9.1.8 Branches of Chemistry

Why is chemistry divided into multiple branches? Explain these branches.

Reasons to divide chemistry into branches:

Chemistry is divided into multiple branches due to these two reasons:

1. To focus on a specific area of chemistry
2. To achieve breakthroughs and advancements in that field

Branches of Chemistry:

1. Physical Chemistry:

Physical chemistry studies how matter behaves at atomic or molecular level.

Scope:

1. Physical chemistry is used to study how fundamental physical laws give atoms and molecules their specific properties and their structure.
2. It is also used to predict and change the rate of reactions.

Application:

Physical chemistry can be used at industrial scale to optimize the conditions of reactions for better results

2. Organic Chemistry:

Organic chemistry studies the composition, properties, synthesis and reactions of carbon compounds (hydrocarbons and their derivatives) except simple salts of carbon like carbonates, bicarbonates, oxides and carbides.

Application:

Organic chemistry is used to study the organic compounds that are found in all living things.

3. Inorganic Chemistry:

Inorganic chemistry studies the composition, properties synthesis and reactions of compounds that contain little to no carbon.

Scope:

Inorganic chemistry studies metals, non-metals, acids, bases, salts and all other inorganic substances.

Application:

Inorganic compounds are used as fertilizers, medicines, catalysts, pigments and coatings, etc.

4. Environmental Chemistry:

Environmental chemistry studies the chemical and biochemical phenomena that occur on this planet.

Scope:

1. It studies the sources, reactions, effects and fates of all the chemical species in the environment.
2. It also studies the effects of chemicals on the environment that are released by humans.
3. It helps us understand the causes, effects and solutions to different types of pollution.

5. Analytical Chemistry:

Analytical chemistry is used to analyze, separate, identify and determine the concentration of components in a sample of matter.

Scope:

Analytical chemistry uses sophisticated and modern instruments to analyze the matter.

6. Biochemistry:

Biochemistry studies the chemical substances and chemical processes occurring in living organisms.

Scope:

1. It is used to understand life through chemical processes.
2. It is used to study the structure and function of molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids.

7. Nuclear Chemistry:

Nuclear chemistry studies the nuclear processes, radioactivity and the transformation of the nuclei of atoms.

Application:

Nuclear chemistry has many applications in agriculture, medicine, industry and research.

8. Polymer Chemistry:

Polymer chemistry studies the properties, structure and synthesis of polymers and macromolecules.

Polymers are large molecules made by joining small building blocks.

Applications:

Many polymers such as proteins, cellulose and nucleic acids are found in living organisms.

9. Geochemistry:

Geochemistry studies chemical composition of earth, its resources and minerals.

Application:

1. Geochemistry is used in mineral exploration and geochemical mapping.
2. It also has applications in environmental monitoring, forestry and medical research.

10. Medicinal Chemistry:

Medicinal chemistry deals with the design and synthesis of medicines and drugs which are beneficial for humans.

Scope:

The scope of medicinal chemistry includes discovery, delivery, absorption and metabolism of drugs in human body.

11. Astrochemistry:

Astrochemistry is the study of molecules and ions occurring in space and interstellar space.

Scope:

1. It studies the abundance and reactions of atoms, molecules and ions in the universe.
2. It also studies the interaction of these species with radiation.