chemistry

Chemistry is the science that studies matter, its composition, structure, properties, and the changes it undergoes. It seeks to explain how atoms combine to form molecules, how bonds form and break, and how energy is exchanged in chemical processes. Chemistry is often described as the central science because it connects the physical sciences with life sciences and applied disciplines.

The field is traditionally divided into several branches. Organic chemistry focuses on carbon-containing compounds. Inorganic chemistry studies all elements and their compounds except most carbon-containing ones. Physical chemistry examines the energy changes and mechanisms of chemical systems. Analytical chemistry develops methods to identify and quantify components. Biochemistry explores chemical processes in living organisms. Materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry, environmental chemistry, and theoretical chemistry cover specialized areas.

Historically, chemistry evolved from alchemy to a quantitative science. Lavoisier established the law of mass conservation and helped establish a modern chemical nomenclature. The periodic table, organized by Dmitri Mendeleev, revealed recurring properties of elements. Discoveries of radioactivity and subatomic structure further deepened the understanding of matter.

Methods include experimentation, spectroscopy, chromatography, crystallography, and computational chemistry. Core concepts include atoms and molecules, chemical bonds, reaction mechanisms, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and kinetics.

Applications span medicine, energy, materials, agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Chemistry underpins drug development, electrochemistry, catalysis, polymers, and nano-scale technologies. It also raises safety, regulatory, and ethical considerations in laboratory practice and industrial production.