Chemistry is a field of science that studies the structures, properties, compositions and interactions between matters. (p.4)
The word chemistry originated from the Arabic word ‘al-kimiya’. (p.4)
Chemicals in daily life are commonly used in food (preservatives, colouring, flavouring, antioxidant, stabilizers), agriculture (herbicide, pesticide, fungicide, fertiliser, hormone), industry (paint, polymer, glass, ceramic, detergent, alloy) and medicine (antibiotic, antiseptic, vitamin, chemotherapy, analgesic). (p.5)
Careers related to chemistry include fields such as cosmetics, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, nanotechnology and green technology. (p.7)
1.2 Scientific Investigation in Chemistry
A scientific investigation is a scientific method used in solving problems in science, generally beginning with observation of a problem. (p.8)
Steps of the scientific method: making observations → identifying the problem → making an inference → making a hypothesis → identifying variables → controlling variables → planning an experiment → collecting data → interpreting data → making a conclusion → preparing a report. (p.9)
1.3 Usage, Management and Handling of Apparatus and Materials
Personal protective equipment in the laboratory: safety goggles, laboratory coat, gloves, face mask, laboratory shoes. (p.12)
Laboratory safety equipment: fire extinguisher, eyewash, hand wash, fume chamber, safety shower. (p.13)
Storage of chemicals: reactive metals (e.g. lithium, sodium, potassium) stored in paraffin oil; light-sensitive substances (e.g. concentrated nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, silver nitrate) stored in dark bottles; corrosive chemicals (pH<5 and pH>9) stored in locked cabinets; toxic/heavy-metal substances stored in locked, labelled containers. (p.15)
Disposal of chemicals: dilute hydrogen peroxide can go into the sink, but concentrated hydrogen peroxide must be diluted and treated with sodium sulphite first; organic solvents/hydrocarbons, strong acids/alkalis (pH<5, pH>9), and heavy-metal wastes must be collected in special containers and never poured directly into the sink. (p.16)
Emergency procedure for a chemical spill: inform the teacher/lab assistant immediately, prohibit others from the site, contain the spill (e.g. with sand), clean it up, and dispose of it following correct procedures. (p.17)
Mercury spill: mercury vapour is poisonous even in small amounts and must not be touched; if exposed, move away from the source and seek hospital treatment. (p.17)