Your chemical world Essay Example
Your chemical world Essay Example

Your chemical world Essay Example

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  • Pages: 15 (3870 words)
  • Published: February 18, 2019
  • Type: Report
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By: Bill
In our modern world, we rely on various chemical breakthroughs without even giving them a second thought. As I write this paper, I am utilizing the advancements made in chemistry. The American Chemical Society (ACS) is an organization consisting of over 150,000 chemists from academia and industry. Their published book, Your Chemical World, presents a comprehensible portrayal of the importance and applications of chemistry. Although it may appear that chemistry is a recent scientific field, it has played a significant role in our lives for centuries. Even our early ancestors, who lacked writing skills, discovered the use of certain substances for painting as evidenced by the ancient cave paintings in Southern Europe. Today, chemistry is involved in various aspects of our daily lives such as constructing houses, commuting to work, and even making toast in the morning.

Chemistry

...

connects us to the hidden world of terrestrial resources like Silicon and Iron forever binding our hands to this field. The book explores the unexpected utilization of chemistry during prehistoric times when our ancestors' primary concern was survival. Meeting basic needs such as food, shelter energy and drinks eventually led our Neanderthal predecessors to create visually stunning cave paintings.Throughout history Chemistry has played a significant role in society revolutionizing various aspects of lifeThe application of chemistry has significantly improved our health and extended lifespan by over forty percent compared to previous eras. Ancient civilizations were the originators of chemical knowledge, developing materials like Bronze and glass through trial and error methods around 3600 BC and 2500 BC respectively. The concept of material composition emerged during the time of Greek philosophers, particularly with Leucippus

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proposing that everything is made up of small, indivisible particles. Despite this theory being confirmed, alchemy continued to exist until medieval times.

Robert Boyle, a British chemist, made important contributions by defining elements as pure substances that cannot be easily broken down. His assistant Robert Hooke furthered scientific progress by inventing the first compound microscope and theorizing the existence of cells. Dmitri Mendeleev is widely regarded as the father of chemistry for formulating the periodic law and creating the periodic table of elements, which have greatly influenced our understanding and practical application of chemical principles throughout history.

Sir Joseph John Thomson introduced the concept of protons within atoms while Sir Ernest Rutherford proposed his nuclear theory involving protons in atoms. The discovery and organization of elements on the periodic table have paved the way for modern chemistry to thrive.In the early 20th century, a small but enterprising community began engaging in commercial chemical operations, gradually accelerating progress in the chemical world. This book also showcases how historical milestones connect to our current reality by demonstrating the crucial role of the chemistry industry in everyday products.

Within our homes, evidence of chemistry can be found from vinyl siding and roof shingles to electricity that powers computers. Each room provides clear indications of chemistry's applications - in the kitchen with refrigerators, family rooms with televisions, and even bathrooms with flushed toilets connected to sewer systems below ground. Chemistry permeates every aspect of our lives, including garages where glimpses under a car's hood reveal its ubiquity.

Your Chemical World demonstrates the durability of its products and prompts us to question the origins of raw materials for items like cars and refrigerators. The

answer lies in our planet, Earth, which has provided resources to sustain us. Through a combination of earth, water, air, and plant and animal matter, countless creations that were previously inaccessible to humans have emerged.

Petroleum is extracted from underground and converted into rubber and gas for our vehicles. Coal derived from compressed animal and plant matter not only serves as an energy source but also yields valuable substances like silicon and sulfur through excavation.Everything we possess originates from the raw form it takes on Earth. This book presents its ideas based on scientific research while exploring the applications and sources of materials throughout the history of chemistry. The chemical industry encompasses a wide range of products and individuals involved in activities such as paper production or iron ore mining; however, at its core, chemistry's main objective remains the pursuit of knowledge. The consumer products that arise are fortunate byproducts of this academic endeavor known as chemistry. Approximately two-thirds of this massive industry is dedicated to refining, producing or manufacturing petrochemicals. These petrochemicals are essential for creating various hydrocarbons that contribute to the production of plastics and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the chemical industry relies on inorganic chemicals for manufacturing different materials. This collaboration between the two industries amounts to one-third of the national domestic gross product. Key players in these industries include E.I du Pont de Nemours & Co.and Dow Chemical Co., both generating substantial annual revenue. Over the past 150 years, the chemical industry has seen significant growth with chemicals playing a crucial role in World War One, leading to advancements in warfare tacticsAfter the war, new synthetic alternatives emerged that offered improved reliability and

