BRANCHES
AN INTRODUCTION TO… CHEMISTRY AND ITS BRANCHES OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS IN THE FIELD. WE TAKE YOU THROUGH THE TOP FIVE BRANCHES. By: Zakiyah Ebrahim Chemistry is the subdiscipline of science that deals
explains Live Science. Taking medication or diluting
with the composition of matter and the physical and
concentrated juice is also other ways in which we
chemical characteristics associated with different
incorporate chemistry into our regular lives.
material objects. "Everything you hear, see, smell, taste, and touch involves chemistry and chemicals (matter),"
Here’s a look at the various branches…
according to the American Chemical Society (ACS), a non-profit science organisation for the advancement
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
of chemistry.
Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds, as well as the chemicals in living organisms. The
"And hearing, seeing, tasting, and touching all involve
process of photosynthesis in a leaf is considered
intricate series of chemical reactions and interactions
organic chemistry, as there is a change in the
in your body," the NPO explains. Think of it this way:
chemical composition of the living plants.
we’re all doing chemistry, or something that involves chemistry, pretty much in everyday life – even if you’re
Substances that are primarily made up of carbon
not a chemist.
and hydrogen (C-H) bonds are considered organic. According to ThoughtCo., this branch of
Cooking involves chemistry, and so does using
chemistry is significant as it is the study of life and
cleaning detergents to wipe off our counters,
all of the chemical reactions related to life, and plays
Science Stars Chemistry Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
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