What are the 12 Branches of Chemistry?

Chemistry is a subject that is typically taught in high school, but it’s also a very important subject for those who work in the science field. Chemistry helps people understand the world around them and how it works. Chemistry is a large field with many different branches. This article will answer the question “what are the 12 branches of chemistry?”

What are the 12 Branches of Chemistry?

The 12 branches of Chemistry are the following:

• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Agrochemistry
• Astrochemistry
• Forensic Chemistry
• Phytochemistry
• Radiochemistry
• Stereochemistry
• Quantum Chemistry

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of matter and its composition, structure, properties, and changes as well as how matter and energy interact with each other. It is also the study of how matter reacts, and how to use this knowledge to create new materials. 

What is a Chemist?

A chemist is someone who studies the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of chemical substances. Chemists work in a variety of fields, such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, biology, and environmental science. 

The job of a chemist is to provide solutions to difficult problems, such as how to make a new drug that is both effective and safe. Chemists also play a role in the manufacturing process for chemicals, food additives, and other products. 

Chemists are also involved in many different industries, such as food, beverage, and chemical manufacturing. The highest-paid chemists make $126,000 a year. Chemists can be employed in a variety of settings, such as in industry, government, or academia.

What are the 12 branches of Chemistry and their definition?

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of chemical compounds that are hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon-based. These chemical compounds are called organic compounds. 

Organic compounds are the building blocks of life, and they are the basis for all living organisms. Organic compounds are used in everyday products like food, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. 

Organic chemistry is a major branch of chemistry that includes the study of the structure, properties, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds. 

Organic chemistry is also the study of how molecules are divided into functional groups. Organic chemistry is an important part of many careers, such as a chemist, biologist, biologist, biochemist, or organic chemist.

Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic chemistry is the study of non-carbon-based materials that are not parts of organic life, such as metals, inorganic salts, and non-metallic inorganic compounds. 

Inorganic compounds are those that contain no carbon, so they are not derived from living organisms. These compounds do not contain any carbon-carbon bonds. 

Inorganic chemistry also studies the chemical reactions between these materials. It is one of the oldest scientific disciplines and has been around for centuries.

Analytical Chemistry

Analytical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that aims to obtain information about the composition and structure of matter. The term “analytical chemistry” also encompasses the use of spectroscopy to obtain information about molecules.

The information obtained from analytical chemistry is used to solve problems in many fields, including pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, forensics, food science, and many more. 

Analytical chemistry is a useful tool that anyone can use to learn more about their surroundings. The goal of analytical chemistry is to provide information about a chemical that is not readily available through other means. 

Analytical chemistry uses a wide variety of methods to accomplish this goal. Some of these methods include the use of chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and x-ray diffraction. 

Physical Chemistry

Physical chemistry is the study of the chemical processes involved in physical phenomena. Physical chemistry has many branches, including chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry. 

Physical chemistry has been used to describe the behavior of liquids, gases, metals, semiconductors, solids, and plasma. The behavior of these substances is governed by physical laws that are described by physical chemistry. 

For example, the laws of thermodynamics govern the behavior of gases and liquids. Physical chemistry has a broad range of applications in industry, including polymer chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and chemical engineering.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of chemical and physicochemical processes and substances that take place in living organisms. It is the branch of biology that deals with the chemistry of life. 

Biochemistry is an important area of study because it helps us understand how living organisms work to carry out life processes. Biochemistry is a science that focuses on the chemical reactions and transformations that are happening in living organisms, such as cells, tissues, and organs. 

Agrochemistry

The word agrochemistry can be defined as the study of chemical processes significant to agriculture. There are many topics that fall under this category, but one, in particular, is important in understanding how plants grow and develop.  

There are many different types of chemicals used in agriculture. Some common ones are pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. These chemicals are used to prevent the spread of plant diseases and pests, and to produce food that is safe and nutritious for humans. 

Agrochemistry also deals with the various steps of the agricultural process including planting, harvesting, processing, and transporting crops. 

