Scope of chemistry

Scope of chemistry

As a chemistry student, you must have wondered why we study chemistry. Have you ever thought about what you will learn from all these elements, atoms and compounds and their applications? Do you feel that learning about all of these things is meaningless? The truth is that the importance in the scope of chemistry is huge! This article will explain the importance and scope of chemistry, which will help you understand why we study the subject and how it is helpful in our everyday lives. Before we delve any deeper, let us first understand what chemistry means.

Meaning of chemistry 

We all know that chemistry is a branch of science. It deals with studying the structure, properties and composition of matter. Chemistry is the sign dealing with the study of changes that matter undergoes under distinct conditions. Now that we have a good idea of chemistry let us move on to its branches. 

Branches of chemistry

Chemistry has several branches that can be classified into five areas or disciples of study, they are:

Organic chemistry

Organic chemistry deals with the chemicals containing carbon. Carbon is present in great abundance on earth. It is capable of forming many chemicals. The organic chemistry scope is very high. Organic chemistry has made a tremendous contribution to today’s world.

Physical chemistry

It is related to atomic properties, microscopic properties, as well as phenomena in the chemical system. 

Inorganic chemistry 

It deals with those chemicals that are not based on carbon. Generally, inorganic chemicals are found in minerals and rocks. 

Analytical chemistry

It deals with the composition of matter. Analytical chemistry focuses on identifying, quantifying and separating chemicals in samples of matter. Just like any other branch of chemistry, the scope of analytical chemistry is huge.

Scope of chemistry

Chemistry is an important part of our day-to-day lives. Here are some of the instances in our everyday life that involves chemistry:

Food supply

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

Insecticides and pesticides are manufactured to prevent plants from harmful bacteria and insects. 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. 

With the help of several tests, we can also ensure that the food we are consuming is safe to eat.

Contribution of chemistry to the health and sanitation industry

It is because of chemistry that we are blessed 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 have been found very effective in cancer therapy. Similarly, AZT is very helpful for AIDS patients.

Here is a list of some life-saving drugs: 

• Antibiotics: it is used to cure diseases and curb infection
• Analgesics: it is used to reduce several types of pain
• Antiseptics: it is used to curb the infection of wounds

Tranquilizers are used to reduce stress and bring mental peace to patients

Disinfectant: it is used to kill harmful microorganisms that are found in places like floors, drains and toilets.

Insecticides

Insecticides like gammexane and DDT reduce the spread of diseases caused by flies, mosquitoes and rats.

Anesthetics: they are the reason behind the high success rate of surgical operations.

Scope of chemistry in the environment 

It is because of chemistry that many Eco-friendly chemicals are discovered. These chemicals help us to save the environment. 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., have 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, soft and easy to wash, dry and don’t need ironing. Because of chemistry, many synthetic drugs give 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 chemistry.

Materials of domestic use

There are several items that we use daily in our lives because of chemistry. 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 sulfur dioxide help us keep our food safe and water cool during hot summer days.

Transportation

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

Conclusion 

All of this is evidence that the scope of chemistry in the future is very bright. Apart from all this, chemistry has come forward to provide nuclear atomic energy, a great energy source. Chemistry has an impact on almost every industry at present. It has become impossible to imagine a life without chemistry.