Introduction

Chemistry is the branch of science devoted to studying matter — everything that occupies space and has mass — along with its physical and chemical properties and the changes matter undergoes under different conditions. Chemistry sits at the centre of science: understanding it underpins physics, the biological sciences, applied sciences, and earth and space sciences alike. Its reach touches nearly every part of daily life — the air we breathe, the food we eat, the fluids we drink, the clothes we wear, how we travel, and the fuels that power it all. Although chemistry is an ancient field of study, advances in scientific instruments and technology over time have turned it into a thoroughly modern science, whose knowledge is now applied across medicine, dentistry, engineering, agriculture, and countless everyday household products.