1.1 Chemistry and Society

🔬 What is Chemistry?

• Chemistry is the science that investigates matter—anything with mass and volume—and the changes it undergoes (e.g., rusting, digestion, burning) senior1.org+12education.go.ug+12fresh-teacher.github.io+12fresh-teacher.github.io+1scribd.com+1.

• Examples in daily life include soaps, medicines, plastics, fertilizers, and food processing.

Importance & Interdisciplinary Links

• Chemistry overlaps with Biology (enzymes, digestion), Physics (heat, energy), Mathematics (quantitative analysis), and Geography (soil, minerals) scribd.com+3education.go.ug+3yaaka.cc+3.

• Careers: pharmacists, chemical engineers, agro-chemists, lab technicians, teachers.

Local & National Relevance

• Contribution to Uganda’s economy through industries like pharmaceuticals, agro-chemicals, water treatment, mining, and fuel

1.0 What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies:

• The composition, structure, and properties of matter.

• The changes matter undergoes, and the energy involved in those changes.

Example: When wood burns, it changes into ash, gas, and heat – this is a chemical change studied in Chemistry.

1.1 Importance of Chemistry in Daily Life

Chemistry helps us:

• Understand how soap cleans clothes.

• Know how fuel burns to produce energy.

• Preserve food and make medicine.

• Produce fertilizers and pesticides in farming.

• Treat water and manage waste.

1.2 Chemistry and the Economy of Uganda

Chemistry contributes to Uganda’s economy through:

• Agriculture: Making fertilizers, pesticides, and improving soil.

• Medicine: Producing drugs, disinfectants, and vaccines.

• Industry: Making plastics, cement, paints, fuels.

• Environment: Water purification, recycling, waste management.

• Mining: Extracting minerals like copper and gold using chemical processes.

1.3 Branches of Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry: Study of compounds containing carbon (e.g., drugs, plastics).

• Inorganic Chemistry: Study of non-carbon compounds (e.g., salts, metals).

• Physical Chemistry: Studies energy changes in chemical reactions.

• Analytical Chemistry: Examines what substances are made of.

• Biochemistry: Studies chemical processes in living organisms.

1.4 Chemistry and Other Subjects

Chemistry overlaps with:

1.5 Careers That Use Chemistry

• Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist

• Laboratory Technician

• Chemical Engineer

• Environmental Scientist

• Agricultural Extension Officer

• Food Scientist

📌 Summary Points:

• Chemistry is everywhere: in the air, kitchen, farm, and body.

• It is both a science and a tool for solving real-world problems.

• Chemistry is essential for development in health, farming, industry, and the environment.

✅ Sample Assessment Questions:

1. Define chemistry.

2. List 3 ways chemistry is used in everyday life.

3. Give 2 examples of careers related to chemistry.

4. How does chemistry contribute to Uganda’s economy?

5. How is chemistry linked to biology and mathematics?