What Chemistry Studies
Chemistry in Everyday Life
What is chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and how it changes. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space, from air and water to rocks, food, and the materials in your phone.
Big idea
Chemistry helps explain what things are made of, why they behave the way they do, and how new substances can form.
Chemistry connects to other sciences
Chemistry sits between physics and biology. It uses ideas from physics to explain energy and motion, and it helps biology explain life processes such as breathing, digestion, and growth.
Core terms
Which best describes chemistry?
Chemistry focuses on matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes.
Correct answer: The study of matter and how it changes
What is matter?
This is the standard beginner definition of matter.
Correct answer: Anything that has mass and occupies space
How chemists work
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1
Observe a substance or change carefully.
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2
Ask a testable question.
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3
Run an experiment and collect data.
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4
Compare results with predictions.
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5
Use evidence to build or revise an explanation.
Why do chemists do experiments?
Experiments help chemists gather evidence and test hypotheses.
Correct answer: To collect evidence and test ideas
Looking ahead
In this course, you will move from the building blocks of matter to atoms, bonding, reactions, solutions, acids, and more. Each idea builds on the last.