Importance of Chemistry

The branch of science, which deals with the study of matter, its composition, its properties and the changes that it undergoes in composition as well as in energy during various processes, is defined as chemistry. It has been further divided into different branches depending upon specialized fields of study.

The major branches of chemistry are:

Branches of Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

This branch deals with study of carbon compounds especially hydrocarbons and their derivatives.

Inorganic Chemistry

This branch deals with the study of compounds of all other elements except carbon. It largely concerns itself with the study of minerals found in the Earth's crust.

Physical Chemistry

The explanation of fundamental principles governing various chemical phenomena is the main concern of this branch. It is basically concerned with laws and theories of the different branches of chemistry.

Industrial Chemistry

The chemistry involved in industrial processes is studied under this branch.

Analytical Chemistry

This branch deals with the qualitative and quantitative analysis of various substances.

Biochemistry

This branch deals with the chemical changes going on in the bodies of living organisms; plants and animals.

Nuclear Chemistry

Nuclear reactions, such as nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, transmutation processes etc. are studied under this branch.

In addition, with new developments emerging in recent years, more branches of chemistry are being added. These include, pharmaceutical chemistry, geochemistry, agricultural chemistry, medicinal chemistry, solid-state chemistry, etc.

As chemistry concerns itself with matter and materials of the universe, it obviously plays a very significant role in almost all walks of life. Modern daily life involves the use of many chemical products and many chemical changes, although we are unaware of them. Major contributions of chemistry to the different walks of life in modern world are as given below:

Chemistry in Medicine

The eradication of a number of diseases and major contributions to improving human health, have been made by modern chemical discoveries. Some important contributions in this field are:

• Life saving drugs and prophylactics, i.e., disease preventing serum and vaccines

• Anaesthetics and antiseptics

• Disinfectants and germicides

Chemistry in industry

Chemistry plays an important role in most industrial processes. Important examples are manufacture of:

• Synthetic fibre like rayon, nylon, dacron, orlon etc.

• Plastics like bakelite, teflon, polythene etc.

• Paints, varnishes, enamels, dyes etc.

• Cement, glass and ceramics and extraction of metals like silver, magnesium, gold, iron etc.

Chemistry in Agriculture

Significant contributions towards securing enough food grains and protecting crops have been made by the use of chemistry. These are:

• Chemical fertilizers like urea, ammonium sulphate, calcium nitrate etc., for the better production of crops.

• Insecticides such as DDT, BHC, chlorinated hydrocarbons, aldrin, malathion, dieldrin, furodan etc., for the protection of crops from insects and to help in the safe storage of foodgrains.

• Preservatives like sodium benzoate, sodium metabisulphite and salicylic acid for better preservation of food and check its wastage.

Chemistry in Life Styles

In every walk of life, chemistry has been the pioneer contributor towards enabling the comfort, convenience and pleasures of man. Chemistry has helped us in getting a number of amenities. Some examples are:

• Domestic requirements such as better fabrics, soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, dyes, oils, flavouring essences, paper etc.

• Air conditioning, refrigeration and domestic gadgets: To keep people cool and food fresh in all seasons, we make use of air conditioning. Chemical substances like liquid ammonia, liquid sulphur dioxide, CFC etc., are used in these machines. All consumer electronic gadgets based on Printed Circuit Board technology (PCB'S) use specialized chemical coatings for their functioning.

Chemistry and Energy Resources

The energy resources of the world are mainly petroleum, coal, wood, nuclear fuels. To conserve the fast depleting reserves of coal and petroleum, attempts are being made by chemists to utilize alternate energy fuels. Nuclear energy, solar energy, ocean energy (hydrogen from seawater), which may provide inexhaustible sources, are being studied under chemistry for future energy needs.

Dark Side of Chemistry

Chemistry has also been misused by unscrupulous people, endangering the society. It has given the menace of harmful drugs and their bulk processing, like LSD, cocaine, brown sugar, angel dust, etc. that cripple the society. Chemistry has also developed explosives such as TNT, RDX and other deadly chemical weapons of destruction - the atomic and hydrogen bombs. Terrorists and aggressive societies have used these with devastating effects.