What is Applied Chemistry?

© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.Science of Technology

What is Chemistry?

The branch of science concerned with the properties of substances and the interactions between different types of matter.

Using detergents to clean clothes

Cooking and baking

Determining which medication is appropriate and the dosage

What is Chemical Engineering?

• Applied chemistry• Engineering concerned with design,

construction and operation of machines that perform chemical reactions, separations/mixing and fluid flow to solve problems and make useful products.

What’s an Atom?

The smallest unit of a chemical element that contains all properties of that element

Components of an AtomNucleusThe center portion of an atom containing the protons and neutrons

ProtonsPositively charged atomic particles

NeutronsUncharged atomic particles

ElectronsNegatively charged atomic particles that orbit the nucleus

What is an Element?A pure substance, composed of only one

type of atom.Periodic Table of Elements

What is a Molecule?• 2 or more atoms bonded

together, sharing electrons

• Small particles that make up all living and non-living things

• Each molecule has a unique arrangement that allows it to interact with other molecules

What is the difference between a chemist and chemical engineer?

ChemistA chemist studies chemicals, matter and its properties, and atoms in order to understand how elements join together to form different substances.

Chemical EngineerWorks in collaboration with chemists to develop chemicals for useful purposes.

What does a chemist do?

• Chemists study atoms and how they join together

• Chemists use their knowledge of how atoms combine to discover new products

• Chemists work to develop new drugs to treat diseases

• Chemists also work in the oil industry to find better ways to refine oil to make fuel burn cleaner

Chemical Engineers… are

concerned with air quality, pollution and atmosphere conditions.

Chemical Engineers…Help solve problems related to world hunger

Chemical Engineers…

Develop new sources of environmentally clean energy.

Chemical Engineers…Produce pharmaceuticals as well as life-saving devices such as the artificial kidney.

Chemical Engineers…Develop processes and chemicals to make food less expensive, safer and with higher yields.

Chemical Engineers…

Design industrial facilities that provide materials, petroleum products and plastics.

Popcorn Flowchart

Fresh Kernels

Popcorn Reactor (microwave)

Separator ProductMixer

RecycledUnpopped Kernels

Dispose or sell

Process Flowchart

Raw Material

Reactor(w/ catalyst) Separator ProductMixer

Recycled Unreacted Reactant

Dispose or sell

Chemical Engineers study…

• Chemistry• Mathematics• Physics• Biology• Geology• Economics• Political science• Psychology• Computer science

Industries for which a Chemical Engineer may work:

• Pharmaceuticals– Large scale manufacturing of drugs– Economical and safe manufacturing

• Materials– Shampoo that leaves your hair shinier– Athletic clothing that absorbs sweat

• Alternative energy– Solar power– Bio-fuels

• Manufacturing– Food– Plastics

• Health Care– Lotions– Make-up

Image Resources

Microsoft, Inc. (2008). Clip Art. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx