Other Examples of Chemistry in Everyday Life

Chemistry is a branch of science dealing with the study of matter and the substances that make up that matter. It also covers the properties of these chemicals and the reactions that occur when they combine to generate new substances. Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with atoms, ions and molecules, all of which combine to form elements and compounds. The formation of chemical bonds is the most common way for these chemicals to interact. It is noteworthy that the interactions between matter and energy are also investigated in chemistry.

Chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives. Here are some of the instances in our everyday life where chemistry is involved:

Food supply

Chemistry gifted the world with chemical fertilisers like calcium superphosphate, urea, ammonium sulphate, and sodium nitrate. Chemical fertilisers have helped increase the yield of vegetables, crops, and fruits. With the help of these chemical fertilisers, the world can cater to the constantly growing demand for food. 

Insecticides and pesticides are manufactured to protect plants from harmful bacteria and insects. Insecticides like gammexane and DDT reduce the spread of diseases caused by flies, mosquitoes and rats. All this would not have been possible without chemistry.

Apart from this, preservatives are also manufactured with the help of chemistry. These preservatives help in preserving foods for a longer duration, thereby increasing their shelf lives. 

Contribution of Chemistry to the Health and Sanitation Industry

Advanced research in chemistry has blessed humanity with several life-saving drugs. The world has been able to find the cure for diseases like pneumonia and dysentery because of the discovery of penicillin drugs. Apart from this, drugs like Taxol and cisplatin are highly effective in cancer therapy. Similarly, AZT is very helpful for patients suffering from AIDS.

Here is a list of some life-saving drugs: 

• Antibiotics: they are used to cure diseases and curb infection
• Analgesics: they are used to reduce certain types of pain
• Antiseptics: they are used to curb the infection of wounds

Several other medical products employ the knowledge of chemistry to help advance the field of medicine. Tranquillisers are used to reduce stress and bring mental peace to patients. Anaesthetics induce insensitivity to pain while carrying out surgeries and account for the huge success rate of these surgeries. Disinfectants are used to kill harmful microorganisms found on surfaces of floors, drains and toilets.

Scope of chemistry in the environment 

Several eco-friendly chemicals have been discovered with the help of chemistry. These chemicals help protect the environment and are a step towards sustainability. For instance, the replacement of chlorofluorocarbons from refrigerators prevents the depletion of the ozone layer.

Scope of chemistry in the industrial sector

Chemistry has played a massive role in the development of several industries. Industries such as cement, glass, dye, textiles, paper, etc., are based on the applications of chemistry. 

Chemistry has also led to greater production of nitric acid, ammonia, hydrogenated oils and sulphuric acid by making appropriate catalysts.

Synthetic fibres

Synthetic fibres like nylon, rayon and terylene are comfortable, dry, soft and easy to wash, and don’t need ironing. The manufacturing of the synthetic drugs rendered bright and beautiful colours to these fibres.

Building material

The supply of cement and steel has ensured that the buildings are stronger and safer. It has been possible because of the advancement in chemistry.

Materials of domestic use

The knowledge of chemistry has enabled the use of several items in our daily lives. Items like oils, detergents, plastics, paper, sugar, glass, cosmetics, cooking gas, perfumes, paints, etc., are all manufactured with the help of chemistry. Refrigerants such as freon, ammonia and liquid sulphur dioxide help us keep our food safe and fresh for longer periods.

Transportation

Almost all the means of transport – from aeroplanes and trains to cars and motorcycles – use coal, petrol or diesel. All of these products are chemical products.

Conclusion 

Chemistry is a subject that is constantly upgrading and evolving, and its influence in our daily lives is enormous. Food, for example, provides us with energy when we eat it. It is formed in our cells through a variety of chemical processes. We may enjoy, relax, read and accomplish our work, among other things, with this energy. Chemical reactions are involved in every operation on our planet, largest (the sun) to the smallest (atoms). Therefore, chemistry is of great importance in our daily lives.