cost-effectiveness compared to original products. This was made possible through research conducted during wartime. The development of these alternatives is driven by research and development (R&D), which plays a vital role in bringing innovation to market. Without R&D, companies would face challenges in today's global economy. R also contributes to America's chemical industry exporting $16 billion more than it imports, with these companies being crucial in producing goods that contribute to our way of life. In a previous article titled Your Chemical World, we explored the materials used in creating gadgets and discussed the discovery of the periodic table over time. Initially, a theory proposed that substances consisted of indivisible small particles but this idea was distorted by medieval alchemy. Eventually, the Periodic Law was discovered stating that elements' properties are periodic functions of their atomic weights. This led to the creation of the Periodic Table which initially included only sixty out of eighty-three naturally occurring elements but provided a means to predict their properties. What's intriguing is that by discovering almost all elements found in nature, including those present in the universe itself theoretically, we gain insights into the entire universeScientists have synthesized nearly seven million different compounds and continue to create more each day. By the twenty-first century, this number could potentially increase six-fold to around forty million compounds. The prospect of future inventions is mind-boggling when considering that only seven million compounds have been utilized so far. Chemistry is an intellectually challenging pursuit requiring imagination and plays an essential role in our lives. Constantly improving and enhancing processes contributes to the betterment of our world. Chemistry is a fundamental science that has

given rise to many other sciences. Just as the chemical industry's influence spans across various sectors, different industries strive for a portion of the same market. Your Chemical World presents a timeline showcasing significant events in chemistry, encompassing diverse fields connected by their pursuit of scientific advancements. Here are major milestones:
-2,400,000: Humanoids engage in the production of metal tools.
-440: Leucippus introduces the concept that matter consists of indivisible particles.
-360: Aristotle dismisses atom theories until they are revived in the Seventeenth century.
400: Ancient Egypt uses the term "chemistry" to describe transformative processes involving matter.
1620: Sir Roger Bacon introduces Inductive thinking as a scientific theory framework1661: Robert Boyle formulates an elemental definition. 1709: Daniel Fahrenheit invents an alcohol thermometer device. 1803: John Dalton establishes atomic theory through written documentation. 1870: Dmitri Mendeleev develops periodic law and table revealing patterns in elements' properties. 1911: Ernest Rutherford proposes the nuclear model explaining atomic structure. 1945: The first atomic bomb undergoes testing. 1994: The top quark is observed for the first time.
While there are many important discoveries not included in this list, these events greatly advanced the field of chemistry.
However, Your Chemical World also explores the potential dangers that arise when chemicals fall into the wrong hands.
Mishandling or misuse of chemicals can pose risks to both our physical and mental health, as well as our planet's ecosystem.
To address these risks, extensive preventive education has been implemented in various settings such as workplaces, schools, and homes.
Evaluating whether the benefits outweigh the risks is necessary, but in my opinion they do not.
Unfortunately, advancements in technology may have overlooked or disregarded this viewpoint due to the prevalence of pro-chemistry activists.
Although risk-benefit decisions

are often made without much consideration given to their significance, a more thorough analysis is required when chemicals are involved due to their potentially potent effects.
Therefore, accurately assessing potential risks before making decisions is crucial.Once a decision is made, it becomes crucial to determine how to address risks in order to protect human life and nature. There are already various conservation and toxic emission laws in place for this purpose. By prioritizing research and development (R) in chemistry, innovative methods can be developed to mitigate these risks and maximize the benefits.

These new products not only assist in pollution control but also contribute to pollution prevention by addressing the issue at its source.

