Chemistry

Chemistry

There are many reasons to study chemistry.  Some of us are motivated primarily by curiosity about nature and/or about how things work:  What is the chemistry of Mars rocks?  What are the chemical reactions behind rocket propulsion and automobile airbags?  Others want to help people by being doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, etc., and need chemistry foundations for biology, pharmacology, and human physiology.

Chemistry addresses the fundamental nature of substances and undergo…… What is caffeine? How does caffeine affect your brain? How can we detect caffeine and determine how much is in coffee, tea, or your blood? What chemical reactions can be carried out to synthesize caffeine in the laboratory?

Modern civilization is based on energy obtained primarily from burning carbon and hydrocarbons with the result that carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere have been steadily increasing since the industrial revolution.  What are the alternatives?  Is the “hydrogen economy” practical or feasible?