Introduction to Chemistry

Syllabus tag: KCSE | Chemistry | Form 1 | Topic 1 Introduction to Chemistry

Lesson objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• Define chemistry and state its role and career opportunities.
• Identify common laboratory apparatus and observe safety rules.
• Describe the parts and use of the Bunsen burner.
• Distinguish physical from chemical changes and describe simple drug effects.

Summary

Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. Laboratory work demands strict safety rules, since the hazards are real. The Bunsen burner has two flames: a luminous yellow flame with the air hole closed, and a non-luminous blue flame, which is hotter, with it open.