Chemistry in daily life

Chemistry in daily life

The principles of chemistry have been used for the benefit of mankind. Think of cleanliness  the materials like soaps, detergents, household bleaches, tooth pastes, etc. will come to our mind. Look towards the beautiful clothes, immediately chemicals of the synthetic fibres used for making clothes and chemicals giving colours to them will come to our mind.

Chemistry and food

Chemicals are essential building blocks for everything in the world. All living matter, including people, animals and Plants, consists of chemicals. All food is made up of chemical substances. Chemicals in food are largely harmless and often desirable – for example, nutrients such as Carbohydrates, protein, fat and fibre are composed of chemical compounds. Many of these occur naturally and contribute both to a rounded diet and to our eating experience.

Some plants and Fungi naturally produce toxins that can contaminate crops and be a concern for human and animal Health. People can also be exposed to both naturally occurring and man-made chemical compounds present at various levels in the Environment, e.g. in Soil, water and the Atmosphere. Examples include industrial pollutants such as dioxins and PCBs. A variety of metals can be present naturally in the environment or as a result of human activity.

All foods, living matter and, indeed, our bodies themselves are made up of chemicals. Many of the chemicals found in food occur naturally and include nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibre and a host of other Elements and compounds.  Chemical substances can play an important role in food production and preservation. Food additives can, for example, prolong the shelf life of foods or can make food more attractive, such as colours. Flavourings are used to make food tastier.

Food packaging materials and containers such as bottles, cups and plates contain chemical substances such as plastic, elements of which can migrate into food. Other chemicals can be used to fight diseases in farm animals or crops.  All chemical substances authorised for use in foods must first undergo a thorough risk assessment to ensure that they are safe. The possible effect of such chemicals on our health and safety depends on our level of exposure to them, for instance through the foods we eat or other sources of environmental exposure. That is why regulatory bodies carry out strict risk assessments of all chemicals proposed for use in food to determine which substances can be used and at which levels. This ensures that the use of chemicals in foods or on crops (for instance, pesticides) will not have adverse effects on animal and human health, and on the environment.

Chemistry in personal care products

Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body. A subset of cosmetics is called “make-up“, which refers to products intended to change the user‟s appearance.There are still health concerns regarding the presence of harmful chemicals within these products.

  • Lipsticks and lip balm contain oils, beeswax and perfumes. These protect, soften and brighten the lips.
  • Mascaras have a composition based on a volatile solvent, beeswax, pigments (iron oxide) and filmifying polymers.
  • Nail polish is made of lacquer, and consists of polymers, solvents, plasticisers, colourants, and perfumes.

Preservatives are important ingredients. They are added to cosmetics to extend their shelf life and prevent the Growth of Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, which can spoil the product and possibly harm the user. Since most microbes live in water, the preservatives used need to be water-soluble, and this helps to determine which ones are used. Preservatives used in cosmetics can be natural or synthetic (man-made), and perform differently depending on the formulation of the product. Some will require low levels of around 0.01%, while other will require levels as high as 5%.

Chemistry and Medicines

Drugs are chemicals of low molecular masses (~100 – 500u). These interact with macromolecular targets and produce a biological response. When the biological response is therapeutic and useful, these chemicals are called medicines and are used in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. If taken in doses higher than those recommended, most of the drugs used as medicines are potential poisons.

Tranquilizers and analgesics are neurologically active drugs. These affect the message transfer mechanism from nerve to receptor. Tranquilizers are a class of chemical compounds used for the treatment of Stress, and mild or even severe mental diseases. These relieve anxiety, stress, irritability or excitement by inducing a sense of well-being.

Analgesics reduce or abolish pain without causing impairment of consciousness, mental confusion, incoordination or paralysis or some other disturbances of nervous system. These are classified as follows:

  • Non-narcotic (non-addictive) analgesics
  • Narcotic drugs

Antibiotics are used as drugs to treat infections because of their low toxicity for humans and animals. Initially antibiotics were classified as chemical substances produced by microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and molds) that inhibit the growth or even destroy microorganisms. The development of synthetic methods has helped in synthesising some of the compounds that were originally discovered as products of microorganisms.

Antiseptics are applied to the living Tissues such as wounds, cuts, ulcers and diseased skin surfaces. Examples are furacine, soframicine, etc. These are not ingested like antibiotics. Commonly used antiseptic, dettol is a mixture of chloroxylenol and terpineol.,

Chemistry is the science of matter and its properties. It is the study of the composition, structure, and Properties of matter, as well as the changes that matter undergoes. Chemistry is a vast and complex subject, but it is also one of the most important and fundamental sciences.

Chemistry is all around us. It is in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. It is in the products we use every day, from cleaning supplies to cosmetics. And it is in the processes that power our world, from agriculture to manufacturing to energy production.

Chemistry is essential to our understanding of the world around us. It helps us to understand how things work and how they interact. It also helps us to develop new technologies and products.

Chemistry is a fascinating and ever-evolving field. There is always something new to learn about, and new discoveries are being made all the time. If you are interested in science, then chemistry is a great subject to study.

Here are some examples of how chemistry is used in daily life:

  • Food and cooking

Chemistry is involved in every step of the food production process, from growing and harvesting crops to processing and packaging food. For example, when we cook food, we are using chemistry to change the structure of the food Molecules. This can make the food taste better, easier to digest, or more nutritious.

  • Cleaning and hygiene

We use chemistry every day to clean our homes and bodies. Detergents, soaps, and disinfectants all work by using chemical reactions to break down dirt, grease, and bacteria.

