Introduction to Chemistry

A core component of chemistry is that matter is involved. For the most part, chemistry entails the interaction of matter with other matter, or, matter with nonmaterial elements (energy).

At a minimum, a basic understanding of chemistry is needed, for it offers a foundation for comprehending the inner workings of biology (how cells function and the behavior of organisms), as well as, the ecological relationships that exist between organisms and their environment.

In short, chemistry offers us a way of understanding the world in which we live.

Chemistry provides us with insights into how our bodies function; the ingredients that are contained within the foods we eat; the reason cars, planes, and trains are able to run as efficiently as they do; the manner in which computers are built and how they operate; and the materials used to construct our homes and buildings within our communities.

Basically, chemistry is a part of almost everything we do for everything is comprised of chemical compounds. The claim that chemistry is everywhere is, therefore, entirely accurate.

Chemistry encompasses a multitude of specialized sub disciplines which have proven highly useful in chemistry as they have provided for the following: the production and testing of stronger materials, creation of pharmaceuticals to treat disease, and the study of life processes.

Though chemists and biologists often interact in a friendly, competitive manner (each believing their science encapsulates the other), the truth is that while chemistry and biology have numerous overlapping components, they still remain distinct in what they cover.