with oxygen, often producing heat and light.
When working with chemicals, it is essential to follow proper safety protocols to minimize the risk of accidents and exposure. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), understanding the properties of the chemicals being used, and following established procedures for storage, handling, and disposal.
Study Guide
To effectively study the topic of chemicals, consider the following strategies:
Explore the applications of chemicals in everyday life, industry, and environmental processes.
Practice safe handling and storage of chemicals, and familiarize yourself with the relevant safety guidelines and regulations.
By mastering the concepts related to chemicals, you can develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental building blocks of matter and their role in various natural and synthetic processes.
Construct an explanation from evidence for the processes that generate the transformation of rocks in Earth’s crust, including chemical composition of minerals and characteristics of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Earth and Human Activity
Engage in argument from evidence to defend how coastal, marine, and freshwater sources (e.g., estuaries, marshes, tidal pools, wetlands, beaches, inlets, rivers, lakes, oceans, coral reefs) support biodiversity, economic stability, and human recreation.