Give an example to show that chemistry is used in everyday life.

The sunscreens that people use to protect themselves from the sun's harmful UV-A and UV-B radiation are also based on chemicals. These lotions and creams are made from a combination of inorganic and organic compounds that filter or block incoming UV rays. This is the example used to show that chemistry is used in everyday life.

What are the different types of chemistry?

The different types of chemistry are: Chemistry of Organic Compounds Inorganic Chemistry Biochemistry Analytical Chemistry Chemical Reaction

Can you define "formal science"?

It includes research in areas of language related to formal systems. Logic and mathematics are examples of scientific disciplines that fall into this category.

What is chemistry in everyday life?

Chemistry in everyday life refers to the chemical processes and reactions that occur in our daily activities and surroundings. It involves the application of chemical principles to understand and explain common phenomena, from cooking and cleaning to the products we use and the environment around us.

How does chemistry play a role in cooking?

Chemistry is fundamental to cooking. When we cook, we're essentially performing chemical reactions. Heat causes proteins to denature and coagulate, carbohydrates to caramelize, and fats to melt. Baking soda and baking powder act as leavening agents through chemical reactions. Even the Maillard reaction, responsible for browning and flavor development in foods, is a complex series of chemical reactions.

Why does cutting an onion make you cry?

When you cut an onion, you break cells, releasing enzymes that produce sulfur compounds. These compounds react with the moisture in your eyes to form a mild sulfuric acid, which irritates nerve endings and causes tears. This is a perfect example of how chemistry affects our daily experiences.

Why do apples turn brown when cut?

When an apple is cut, enzymes in the fruit's cells are exposed to oxygen in the air. This triggers an oxidation reaction that converts phenols in the apple to melanin, a brown pigment. This is why adding lemon juice (which contains antioxidants) can slow down this browning process.

Rust is the result of an oxidation reaction between iron and oxygen in the presence of water. The iron loses electrons to oxygen, forming iron oxide (rust). This process, known as corrosion, is a common example of how chemistry can affect materials in our environment.

What causes the fizz in carbonated drinks?

The fizz in carbonated drinks comes from dissolved carbon dioxide gas. Under pressure, CO2 dissolves in the liquid. When the container is opened, the pressure is released, allowing the CO2 to form bubbles and escape as a gas. This illustrates the principle of gas solubility and pressure effects.

How do refrigerators keep food cold?

Refrigerators work by continuously evaporating and condensing a refrigerant. As the refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from inside the fridge. It's then compressed, condensed back into a liquid (releasing heat outside), and the cycle repeats. This demonstrates how the principles of thermodynamics and phase changes are applied in everyday appliances.

How do instant cold packs work?

Instant cold packs contain ammonium nitrate and water in separate compartments. When the pack is squeezed, the barrier breaks, allowing the components to mix. The dissolution of ammonium nitrate in water is an endothermic process, absorbing heat from the surroundings and creating a cooling effect. This illustrates how chemical processes can be used for temperature control.

What causes the fizz and pop when opening a soda bottle?

When a soda bottle is opened, the sudden decrease in pressure allows dissolved CO2 to come out of solution rapidly, forming bubbles. As these bubbles rise and burst at the surface, they create the characteristic fizzing sound. The "pop" when opening is due to the rapid equalization of pressure between the bottle and the atmosphere. This demonstrates principles of gas solubility and pressure effects.

What causes the distinctive smell of new cars?

The "new car smell" is a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by various materials in the car. These include plastics, adhesives, leather, and fabrics. As these materials off-gas, they produce the characteristic scent. While pleasant to some, these VOCs can be harmful in high concentrations. This illustrates how everyday objects can be sources of chemical emissions.

What makes glow sticks light up?

Glow sticks contain two separate chemicals and a fluorescent dye. When the stick is bent, the chemicals mix and undergo a chemiluminescent reaction, producing light without heat. The energy from this reaction excites the fluorescent dye, causing it to glow. This demonstrates how chemical reactions can produce light.

How does hair dye change hair color?

Hair dyes work by penetrating the hair shaft and altering its pigments. Permanent dyes often use ammonia to open the hair cuticle and hydrogen peroxide to remove some of the natural pigment. Then, new color molecules are deposited within the hair shaft. This shows how chemistry can be used for cosmetic purposes.

How does invisible ink work?

Invisible ink is typically a weak acid or base that doesn't show up on paper under normal conditions. When heat is applied or the paper is treated with a complementary chemical, a reaction occurs that makes the writing visible. This demonstrates how chemical reactions can be used for secret communication.

