What is chemistry?
ChemistryClass 10CBSEAnswered 25 May 2026
Answer
Chemistry is the branch of science that studies matter what it is made of, how its properties arise, how it changes, and how it interacts with other matter and energy.
Core branches:
| Branch | Focus |
|---|---|
| Organic chemistry | Carbon-containing compounds; basis of life and pharmaceuticals |
| Inorganic chemistry | Elements and compounds not primarily based on carbon |
| Physical chemistry | Physics underlying chemical systems thermodynamics, kinetics |
| Analytical chemistry | Identifying and quantifying the composition of substances |
| Biochemistry | Chemistry of living organisms proteins, DNA, enzymes, metabolism |
| Environmental chemistry | Chemical processes in natural environments; pollutants |
Fundamental concepts: Atoms and elements, molecules and compounds, chemical reactions, the periodic table, states of matter, acids and bases
Chemistry in everyday life:
- Cooking chemical reactions between proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
- Medicine drugs are designed molecules that interact with body chemistry
- Plastics, fuels, dyes, fertilizers all products of chemistry