Importance of chemistry in daily life

ByMeghanath reddy

Introduction

All basic life forms on Earth depend greatly on chemistry for their

survival , including us. Everything from surviving treacherous climates, to how our bodies develop, and work

are all related to the world of chemistry.

Chemistry and the Climate

Ever wonder how certain organisms were able to live under those extreme climates and temperatures (depths of the sea, scalding waters, and the unbearable cold of the Arctic)? It’s because their biology is able to use the use of chemicals to thrive in such places! The microbe group called Archaea, is able to live in such harsh conditions, because the use of enzymes called, extremozymes. These extremozymes coat and protect the microbes from extreme temperatures, due to this it allows the membranes to function more effectively.

Chemistry and UsChemistry and Us

Without chemistry it would be Without chemistry it would be extremely hard for us to live. We extremely hard for us to live. We need chemistry and chemicals for need chemistry and chemicals for everything we do! When we eat food, everything we do! When we eat food, chemicals are the main source in chemicals are the main source in which helps assist to decompose the which helps assist to decompose the food. Our organs are protected by food. Our organs are protected by harmful acids with a layer of harmful acids with a layer of chemicals in the form of mucus, chemicals in the form of mucus, without it our organs would slowly without it our organs would slowly dissolve away. But chemicals and dissolve away. But chemicals and chemistry may also harm us, such as chemistry may also harm us, such as the acids we find in our stomachsthe acids we find in our stomachs.

Chemicals in Everyday Life

Synthetic Materials

• Synthetic is a term used to describe materials that are man made, or do not naturally occur in nature. There are many materials that we use in our day to day lives that are synthetic. Some examples of synthetic materials are: alloys, plastics, composites etc.

Synthetic vs. Natural Materials

• Before synthetic materials, people needed to use natural materials to meet their needs. Materials such as wool, cotton, fur and wood are examples of natural materials. The downside of using natural materials is that they often have a few properties that people do not like.

Ex. That sword is strong, but it is just too heavy to use.

Ex. That cotton is warm, but it is not water proof.

Benefits of Synthetic Materials

The use of chemistry to create synthetic materials has allowed us to create materials that have the positive characteristics of natural materials without the negative characteristics.

Ex. This alloy sword is strong and light.Ex. This polyester jacket is waterproof, but

light.

Safety Concerns• Creating synthetic materials can be very beneficial, but some

chemical reactions can also be very dangerous. Before trying to create new alloys, plastics or composites, scientists also must consider that some chemical reactions are also very dangerous. Before using any chemical, WHMIS( Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) labels must be viewed and MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) sheets should be read for safe handling procedures, safety equipment information, reactivity data and flammability data etc.