Introduction

Learning objectives
• State the central objectives of chemistry (and this course).
• Outline the scientific method.
o Classify statements and explanations as observations, experimental data, laws , hypotheses , or theories . Quiz
o Understand the importance of making controlled comparisons and obtaining reproducible data.
Lecture outline
The introductory lecture discusses the scope, objectives, and methods of chemistry.
What is Chemistry?
• the study of matter and its transformations
• the study of connections between molecular and macroscopic events
Why Study Chemistry?
• learn fundamental physical models
• gain technical perspective on current events
• develop problem solving skills
• appreciate life's little mysteries
The Scientific Method
• a systematic procedure for solving problems and exploring natural phenomena
• Observations (data)
o are the foundation of the scientific method
o data can be qualitative or quantitative.
o data is most useful when collected under controlled conditions (experiments )
o experiments must be repeatable and reproducible
• Natural laws
o compactly summarize patterns in a large amount of data
o often apply only under special conditions
o are descriptions of nature, not facts or explanations
• Hypotheses
o tentative explanations designed to guide experimentation
o a useful hypothesis must be testable
o must be rejected or corrected when they conflict with experiment
• Theories
o a well-tested explanation for experimental data based on a set of hypotheses.
o must be discarded or refined when they can't explain new experimental results
o scientific theories have three aspects: philosophical, mathematical, and empirical.
 Understand all three, or risk misusing the theory!
o a good theory...
 explains currently available data
 is as simple as possible (but no simpler!)
 accurately predicts results of future experiments
 suggests new lines of work and new ways to think
 clearly shows underlying connections
• Serendipity and intuition
o Many important scientific discoveries were not arrived at using the scientific method
 Charles Goodyear - vulcanization of rubber
 Teflon
 Plastics
 Saccharin


http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/intro/index.shtml