Your Chemical World aims to anticipate future developments by comprehensively understanding chemical hazards and examining past and present benefits.

Significant changes are expected in our homes or shelters as houses will be constructed based on individual needs using a factory for construction. The completed structure or its components will then be transported to the desired location for assembly, similar to solving a puzzle.

The agricultural industry will undergo a revolution with biogenetics, fundamentally changing our consumption patterns. Through genetic engineering, larger crops and animals like cows and pigs with superior taste can be grown. This advancement can help address hunger while improving the pursuit of perfect tacos.

Advancements in health will make sickness obsolete.Although death cannot be prevented, it can offer solace as we cherish our remaining time. Clothing will progress into smart attire that adjusts to changes in atmospheric temperature (although there is no guarantee of looking fashionable). Communication will primarily occur through computers, granting swift access to information at high speeds. Biomechanics may replace silicon

for data transmission, achieving even greater velocity. All aspects of household operations, from security systems to cooking utensils, will become computerized. Transportation aims to be free from fossil fuels but currently relies on a combination of gasoline and electric systems. Energy production heavily depends on gas, coal, and nuclear sources. The future could witness a revolution with advancements in controlled fusion power. Dumping hazardous chemicals has become too precarious and costly due to electronic tags. Chemistry plays an essential role in our daily lives as long as we continue utilizing the earth's resources. "Your Chemical World" is a book that explores the advantages of chemistry in society; without it, we would still live like ancient humans. Despite criticism of chemical industries for their byproducts, I disagree with branding chemistry as malevolent solely because of profit-driven individuals who take shortcutsEven critics who oppose mining and deforestation rely on products made from these materials, such as wood used for paper and furniture. If they were to lose these possessions, their opinions might change. Additionally, the history of Chemistry has always fascinated me. It has been utilized since ancient times and its discoveries have required significant time and effort. The goal of enhancing quality of life and happiness has remained constant over thousands of years. Although I typically dislike assigned books from my professor, reading this particular book has actually pleased me. The text emphasizes the importance of self-understanding, stating that our composition defines who we are. It compares this understanding to a warrior entering battle well-informed about their enemy and the battlefield. The text also mentions how chemistry plays a role in gaining knowledge about ourselves and

the world we live in. Specifically, it refers to "Your Chemical World" by Gary VanGenderen, published by the American Chemical Society (ACS), as a source that has improved understanding of this concept. The ACS is described as an organization comprising over 150,000 chemists from academic and industrial backgrounds who contribute to advancements often unnoticed in everyday life. Despite being seen as a recently developed scientific field, chemistry has played a significant role in human existence for a long time.
Evidence found in ancient cave paintings in Southern Europe suggests that our ancestors discovered substances suitable for painting even before they had writing abilities. Nowadays, chemistry plays a role in various aspects of daily routines such as constructing buildings, commuting to work, and making breakfast toast. It serves as a link to natural resources like Silicon and Iron, making it an indispensable part of our lives.

The book mentioned explores how early humans used chemistry during prehistoric times when their main focus was survival and meeting basic needs for food, shelter, energy, and drink. Ancient civilizations incorporated chemistry into visually captivating cave paintings that enriched their lives. Over time, the importance of chemistry grew in society and played a significant role in advancing medical science which led to an increase in human lifespans by over forty percent compared to the beginning of the century.

Throughout recorded history, individuals experimented with trial and error methods to explore chemistry which resulted in significant discoveries like the invention of Bronze in 3600 BC and glass in 2500 BC. Greek philosophers pondered the question of material composition during their era and proposed various theories. Eventually, Leucippus introduced the idea that all things were

made up of small indivisible particles, marking the beginning of alchemy which continued until medieval times.British chemist Robert Boyle defined elements as pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances, while his assistant Robert Hooke invented the first compound microscope and used it to theorize about cells. Dmitri Mendeleev is widely recognized as the father of chemistry for formulating the periodic law and creating the periodic table of elements. Sir Joseph John Thomson proposed the existence of protons within atoms, which was later followed by Sir Ernest Rutherford's Nuclear theory stating that atoms contain protons. As a result, all known elements were eventually discovered and placed on our modern periodic table. In the early 20th century, a small but enterprising community engaged in commercial chemical operations, leading to the growth and development of chemistry into its current state. This historical development is connected to our present world, highlighting the significance of the chemistry industry by demonstrating its everyday applications.

