Chemistry is the study of matter and the most significant branch of science as it plays
a major role in everyday life. Chemical reactions cause many of the changes that people
observe around the world. Chemistry is evident in every aspect of life from waking up in the
morning, the consumption of foods, breathing air, human emotions, cleaning of chemicals, to
the existence of every tangible object. It explains and is responsible for the makeup of the
human body, which comprises chemical compounds that trigger human emotions (My Study
Corner 2015). This paper seeks to give insight on how chemistry relates to an individual’s
daily routine and emphasizes on the roles that it plays in everyday life.
Elements, Compounds, Formulae And Chemical Reactions
All matter is made up of tiny atoms. Molecule formation takes place when atoms join
through chemical bonding. Any matter that comprises only one kind of atom is known as an
element. There are over one hundred different elements. Atoms found in individual elements
are identical to each other; however, they differ with the atoms of all other elements such as
silver and bronze. A piece of pure silver contains only silver atoms, and a piece of pure
bronze contains only bronze atoms. No chemical processes can break down these atoms to
different substances. It is also prudent to note that the atoms of some elements do not have
the capability to combine; they stay as separate atoms. An excellent example of this is
Helium. In other elements such as oxygen and hydrogen, the joining of their atoms results in
the formation of molecules. Compounds, on the other hand, are materials that are formed
when two or more elements combine chemically. Water, sugar, and salt are examples of
compounds. For example, when water and sugar elements combine, the atoms lose their
individual characteristics and have different ones from their original element composition. A
quick way to show the composition of the mixture of the different elements or compounds is
by the use of chemical formula. Here, one uses letters, symbols, and numbers to denote
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elements and their number in each compound. Chemistry is not confined to the lab; it is
applicable in every aspect of life. Matter interacts with matter to form new products through
an action called chemical reaction. Every time one cooks or cleans, the items they use make a
chemical reaction. For instance, while one prepares tea, the combination of sugar, water, tea
leaves and milk to form tea is a process of chemical reaction.
Metallic Bonding And Structures. Metallic bonds are responsible for holding metal
giant structures of atoms together. Giant, in this case, implies the large, but inconsistent
number of atoms that are involved depending on the size of the metals (Bbc.co.uk). There are
two main types of chemical bonds namely ionic and covalent bonds. The former are formed
when one atom accepts or gives one or more of its electrons to another. In contrast, covalent
bonds form when different atoms share valence electrons even though atoms do not always
share their electrons equally. Unlike most non-metallic substances, metals engage in a special
type of bonding that allocates them with a set of properties. Metals are not only malleable,
but also ductile, which means they can be good conductors of heat and electricity (Ellen Ellis
2015). While malleable means that they are substances that people can shape, people take
advantage of this feature to craft weapons, jewelry, trophies, and other related materials.
Since they are ductile, people can manipulate them to new forms such as thin lines. When one
manages them to be thin, they can allow electricity to pass through them and provide power
to industries and households. Everyday, humans interact with metallic structures and bonds
when they use electricity, electric cookers, or wear their earrings and jewelry; this proves the
importance of metallic structures and bonding.
States Of Matter And Intermolecular Forces. There are three states of matter,
namely, solids, liquids, and gases. Solids have a definite shape and volume, and some
examples include dry ice and steel. Liquids have a definite volume, but do not have a definite
shape; they take up the shape of containers. In contrast, gases do not have a definite volume
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or shape; oxygen and helium are some of the examples. When one substance undergoes a
physical change from its state to another, it goes through phase change. In contrast,
intermolecular forces between molecules are the forces that determine the physical properties
of liquids and solids. They take energies to overcome forces that hold particles together. The
energy causes a substance to go from its liquid to gaseous state. The boiling and melting
points of substances are a suitable measure of the strength of the forces that ensure that the
particles are held together. States of matter and intermolecular forces are evident in everyday
life. An excellent example is when people use refrigerators and microwaves to defrost foods
such as meat.
Ionic And Covalent Bonding. The chemical reaction of joining two or more atoms
from different elements make up a compound. There exist two types of chemical bonds
namely covalent and ionic bonds. Covalent bonds form two atoms that share a pair of
electrons. In covalent bonds, non-metallic atoms such as hydrogen and oxygen are involved.
While covalent bonds combine to form molecules, ionic bonds are the forces that attract
oppositely charged ions in a compound. In ionic bonds, atoms either lose or gain electrons.
When this happens, charged particles known as ions are formed in the process. In normal
application, ionic bonding are essential in common household objects such as the table salt.
Many other rocks on Earth attribute compact nature to ionic bonding. Covalent bonding
allows the formation of organic compounds that are necessary for humans such as the
formation of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids in the human body. It also
allows the formation of carbon dioxide through the joining of carbon and oxygen. Vinegar
manufacturers also rely on covalent bonds in preventing dissociation of vinegar.
Atomic Structure. Atomic structures explain the number of particles that constitute
an atom. Atoms comprise three particles namely neutrons, electrons, and protons. Neutrons
and protons are usually present in atoms, the nucleus is the central part of an atom while
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electrons are outside and surround the nucleus. Protons are assigned a positive charge,
electrons a negative charge that is opposite that of the proton, and neutrons a neutral charge.
The knowledge of atomic structures led to discoveries such as the quantum leap. Such
findings have helped humans in their everyday life activities. For instance, when a kitchen
microwave hums, it releases energy in the form of quantum leaps that allow the temperature
to rise and warm, cook, or defrost foods. What is more, laser technology in DVD players in
everyday life is also based on quantum leaps; this is a branch of atomic structure.
Conclusion. One cannot overlook the relevance of chemistry in daily life. It is
essential to all living things as it enables them to function and survive through various
chemical processes that they cannot live without. They include digestion, respiration,
reproduction, and new cell production to name but a few. In the field of medicine, humans
use chemistry to come up with medication and cure for illnesses. The application of
chemistry in life processes contributes to the advancement of human civilization with the
knowledge to manipulate chemical molecules, industrialization, ease poverty and diseases,
and make people's lives more convenient. Although chemistry has a lot of advantages, it can
pose a serious threats to the welfare of humanity. For this reason, chemists should be careful
and dedicate themselves to use their knowledge for the betterment of society and not the
other way around.
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Reference List
Bbc.co.uk 2015, 'BBC – Higher Bitesize Chemistry – Bonding, Structures And Properties :
Revision, Available from
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/chemistry/energy/bsp/revision/1/
Ellen Ellis, M 2015, 'What Is A Metallic Bond? – Definition, Properties & Examples,
Available from http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-metallic-bond-definition-
properties-examples.html
My Study Corner 2015, 'Essay On Chemistry In Our Daily Life | Merit And Demerits Of
Chemistry,’ Available from http://www.mystudycorner.net/essay-on-chemistry-in-
our-daily-life-merit-and-demerits-of-chemistry/