Astrochemistry

Astrochemistry is the study of chemical reactions in space. While many of the reactions are similar to those on Earth, there are some important differences. 

It is important for astrochemists to understand how chemicals react in a vacuum or in the presence of radiation. When it comes to astrochemistry, scientists use a laboratory called the International 

Space Station to study how atoms react in the absence of gravity. 

There are many different types of experiments that can be done on the ISS, and some of them include analyzing the structure of molecules. 

Forensic Chemistry

Forensic chemistry is a branch of chemistry that uses chemical principles to investigate crime. Forensic chemists are often responsible for examining and analyzing evidence, such as hair, blood, and tissue samples. 

They may also analyze items such as paint, soil, or other material that may be present at a crime scene. Forensic chemists often work in conjunction with other forensic specialists, such as DNA analysts or ballistics experts. 

They also use their knowledge of chemistry to make inferences about the type of poison or drug used in a particular case. They work in law enforcement agencies, universities, hospitals, and private companies.

Phytochemistry

A new study is uncovering the effects of phytochemistry in the brain. Phytochemistry is the study of chemicals derived from plants. Some of these chemicals are natural compounds, and others are produced by plants as a response to various stresses or to fight against predators. 

Phytochemistry studies the chemical composition of plants and the chemical reactions that occur within them. Plants produce thousands of chemicals, which are a result of their metabolism and interactions with their environment.

Radiochemistry

Radiochemistry is the study of radioisotopes and their uses in the chemical industry. Radioisotopes are radioactive materials that can be used to study chemical reactions that are produced when natural or artificial nuclear reactions occur. 

Radioisotopes are used to determine the structures of organic compounds, examine their properties, and test hypotheses. Radiochemistry is also the science that deals with the interactions of radiation with matter. 

Stereochemistry

The study of stereochemistry, or the spatial arrangement of atoms within molecules, is necessary for understanding chemical reactions. In particular, chemists often use stereochemistry to determine the best way to react with a molecule in order to form the desired product. 

This is done by considering how the bonds between the atoms within the molecule will react with other molecules. For example, imagine two molecules of ethanol and a molecule of water. 

If the ethanol molecule has a double bond and the water molecule has a single bond, then it is possible to react the ethanol with the water to form ethylene.

Quantum Chemistry

Quantum chemistry is a branch of chemistry that deals with the motion of atoms and molecules. The term “quantum” refers to the fact that the wave-like behavior of electrons in atoms can be described by the mathematical theory of quantum mechanics. 

Quantum chemistry is used to describe the motion of atoms and molecules in chemical reactions, chemical bond formation, and molecular structure.

Conclusion

Chemistry helps us understand how things work; how it is created and destroyed. Chemistry deals with all types of substances, from gases to liquids to solids, and can be used to make new materials, such as plastics and adhesives. It is a very broad field of science with 12 branches. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What are the 12 Branches of Chemistry?

What is the hardest branch of chemistry?

Some people would say that physical chemistry is the hardest branch of chemistry because it requires knowledge of the laws of physics and how they affect chemical reactions. 

What is the chemistry in love?

The chemistry in love is a mix of dopamine and norepinephrine. When you are in love, your brain releases these hormones which can cause euphoria and make you feel good. These hormones also help to increase energy levels and lower your appetite.

Who is the father of chemistry?

Antoine Lavoisier was the father of modern chemistry. He discovered oxygen and founded the science of chemistry. Lavoisier’s work led to the development of the modern chemical industry and the industrial revolution.

Reference

Foresman, J., & Frish, E. (1996). Exploring chemistry. Gaussian Inc., Pittsburg, USA.

Branches of Chemistry. Retrieved from https://sciencenotes.org/branches-of-chemistry/

Chemistry – Introduction, Branches, Concepts, Free Resources. Retrieved from https://byjus.com/chemistry/

What are the branches of chemistry and their definition? | Socratic. Retrieved from https://socratic.org/questions/what-are-the-branches-of-chemistry-and-their-definition