What makes perfumes smell good?

Perfumes contain volatile organic compounds that evaporate easily, releasing scent molecules into the air. These molecules bind to olfactory receptors in our noses, triggering nerve signals that our brains interpret as specific scents. The art of perfumery involves carefully blending these compounds to create pleasing aromas.

How do reusable heat packs work?

Reusable heat packs often contain a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate. When the metal disc inside is clicked, it creates a nucleation site, causing the solution to crystallize in an exothermic reaction, releasing heat. This illustrates how phase changes and crystallization can be used to generate warmth.

How does baking powder make cakes rise?

Baking powder is a mixture of a carbonate (usually sodium bicarbonate) and a weak acid. When mixed with water and heated, it produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas forms bubbles in the batter, causing it to expand and rise. This is an application of acid-base chemistry and gas formation in cooking.

What makes glow-in-the-dark items shine?

Glow-in-the-dark items contain phosphorescent materials that absorb light energy and then slowly release it over time. These materials, often zinc sulfide or strontium aluminate, trap electrons in a higher energy state when exposed to light. As these electrons gradually return to their ground state, they emit photons, causing the glow. This illustrates the principle of luminescence.

What causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions excite the gas molecules, causing them to emit light of various colors. Oxygen typically produces green and red light, while nitrogen produces blue. This demonstrates how atomic excitation and emission spectra create natural light shows.

How do smoke detectors work?

Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material to ionize air in a chamber. This creates a small electric current. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts this current, triggering the alarm. Photoelectric detectors use a light beam and sensor; smoke scatters the light, activating the alarm. Both types demonstrate how chemistry and physics principles are used in safety devices.

What causes the smell after rain?

The distinct smell after rain, known as petrichor, is caused by a combination of chemical compounds. One key component is geosmin, produced by soil-dwelling bacteria. Ozone, created by lightning, also contributes to the scent. Additionally, oils released by plants during dry periods mix with water and are released into the air. This complex mixture of chemicals creates the characteristic after-rain smell.

How do chemical hand warmers work?

Chemical hand warmers typically work through an exothermic oxidation reaction. When exposed to air, iron powder in the warmer oxidizes, producing heat. Other chemicals like salt, charcoal, and vermiculite help control the reaction rate and distribute heat. This demonstrates how controlled chemical reactions can be used for practical heating applications.

What makes soda cans corrode faster in salt water?

Salt water accelerates corrosion of soda cans (usually made of aluminum) through an electrochemical process. The salt (NaCl) dissociates in water, increasing its conductivity. This creates a more effective electrolyte, speeding up the electron transfer in the corrosion reaction. Additionally, chloride ions can break down the protective oxide layer on aluminum. This illustrates how environmental factors can influence chemical reactions.

How do photochromic lenses in glasses work?

Photochromic lenses contain molecules (often silver halides) that change structure when exposed to UV light. This structural change alters how the molecules absorb visible light, causing the lenses to darken. When UV light is removed, the molecules return to their original structure, and the lenses clear. This demonstrates how light can induce reversible chemical changes in materials.

What causes the blue color of the sky?

The sky appears blue due to a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. As sunlight enters Earth's atmosphere, it collides with gas molecules. Blue light, which has a shorter wavelength, is scattered more than other colors. This scattered blue light reaches our eyes from all directions, giving the sky its blue appearance. This illustrates how the interaction between light and matter affects our perception of color.

How do fabric softeners work?

Fabric softeners contain positively charged molecules called cationic surfactants. These molecules coat fabric fibers, neutralizing negative charges and reducing static electricity. They also lubricate fibers, making them feel softer. Some softeners include fragrances for a pleasant scent. This shows how the principles of electrostatics and molecular interactions are applied in household products.

How do chemical air fresheners work?

Chemical air fresheners typically work in one of three ways: by releasing a pleasant fragrance to mask odors, by chemically neutralizing odor molecules, or by desensitizing our nose to certain smells. Some use volatile organic compounds that evaporate easily, while others might use cyclodextrins to trap odor molecules. This shows how different chemical approaches can be used to address the same problem.

Chemistry: Examples of Chemistry In Everyday Life

Q: What is chemistry?

Chemistry is a subfield of the natural sciences that deals with the study of substances and their constituent substances. We also examine the properties of these substances and the reactions they undergo to form new substances. Chemistry focuses primarily on atoms, ions, and molecules, which make up elements and compounds. These chemicals tend to combine with each other with the help of chemical bonds. It is important to note that interactions between matter and energy are also studied in the field of chemistry.