  • Personal care

We also use chemistry to take care of our personal appearance. Cosmetics, perfumes, and hair care products all contain chemicals that help us to look and feel our best.

  • Medicine and pharmaceuticals

Chemistry is essential to the development of new medicines. Drugs work by interacting with the chemical processes in our bodies. By understanding these processes, chemists can develop drugs that can treat or prevent disease.

  • Agriculture

Chemistry is also used in agriculture. Farmers use Fertilizers to improve the growth of their crops, and they use pesticides to control pests. These chemicals help to ensure that we have a safe and abundant food supply.

  • Energy

Chemistry is also involved in the production of energy. Fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, are used to generate electricity and power our vehicles. Nuclear Energy is also produced by chemical reactions.

  • Materials science

Chemistry is used to develop new materials, such as plastics, ceramics, and metals. These materials are used in a wide variety of products, from cars to computers to buildings.

  • Environmental science

Chemistry is also used to study the environment. We use chemistry to understand the effects of pollution on air, water, and soil. We also use chemistry to develop new technologies to clean up the environment.

  • Art and design

Chemistry is also used in art and design. Pigments, dyes, and inks are all made from chemicals. These materials are used to create paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.

  • Forensic chemistry

Chemistry is used in forensic science to solve crimes. Forensic chemists analyze evidence, such as blood and fingerprints, to identify criminals.

  • Fire science

Chemistry is also used in fire science. Firefighters use chemistry to understand how fires start and spread. They also use chemistry to develop new fire suppression techniques.

  • Archaeology

Chemistry is also used in archaeology. Archaeologists use chemistry to analyze ancient artifacts to learn more about the past.

  • Jewelry

Chemistry is also used in jewelry making. Jewelers use chemistry to create beautiful and durable jewelry.

These are just a few examples of how chemistry is used in daily life. Chemistry is a fascinating and essential science that touches on every aspect of our lives.

What is chemistry?

Chemistry is the science of matter at the atomic and molecular level. It is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter, as well as the changes that matter undergoes during chemical reactions.

What are some common examples of chemistry in daily life?

Chemistry is all around us, and we interact with it every day. Some common examples of chemistry in daily life include:

  • The food we eat: The food we eat is made up of chemicals, and the way our bodies digest food is a chemical process.
  • The clothes we wear: The clothes we wear are made from fibers that are produced through chemical processes.
  • The air we breathe: The air we breathe is a mixture of gases, including Oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. These gases are all chemicals.
  • The water we drink: The water we drink is a chemical compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen.
  • The medicines we take: The medicines we take to treat illnesses are made from chemicals.
  • The products we use: The products we use around the house, such as cleaning products, cosmetics, and personal care products, are all made from chemicals.

What are some of the benefits of chemistry?

Chemistry has many benefits to our lives. Some of the benefits of chemistry include:

  • The development of new medicines: Chemistry has played a key role in the development of new medicines to treat a variety of illnesses.
  • The production of food: Chemistry is used in the production of food, from the cultivation of crops to the processing of meat and Dairy products.
  • The creation of new materials: Chemistry is used to create new materials, such as plastics, metals, and ceramics.
  • The development of new technologies: Chemistry has played a key role in the development of new technologies, such as computers, electronics, and telecommunications.

What are some of the risks of chemistry?

Chemistry also has some risks. Some of the risks of chemistry include:

  • The production of harmful chemicals: Some chemicals produced by chemistry can be harmful to human health and the environment.
  • The accidental release of harmful chemicals: Accidental releases of harmful chemicals can occur in industrial settings or as a result of natural disasters.
  • The misuse of chemicals: Chemicals can be misused for criminal or terrorist purposes.
  • The development of new weapons: Chemistry has been used to develop new weapons, such as nuclear weapons and chemical weapons.

What is the future of chemistry?

Chemistry is a rapidly evolving field, and the future of chemistry is full of promise. Some of the areas of chemistry that are expected to grow in the future include:

  • Green chemistry: Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances.
  • Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular level.
  • Bioengineering: Bioengineering is the application of engineering principles to the life sciences.
  • Synthetic biology: Synthetic biology is the design and construction of new biological systems.

Chemistry is a fascinating and important field of study, and it is sure to play an even greater role in our lives in the future.

Sure, here are some multiple choice questions about chemistry in daily life:

  1. Which of the following is not a Chemical Reaction?
    (A) Burning wood
    (B) Rusting iron
    (C) Cooking food
    (D) Digesting food

  2. Which of the following is a physical change?
    (A) Melting ice
    (B) Boiling water
    (C) Rusting iron
    (D) Cooking food

  3. Which of the following is a chemical property?
    (A) Color
    (B) Shape
    (C) Solubility
    (D) Flammability

  4. Which of the following is a physical property?
    (A) Melting point
    (B) Boiling point
    (C) Density
    (D) Conductivity

  5. Which of the following is a mixture?
    (A) Salt water
    (B) Air
    (C) Pure water
    (D) Sugar

  6. Which of the following is a compound?
    (A) Salt water
    (B) Air
    (C) Pure water
    (D) Sugar

  7. Which of the following is an element?
    (A) Hydrogen
    (B) Oxygen
    (C) Carbon
    (D) All of the above

  8. Which of the following is a Metal?
    (A) Gold
    (B) Silver
    (C) Copper
    (D) All of the above

  9. Which of the following is a non-metal?
    (A) Carbon
    (B) Oxygen
    (C) Silicon
    (D) All of the above

  10. Which of the following is a metalloid?
    (A) Silicon
    (B) Germanium
    (C) Arsenic
    (D) All of the above

I hope these questions were helpful!