1.1. What is Chemistry? http://www.ck12.org
to develop. John Dalton (1766-1844) put forth his atomic theory in 1807. These ideas allowed scientists to think
about chemistry in a much more systematic way. It was also during this time that Avogadro (1776-1856) laid the
groundwork for a more quantitative approach to chemistry by calculating the number of particles present in a given
amount of a gas. Greater effort was put forth in studying chemical reactions and seeing what new materials could be
produced. Following the invention of the battery by Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), the field of electrochemistry was
developed through major contributions by Humphry Davy (1778-1829) and Michael Faraday (1791-1867). Other
areas of the discipline, including both theoretical ideas and their practical applications, also progressed rapidly.
It would take a very large book to cover every development in the history of chemistry, even if we started only at
the beginning of the twentieth century. The history of specific areas will be explored as certain topics are introduced
in later chapters. One major area of expansion was in the study of the chemistry of living processes. Research on
photosynthesis in plants, the discovery and characterization of enzymes as biochemical catalysts, the elucidation
of the structures of biomolecules such as insulin and DNA, and numerous other scientific efforts gave rise to an
explosion of information in the field of biochemistry.
The practical aspects of chemistry are numerous as well. The work of Volta, Davy, and Faraday eventually led to
the development of batteries that provided a source of electricity to power a number of devices. Charles Goodyear
(1800-1860) discovered the process of vulcanization, which produced a stable rubber product that is used in the
tires of all modern vehicles. Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) pioneered the use of heat sterilization to eliminate unwanted
microorganisms in wine and milk. Alfred Nobel (1833-1896) invented dynamite. After his death, the fortune he
made from this product was used to fund the Nobel Prizes in science and the humanities. J.W Hyatt (1837-1920)
developed the first plastic and Leo Baekeland (1863-1944) developed the first synthetic resin, which are widely used
for inexpensive and sturdy dinnerware.
Examples of Modern Chemistry
From the time we get up in the morning until the time we go to bed at night, chemistry touches our lives in many
ways. What we eat, what we wear, how we get around, those cool electronic gadgets we can’t live without –chemistry
has contributed in some way to the making of each of these things. Let’s take a look at several areas where chemistry
has an impact on how we live.
Clothing
Many of the fibers that compose the materials for our clothes are naturally occurring. Silk and cotton are examples
of natural fibers. Silk is produced by the silkworm, and cotton is grown as a plant. However, several chemical
processes are used to treat silk thread so that it is shrink-resistant and will repel water. Chemical dyes are frequently
used to color various fabrics. Cleaning requires special soaps or chemicals used to dry-clean materials. Cotton will
grow better if the boll weevil (an insect that kills the plant) is eliminated with the use of specific insecticides. Ironing
of cotton is made easier by the use of chemicals that produce a permanent press in the material.
Other fabrics are human-made, such as nylon, orlon, polyester, and a number of other polymers. Many of these
materials are made from hydrocarbons found in petroleum products. Synthetic polymers are also used in shoes,
raingear, and camping items. The synthetic fabrics tend to be lighter than the natural ones and can be treated to make
them water-resistant and more durable.
Much protective apparel has its roots in chemical processes. KevlarT Mis a tough polymer that is used for helmets
and body armor in combat situations. First used to replace steel in racing tires, KevlarT Mis now found in bicycle
tires, sails, and even rope.