Chemistry: Examples Of Chemistry In Everyday Life

Team Careers360Updated on 02 Jul 2025, 05:10 PM IST

Chemistry is a sub-field of the natural sciences that deals with the study of substances and their constituent substances. We also examine the properties of these substances and the reactions they undergo to form new substances. Chemistry focuses primarily on atoms, ions, and molecules, which make up elements and compounds. These chemicals tend to combine with each other with the help of chemical bonds. It is important to note that interactions between matter and energy are also studied in the field of chemistry.

This Story also Contains

Chemistry's Relation To Other Sciences
Departments Of Chemistry
Examples Of Chemistry In Everyday Life

Chemistry- Examples of Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the properties, composition, and structure of elements and compounds, as well as how they change and the energy released or absorbed in that change.

Chemistry's Relation To Other Sciences

The natural universe, its structure, and its composition have everything to do. Due to the vastness of the natural world, science has been divided into several disciplines dealing with specific aspects of the universe.

Formal Science: This includes research in areas of language related to formal systems. Logic and mathematics are examples of scientific disciplines that fall into this category.
Natural Sciences: It involves the study of natural phenomena. It is done through experiments. Chemistry, physics, and biology are examples of natural sciences.
The Social Sciences: They are concerned with the study of human societies and human relationships. Examples include psychology and economics. Sociology also falls under this science.

Chemistry can therefore be viewed as a central science whose roots extend to several other sub-fields of science.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What causes leaves to change color in autumn?

Leaves change color in autumn due to the breakdown of chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color. As days shorten and temperatures cool, trees stop producing chlorophyll, revealing other pigments like carotenoids (yellow and orange) and anthocyanins (red and purple). This shows how chemical changes in plants are tied to seasonal changes.

Q: How do mood rings work?

Mood rings contain thermotropic liquid crystals that change color with temperature. As your body temperature changes slightly with your emotional state, the crystals twist to reflect different wavelengths of light, changing the ring's color. While not truly indicative of mood, this demonstrates how chemistry can create temperature-sensitive materials.

Q: What makes chili peppers spicy?

The spiciness in chili peppers comes from compounds called capsaicinoids, primarily capsaicin. These molecules bind to pain receptors in our mouths, creating a sensation of heat or burning. This is an example of how chemical compounds can interact with our nervous system to produce sensations.

Q: What causes metal to spark in a microwave?

Metal in a microwave can cause sparking due to the buildup of electric charges. Microwaves create an oscillating electromagnetic field that causes electrons in metal to move rapidly. In thin or pointed metal pieces, this can lead to a concentration of charge and electrical arcing. This demonstrates the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and materials.

Q: How do water purification tablets work?

Water purification tablets typically contain chemicals like chlorine or iodine that kill harmful microorganisms. These chemicals oxidize cellular components of pathogens, effectively destroying them. Some tablets also include chemicals to neutralize the taste of the disinfectant. This shows how chemistry is crucial for water safety and public health.

Departments Of Chemistry

The five main fields of chemistry are physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry.

Chemistry of Organic Compounds: Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry concerned with the scientific study of organic compounds (compounds containing covalently bonded carbon atoms). This branch of chemistry is primarily concerned with the structure and chemical composition of organic compounds, the physical and chemical properties of organic compounds, and the chemical reactions that these compounds undergo.
Inorganic Chemistry: The term "organic" refers to compounds containing carbon atoms. Therefore, the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of compounds other than carbon-hydrogen atoms is called "inorganic chemistry" and uses the principles of physics to understand chemical systems and reactions.
Biochemistry: The branch of science that deals with the study of all life processes, including their regulation within living organisms, is called biochemistry.
Analytical Chemistry: Analytical chemistry involves the separation, identification, and quantification of substances. This includes using classical methods alongside modern methods using scientific instruments.
Chemical Reaction: A chemical reaction is where a bond in a reactant molecule is broken and a new bond is formed in a product molecule to form a new substance.

In addition to these main subjects, there are several special areas of chemistry that deal with interdisciplinary issues. It includes chemistry related to medicines, and materials, nuclear chemistry, chemistry related to the environment, and thermochemistry.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How does a battery work?

Batteries work through redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions. They contain two electrodes of different materials separated by an electrolyte. When connected in a circuit, electrons flow from one electrode to the other, creating an electric current. This illustrates how chemical energy can be converted into electrical energy.

Q: How do antacids work?

Antacids work by neutralizing excess stomach acid. They contain bases like calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide that react with and neutralize hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This is an application of acid-base chemistry in pharmaceuticals.

