Chemistry is a pure science subject that explains the composition, structure, and properties of matter. It is an extremely interesting subject for many reasons. However, it is unfortunate to see when chemistry students cannot see the application of this fascinating subject beyond their textbooks, exam preparation, and final exams.
The truth is that chemistry is all around us, it explains the elements that make up the universe and everything in it. There are so many applications of chemistry to our daily life, for those who open their eyes and observe.
So, while other chemistry students are engaged in memorizing the periodic table, solving numerous past papers, and rote learning the syllabus, take your exam preparation one step further by observing these applications of chemistry in your daily life. This will give you more understanding of chemistry concepts and vivid examples that will impress the examiner on your final exams.
You know that full feeling you get after eating a filling meal? And how that fullness disappears after a while? This phenomenon occurs due to chemistry. In particular, the process of digestion occurs through the chemical reactions between foods and enzymes that are present in your body. These enzymes break down the food molecules and help your body absorb the required nutrients. Chemistry students learn more about the role and function of enzymes in the syllabus for final exams!
Next time you are taking a leisurely walk during your break from exam preparation, observe the scenery. Notice the strong trees and lush, green plants. These plants are healthy and alive due to a chemical reaction known as photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a complex chemical reaction which involves the absorption of sunlight, the storage of starches and sugars in plant cells, and the creation of oxygen. This process is included in the syllabus, so a strong understanding will help chemistry students score well on the final exams.
When you are feeling sick, then you will often take a painkiller or some antibiotics to recover. These healing medications are not created by magic, but rather due to the application of chemistry. Specific chemicals are used to create medicines that target specific problems. For example, some chemicals that can attack disease-causing bacteria, or pathogens, without harming human cells are used to create antibiotics. Similarly, active chemicals in painkillers are able to block pain receptors, which helps relieve headaches. Drugs and their properties and functions is another important topic in the chemistry syllabus.
Have you ever thought about what it is about soap that actually cleanses our hands? Soaps, detergents, and other cleaning agents uses the chemistry concept of emulsifiers to remove dirt and grease from our hands and bodies. Soap, in essence is created from animal fat, which surrounds the grime on our hands to remove it from our hands, clothes, floors, dishes, windows, etc… Isn’t it fascinating to learn that animal fat, which is a grease, it used to get rid of dirt and grease from our hands? This is the beauty of chemistry!
These are just a few simple examples of how chemistry concepts are visible in our daily lives. There are so many other applications of chemistry in our daily lives, including how our bodies function, emotions, processes such as cooking, baking, manufacturing, etc… Learning about these examples can greatly enhance your interest in the subject as chemistry students, and encourage you to take more interest in your exam preparation for the final exams!
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