Branches



	There are 5 main branches of chemistry.

	1. Organic Chemistry
	Organic chemistry deals with all carbon compounds. Carbon is the basis of all life. There are many carbon compounds because carbon can form 4 covalent bonds, enabling it to form long chains and even ring compounds. Methane, acetic acid (vinegar), proteins, sugars and deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) are all carbon based compounds. Many carbon based compounds are essential for life as we know it. Fuels such as propane, octane and butane are also included in organic chemistry.


	2. Inorganic Chemistry
	Inorganic chemistry deals with non-carbon compounds. Most acids, bases and salts are non-carbon based. Mineral compounds are also included in inorganic chemistry. Hydrochloric acid, sodium metal, oxygen gas and the noble gases are all part of inorganic chemistry.


	3. Biochemistry
	Biochemistry studies the processes and compounds important to life. Biochemistry is closely related to organic chemistry. Enzymes, digestion, blood clotting and cellular respiration are all studied in biochemistry. Biochemists look at the structure of hemoglobin in the blood to see why carbon monoxide is toxic to human life.


	4. Analytical Chemistry
	Analytical chemistry is concerned with the composition of substances. For instance, an analytical chemist might analyze a sample of blood to see if there is poison present and determine the type of poison. A water soluble marker can be analyzed to determine the individual colors that make up the final color of the marker. A sample of paint can be analyzed to make sure there is no lead present in the sample.


	5. Physical Chemistry
	Physical chemistry deals with the behavior of chemicals, for instance, if a substance will melt, burn or explode when exposed to heat. Nylon has the ability to stretch. Glass does not have a melting point but instead will slowly get softer when exposed to heat. Sodium metal catches fire when exposed to water. Plastics are flexible but incredible strong.


	It should be obvious to you that the 5 areas of chemistry overlap quite a bit. Medical technology involves all 5 areas, for instance. Computer technology uses inorganic and physical chemistry. In order to truly understand biology, one must understand organic and biochemistry.

	The world we live in is a complicated and interconnected world. The environment, industry, society, politics and the core of life itself all rely on each other and are affected by and affect the science of chemistry.



	\| Top of Page \|
	\| What is Chemistry? \| \| Science \| \| 5 Branches \| \| Key Concepts \|

	Created By: Mrs. D. M. Spering Created: April 2006 Revised: May 2006 Abington Senior High School Science Department Email Mrs. Spering