Chemistry is the study of chemical reactions taking place between the different elements and compounds. This is one of the major branches of Science stream after Physics and Biology. Everything around us that takes up space and mass is known as ‘matter’ which is primarily made of the tiny particles known as ‘atoms’. A study of chemistry provides scientists with insights into other aspects of Physical Science and to develop powerful analytical tools for scientific applications. Due to a wide scope of the study, the subject has been organized into the following distinct branches of Chemistry that emphasize on the subsets of chemical concepts.
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry is one of the most important branches of chemistry that studies chemical compounds containing carbon elements combined with ‘carbon-hydrogen’ bonds (hydrocarbons). It is often known as the ‘Chemistry of Life’ that deals with the structure, properties and reactions of organic compounds. A study of Organic Chemistry helps students to identify and classify the various naturally occurring compounds and to create one with desired properties and functions. Graduates can work in several industries such as pharmaceuticals, fuel, rubber, cosmetics, plastic, detergents, agrochemicals and coating industries.
Inorganic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry studies the structure, properties and reactions of noncarbon chemical compounds or those that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. In other words, it is one of the branches of Chemistry which deals with chemicals that are ‘non-organic’ in nature. The subject includes the synthesis and behaviour of inorganic or organometallic chemical compounds found in earth’s crust and non-living matter.
Physical Chemistry
Physical Chemistry covers the ‘physical properties’ of chemical compounds using law and various concepts of Physics, such as motion, energy, force, time, statistical mechanics, quantum chemistry and thermodynamics. This is one of the most exciting branches of Chemistry which allows students to understand the physical characteristics of chemical compounds like temperature, volume, pressure, conductivity, plasticity, strength, surface tension in liquids, solubility, viscosity, boiling point, melting point and colour. The subject is studied using various mathematical models and formulas.
Analytical Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry is one of the quantitative branches of Chemistry that deals with the ‘identification, separation and quantification’ of chemical substances. The knowledge of Analytical Chemistry enables chemists and scientists to determine the amount of chemical substances in a given material. The subject has been further classified into the following two categories:
- Qualitative Analysis: It involves processes that are carried out to identify a chemical substance in a given sample.
- Quantitative Analysis. It involves finding out the concentration or amount of the substance in the given sample.
Biochemistry
Known to be one of the most important branches of Chemistry, Biochemistry studies the biological structure, composition and chemical reactions at the cellular and molecular level. This covers a range of living organisms such as planta, insects, viruses, microorganisms, etc. Biochemistry is an amalgamation of Biology with Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. Various topics covered in this subject include issues related to diseases, the chemical basis of heredity and how living organisms derive energy from food.
Environmental Chemistry
It is a study of biochemical processes that occur in the natural environment. Environmental chemistry is a mixture of various subjects such as biology, maths, toxicology to find out the ways for sustainable development. Environment chemistry is an essential branch of chemistry because it deals with environmental functions.
Industrial Chemistry
Industrial Chemistry is important to manufacture new products. Raw products are dissolved, heated, filtering and various other techniques to form a new product. Examples of industrial chemistry are petrochemicals – ethylene, propylene, benzene, styrene, Ceramic products – silica brick, frit, etc.
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Polymer Chemistry
It focuses on polymers and macromolecules. Polymer structures are present in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry as well. It can also be included in nanotechnology. It can further be classified into thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and synthetic fibers.
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Nuclear Chemistry
As the name implies, it is the study of nuclear reactions. It is vividly used in various treatments and cures. It revolves around radioactivity, nuclear processes, and transformations.
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