Evidence of chemistry can be found in various aspects of our homes. Vinyl siding, roof shingles, and the electricity powering our computers all exhibit the influence of chemistry. Furthermore, every room in our house contains visible signs of chemistry. For example, refrigerators in the kitchen and televisions in the family room are products that rely on chemical processes. The bathroom also serves as an example with references to toilets and extensive sewer systems. Chemistry extends beyond our homes into our garages as well.
The role of chemistry in the functioning of cars is evident when we examine what lies under their hood. From fuel combustion to lubricants, chemicals are crucial components in automotive engineering. The raw

materials for products like cars and refrigerators are sourced from Earth itself, including elements such as earth (soil), water, air, and plant and animal matter. These resources have provided us with materials like petroleum for rubber and gasoline or coal for energy production.

This book presents scientific research in a logical and systematic manner while highlighting the interconnectedness between history and present-day applications of chemistry. It explores the history, applications, and sources of chemistry while discussing the individuals involved in this field.

The chemical industry encompasses various products and people, such as paper production and iron ore strip mining. However, the main focus of chemistry remains the pursuit of knowledge, with consumer products being fortunate byproducts. Approximately two-thirds of this industry is dedicated to refining petrochemicals to produce eight different hydrocarbons used for creating various organic compounds like plastics and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, there are numerous production plants that utilize inorganic chemicals to manufacture a wide range of materials.The chemical industry, along with the manufacturing sector, makes up a network known as chemical process industries. These industries utilize products from the chemical industry to produce everyday goods. E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., also called du Pont, and Dow Chemical Co. are two major players in this field. In a single year, du Pont generated thirty-seven billion dollars in revenue while Dow Chemical Co. earned eighteen billion dollars.

Over the span of approximately 150 years, the chemical industry has experienced substantial growth and expansion. During World War One, it played a crucial role for both sides by contributing to advancements in battle techniques and improving weapon accuracy and lethality.

After the war, consumers benefited from wartime research efforts through

the development of new synthetic versions of existing products that were more reliable and cost-effective. Extensive research and development (R) led to these innovations.

R is vital for the success of the chemical industry as it enables companies to introduce novel products into today's global marketplace effectively. This commitment to innovation is evident in America's export figures which exceed imports by sixteen billion dollars.

Chemical companies play an important role in providing essential goods while significantly contributing to overall prosperity.The manufacturers of intriguing gadgets mentioned previously in Your chemical World can be identified by exploring their composition. The process of discovering the periodic table was initially a long one, with theories suggesting that substances were made up of small particles that could not be divided. During medieval times, alchemy greatly influenced and complicated the understanding of the physical and chemical properties of elements as periodic functions of their atomic weights. However, this eventually led to the discovery of the Periodic Law and the creation of the Periodic Table. Initially consisting only of sixty naturally occurring elements, this table provided a way to predict their properties. It is fascinating to think that these discovered elements likely make up the entire universe, as almost all elements have been identified, including all naturally occurring ones. So far, over seven million different compounds have been synthesized, with new ones being produced every day. In fact, by the twenty-first century, this number could potentially increase nearly sixfold to approximately forty million different compounds. When considering our current accomplishments using just seven million compounds, the possibilities for future inventions are mind-boggling. Chemistry has a profound impact on our lives and offers an intellectually

captivating adventure.

