Basic Chemistry:

A Foundation

by Steven S. Zumdahl
University of Illinois

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Chemistry: An Introduction

Chapter 1

2
 Why is Chemistry Important?
• In Our Daily Lives
– New Materials
– New Pharmaceuticals
– New Energy Sources
– Food Supplies
– Can you think of others?

3
Chemistry deals with the natural world.

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Source: Terry Donnelly/Stone/Getty Images
 Why is Chemistry Important?
• In Your Education
– Help you learn to Gather and Organize
Information
• Qualitative and Quantitative
– Help you learn to find Patterns in Information
– Help you learn to Analyze Complex Systems
– Help you develop skills to Predict Future
Events based on Patterns of Behavior
– Help you develop Problem-Solving Skills
• Systematic Approach
5
 What is Chemistry?
• The science that deals with the materials
of the universe and the changes these
materials undergo
• The Central Science
– Understanding most other fields of science
requires an understanding of Chemistry

6
 Solving Problems Using a Scientific
Approach
• Define the Problem
• Gather Information
Facts
Observations
• Propose Solutions
• Organize Information and look for Patterns
• Hypotheses

7
 Solving Problems Using a Scientific
Approach
• Evaluate your Proposed Solutions
• Test your Patterns by using them to Predict
What Will Happen
• Experiments

8
 The Scientific Method
• A process of studying natural phenomena
that involves making observations, forming
laws and theories, and testing theories by
experimentation

9
The launch
of the space
shuttle gives
clear
indications
that
chemical
reactions
are
occurring.

Source:
NASA
 The Scientific Method
• Make Observations
– Qualitative  Descriptions
– Quantitative  Measurements
• Formulate Hypotheses
– Possible Explanations for Observed
Characteristics or Behaviors
• Perform Experiments
– Test Hypothesis

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 The Scientific Method
• Repeat the process until we get a well-
tested explanation
• Theory  a set of assumptions put forth
to explain some aspect of the observed
behavior of matter
– May need to be modified or discarded as new
information (observations) becomes known

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 The Scientific Method
• While Experimenting we may Observe the
Same Behavior all the time, and therefore
be able to Predict this Behavior will Always
Occur in the Future
• Law  a generally observed behavior
– Without explanation as to why the behavior
occurs!

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The Difference Between a Theory and a
Law

• Laws predict what will happen

• Theories explain why something

happens
– Which will also allow you to predict what
will happen!

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Figure 1.1:
The various
parts of the
scientific
method.
 The Best Approach to Learning
Chemistry
• Learn the Vocabulary of Chemistry
– Definitions of Terms
– How Common Vocabulary is Applied to Chemistry
• Memorize Important Information
– Names, Formulas and Charges of Polyatomic Ions
– Solubility Rules
• Learn and Practice Processes
– Systematic Names and Formulas
– Dimensional Analysis
• Do the Questions and Exercises at the End of the
Chapter to Test your Understanding and help you
See the Patterns

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