KALINGA STATE UNIVERSITY – CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERS 2022

COURSE INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER

The perception that chemicals are inherently bad or harmful can stem from a combination of
factors. It is important to note that the term "chemicals" encompasses a vast range of substances, both
natural and synthetic, and not all chemicals are harmful. Chemicals not inherently good nor bad. The
potential risks associated with chemicals depend on factors such as their intended use, concentration,
exposure route, and individual susceptibility. Scientific research and regulatory agencies play crucial roles
in assessing and managing the risks associated with various chemicals to protect human health and the
environment.

This perception stems from many factors but primarily is due to misinformation or simply
unawareness. That is why it is crucial for us to educate ourselves on such matters.

Chemistry is the scientific discipline that studies matter, its properties, composition, structure, and
the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. It involves investigating the behavior and interactions
of atoms, molecules, and various substances. Chemistry seeks to understand the fundamental principles
that govern the physical and chemical properties of matter, as well as how matter can be transformed or
combined to create new substances. At the end of this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. enumerate the steps involved in the Scientific Method;

2. relate the Scientific Method to the development of chemistry as a science;
3. list the major branches of chemistry; and
4. enumerate the different scientists that played a role in the establishment of chemistry.

WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD?

The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to acquire knowledge and
understanding about the natural world. It involves a series of steps that guide the process of conducting
scientific investigations and experiments. In general, these steps are the following:

1. Statement of the problem

2. Investigation of facts
3. Formulation of the hypothesis. A hypothesis is an educated guess that attempts to explain a certain
phenomenon with consideration of known facts.
4. Testing the hypothesis. This is done by conducting experiments.
5. Collection of Data. The 2 types of data are:
a. Qualitative Data – does not involve any measurement but simply a general observation
b. Quantitative Data – requires measurements
6. Analysis of Data collected – drawing of conclusion from the collected data from the experiment

KEY WORDS

Facts. These refer to observations that are objectively verifiable and agreed upon by a consensus
of scientists. Facts are empirical evidence or data that have been repeatedly observed and are considered
to be true.

Theories. Scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations that are supported by a wide
range of evidence and have undergone rigorous testing and scrutiny. It is a comprehensive framework that
explains a set of related facts, observations, and phenomena. They are well-substantiated explanations
that are supported by a wide range of evidence and have undergone rigorous testing and scrutiny. A
theory in science is a comprehensive framework that explains a set of related facts, observations, and
phenomena.
e.g., Dalton's Molecular theory, Einstein's Theory of Relativity, Newton’s Theory of Gravity, etc.

Laws or Principles. These are concise and general statement that describes a fundamental
relationship or regularity observed in nature. Principles or laws are derived from repeated experimental
observations and data and are considered to be fundamental truths within a particular scientific domain.

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They often take the form of mathematical equations or statements. Principles or laws provide a concise
description of a phenomenon or a predictable pattern in nature.
e.g., Law of Conservation of Energy, Principle of Buoyancy, Law of Motion, etc.

CHEMISTRY DEFINED

Chemistry as a Science. Chemistry is considered a central and fundamental science due to its
broad scope, interdisciplinary nature, and its foundational role in understanding the composition, behavior,
and transformations of matter as well as the energy that accompanies these transformations.

Chemistry as study of Change. Chemistry is considered a central and fundamental science due
to its broad scope, interdisciplinary nature, and its foundational role in understanding the composition,
behavior, and transformations of matter.

Chemistry as Modern Science. chemistry is a modern science due to its integration of the
scientific method, technological advancements, specialized subdisciplines, fundamental discoveries,
industrial applications, and its response to contemporary challenges. These factors have propelled
chemistry forward, enabling it to remain at the forefront of scientific progress and innovation.

CHEMISTRY AND ITS BRANCHES

A. Analytical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that focuses on the identification, quantification,
and characterization of chemical components in various substances.
B. Biological chemistry, also known as biochemistry, is the branch of chemistry that explores the
chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms.
C. Forensic chemistry is a specialized branch of chemistry that applies chemical principles and
techniques to solve legal and criminal investigations.
D. Inorganic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that focuses on the study of the properties,
structures, synthesis, and behavior of salts and inorganic compounds.
E. Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that focuses on the study of carbon-containing
compounds, their structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis.
F. Physical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that combines principles of physics and chemistry
to study the fundamental physical properties and behavior of matter and the energy changes that
occur during chemical reactions. It deals with the study of energy and heat exchange.