Q: What makes fireworks colorful?

The colors in fireworks come from metal salts that emit specific wavelengths of light when heated. For example, strontium produces red, barium creates green, and copper generates blue. This demonstrates how chemistry can create beautiful visual displays through controlled reactions.

Q: How does soap clean?

Soap molecules have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) tail. The hydrophobic end attaches to oils and grease, while the hydrophilic end bonds with water. This allows soap to lift away dirt and oil from surfaces and suspend them in water, which can then be rinsed away.

Q: How does sunscreen protect our skin?

Sunscreens contain compounds that either absorb or reflect ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, while physical sunscreens containing minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide reflect and scatter UV rays. This demonstrates how chemistry can be used for protection against harmful radiation.

Examples Of Chemistry In Everyday Life

Chemical reactions are happening all around us. Thousands of chemical reactions take place in the human body every day. Every process in the body, from digesting food to muscle movement, involves chemical reactions. Here are some examples of chemistry in everyday human life.

The process of photosynthesis is a chemical reaction that allows plants to convert water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This is the most important process, with the help of which the entire food chain is built.
Soaps and detergents used for hygiene purposes use a chemical process called emulsification. Also, they are made by a chemical process called saponification.
The sunscreens that people use to protect themselves from the sun's harmful UV-A and UV-B radiation are also based on chemicals. These lotions and creams are made from a combination of inorganic and organic compounds that filter or block incoming UV rays.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do chemical depilatory creams remove hair?

Depilatory creams contain alkaline chemicals like calcium thioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate. These compounds break down the disulfide bonds in hair's keratin proteins, weakening the hair structure.

Q: What causes the aurora borealis (Northern Lights)?

The aurora borealis is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions excite the atoms, causing them to release photons of light. Different colors are produced by different atoms: oxygen produces green and red light, while nitrogen produces blue and purple. This demonstrates how atomic excitation and emission can create natural light displays.

Q: How do chemical relaxers straighten hair?

Chemical hair relaxers work by breaking the disulfide bonds in hair's keratin proteins. Strong bases like sodium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide are typically used. These chemicals penetrate the hair shaft, breaking and reforming bonds to change the hair's shape. This process illustrates how chemical reactions can alter the physical properties of biological materials.

Q: What makes chewing gum sticky?

The stickiness of chewing gum comes from its combination of polymers, typically including polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate. These long molecule chains give gum its elastic properties. When chewed, saliva partially dissolves some components, exposing the sticky polymers. This demonstrates how the chemical composition of materials determines their physical properties.

Q: How do chemical peels work?

Chemical peels use acids (such as glycolic, salicylic, or trichloroacetic acid) to remove the outer layers of skin. These acids break down the bonds between dead skin cells, causing them to peel off. This process stimulates the production of new skin cells and collagen. The strength of the peel depends on the type and concentration of acid used. This shows how controlled chemical reactions can be used in cosmetic treatments.

Q: How do self-heating food packages work?

Self-heating food packages typically use an exothermic reaction to generate heat. One common method involves a reaction between calcium oxide (quicklime) and water, which produces calcium hydroxide and releases heat. The food is kept separate from the reaction. This demonstrates how chemical reactions can be harnessed for practical applications in food technology.

Q: What causes the green color in leaves?

The green color in leaves comes from chlorophyll, a pigment crucial for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light while reflecting green light, giving leaves their characteristic color. This pigment is essential for converting light energy into chemical energy in plants. Understanding chlorophyll's role illustrates the connection between a molecule's structure and its function in nature.

Q: How do chemical fire extinguishers work?

Chemical fire extinguishers work by interrupting the fire triangle (heat, fuel, and oxygen). Dry chemical extinguishers often use sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, which release carbon dioxide when heated, smothering the fire. Foam extinguishers create a blanket that separates the fuel from oxygen. This shows how understanding the chemistry of combustion leads to effective fire-fighting methods.

Q: What causes the hardness of water?

Water hardness is caused by dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium ions. These ions enter water as it percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk, or gypsum. Hard water can lead to scale buildup in pipes and reduced effectiveness of soaps and detergents. This illustrates how the presence of dissolved substances can significantly alter water's properties.

Q: What makes fruits ripen?

Fruit ripening involves complex chemical changes triggered by the plant hormone ethylene. This hormone initiates processes that break down cell walls (softening the fruit), convert starches to sugars (increasing sweetness), and break down chlorophyll (changing color). Understanding this process has allowed for the controlled ripening of fruits in the food industry.

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