(Source:version based on original text)It enhances task efficiency as we strive to improve the world and serves as the foundation for almost all other scientific fields, forming an intricate network that permeates every aspect of existence. Your Chemical World provides a timeline showcasing major milestones in the chemical industry, demonstrating its extensive influence on various businesses. The significance of comprehending the chemical realm is emphasized. Although the timeline spans eight pages, a condensed list of key events in chemical practice includes:

-2,400,000: Humanoids manufacturing metal tools;
-440: Leucippus recognizing matter's composition of indivisible particles;
-360: Aristotle rejecting atom theories, delaying their revival until the Seventeenth century;
400: Egypt using "chemistry" to describe matter transformation;
1620: Sir Roger Bacon introducing inductive thinking for scientific theory;
1661: Robert Boyle defining an element;
1709: Daniel Fahrenheit inventing an alcohol thermometer;
1803: John Dalton formulating atomic theory;
1870: Dmitri Mendeleev developing periodic law and table;
1911: Ernest Rutherford proposing the nuclear model;
1945: First atomic bomb test conducted;
and 1994:The first sighting of the top quark.

While there are numerous other significant discoveries, these events greatly advanced the field of chemistry."Your Chemical World" examines past and present trends to discuss future changes, aiming to present a balanced perspective on chemicals. It acknowledges the potential dangers associated with chemicals and highlights that mishandling or unknowingly using any chemical can pose risks to health and the environment. Efforts have been made to educate and raise awareness about chemical safety in workplaces, schools, and homes. However, there is a question regarding whether the benefits of chemicals outweigh the risks. Despite some reservations, advocates supporting the positive aspects of chemistry overshadow this viewpoint. While daily risk-benefit decisions usually have little consequence, chemicals require

thorough analysis due to their inherent power. Therefore, accurately assessing potential risks before making decisions is crucial. Strategies must be developed to mitigate risks in risk-benefit situations once a decision has been made. This approach has led to conservation and toxic emission laws that aim to protect human lives and preserve nature. By emphasizing research and development (R&D) in chemistry, new methods can be discovered to reduce these risks and enhance the benefits associated with chemicals. The introduction of innovative products not only helps control pollution but also focuses on prevention at its source.
According to the article, houses will be custom-built in factories and shipped for assembly at construction sites. This development would revolutionize agriculture by enabling larger and tastier crops through biogenetic advancements in livestock breeding techniques. Additionally, advancements in health are expected to lead towards constant well-being despite inevitable death. Clothes are predicted to become smart and adapt to temperature changes. Communication will predominantly occur online, providing quick access to information. Biomechanics may replace silicon for faster data transmission. Various household tasks such as security and cooking utensils will be automated on computers. Transportation currently relies on a combination of gasoline and electric power but ideally should be environmentally friendly. Energy production is dependent on fossil fuels like gas, coal, and nuclear sources; however, there is hope for controlled fusion power development by the twenty-first century. The use of electronic tags on chemical substances discourages risky and costly dumping practices that can cause pollution. Chemistry plays an essential role in our daily lives as long as we utilize Earth's abundant resources - "Your Chemical World," a book recognizing chemistry's advantages in our existence

acknowledges this fact. Without chemistry's contributions, we would still be living in the Stone Age with no progress made."I disagree with the notion that chemistry is inherently evil, as it is based on the actions of a few unethical individuals who prioritize profit over ethics. However, critics argue that chemical industries are responsible for environmental damage due to their byproducts. It's worth noting that even these critics rely on products made from materials they condemn, such as wood for paper and furniture. If they were to have these possessions taken away, their perspective may change.

What I find fascinating about chemistry is its historical aspect. While it may seem like a modern discipline, its roots extend far back in time. It's astonishing to learn that the use of chemistry has been prevalent since ancient times. The discovery of various chemical elements and their applications throughout history demonstrates our enduring pursuit of knowledge. This pursuit not only aims to enhance our quality of life but also achieve happiness.

Despite initially feeling dissatisfied with being assigned this book, I am now glad that I read it. Understanding the composition of our existence is essential; overlooking this fundamental aspect would be ignorant. Just as extensive knowledge about both the enemy and battlefield is necessary in a battle, in our case, understanding ourselves and the world we inhabit is crucial as long as we die from natural causes. Chemistry helps us make sense of all these interconnected concepts

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