CONTRIBUTORS IN THE REALIZATION OF THE DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF SCIENCE

 Antoine Lavoisier was named the Father of Modern Chemistry and was the one who established
the Law of Conservation of Mass.

 Amadeo Avogadro explained the concept of a mole and realized that elements could exist in the
form of molecules.

 Jacob Berzelius was able to accurately measured atomic weights. He also discovered and isolated
the elements Cerium, Silicon, Selenium, and Thorium.

 Niels Bohr was the founder of Quantum Mechanics.

 Robert Boyle defined the terms element, compound, and mixtures. He was also the one who
established the First Gas Law.

 Lawrence Bragg was the one who realized that the positions of atoms in solids could be located via
X-ray diffraction.

 Hennig Brand was the first known discoverer of an element due to his discovery of phosphorus.

 Georg Brandt was the first scientist to condemn Alchemy. He also discovered the element cobalt.

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 Robert Bunsen was the discoverer of the elements Cesium and Rubidium. Aside from being able to
develop an antidote for arsenic poisoning, he also invented zinc-carbon battery and flash
photography.

 Marie Curie was the first to carry out research tumor treatment via radiation.

 John Dalton proposed the Dalton’s Atomic Theory as well as the Law of Partial Pressure. He also
contributed in the establishment of the Gay-Lussac’s Law.

 Democritus established the concept of atoms.

 Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction as well as the first experimental link
between light and magnetism. He was able to carry out the first liquefaction of gas at room-
temperature. He established the Law’s of Electrolysis.

 Irene Joliot Curie co-discovered the means to convert stable elements into designer radioactive
elements.

 Henry Moseley was able to prove that every element’s identity is uniquely determined by its
number of protons, establishing this is true organizing principle of the periodic table. He also
invented the atomic battery.

 Giulio Natta discovered the production of polymer chains via the orderly spatial arrangements of
polymers.

 Alfred Nobel invented dynamite, blasting cap, gelignite and ballistite.

 Hans Christian Oersted was the one who discovered electromagnetism. He also managed to
isolate the element Aluminum.

 Linus Pauling was the founder of quantum chemistry, molecular biology, and molecular genetics.
He formulated Valence bond theory and electronegativity

 Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman discovered that light can donate a small amount of energy to a
molecule, changing the light’s color and causing the molecule to vibrate.

 William Ramsay had predicted the existence of the noble gases and discovered or was first to
isolate every member of the group.

 Ernest Rutherford discovered the atomic nucleus. He was the one who conceptualized “half-lives.”
He is the Father of Nuclear Chemistry and Physics.

 Glen Seaborg discovered ten transuranium elements. This helped establish the actinide concept in
the periodic table of the elements.

 Joseph John Thomson discovered the subatomic particle electron. He was the first to obtain
evidence of stable elements and was the inventor of the mass spectrometer.

Name: ______________________________________
Course & Section: ____________________________
Date: ______________________________________
Course Introductory part

Activity 2.
A. Analyzing. Provide two hypotheses for the following problems.

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 KALINGA STATE UNIVERSITY – CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERS 2022

1. Why are eco-bags not helping much in the reduction of solid wastes in Municipalities?

H1 = ___________________________________________________________________________

H2 = _________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Why is paper bag worse for the environment than plastic bags?

H1 = ___________________________________________________________________________

H2= _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

B. Application. On a rainy day, you noticed that the pavement to CEIT is being flooded. Propose a
step-by-step solution to the problem applying the Scientific Method.

1. Identify the problem: ______________________________________________________________

2. Investigation of facts: _____________________________________________________________

3. Formulation of Hypothesis: _________________________________________________________

4. Propose a way to test the hypothesis: ________________________________________________

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5. Data Collection: Draw a table for the data to be collected. Label the columns and/or rows properly.

6. Propose a possible conclusion: _____________________________________________________

C. Essay. Of all the branches of chemistry mentioned, what is the most relevant in your field/course?
Explain.
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