Why Study Chemistry?

Why Study Chemistry?

Reasons to Study Chemistry

by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Updated July 03, 2019

Chemistry is the study of matter and energy and the interaction between them. There are many reasons to study chemistry, even if you aren't pursuing a career in science.

Chemistry is everywhere in the world around you! It's in the food you eat, clothes you wear, water you drink, medicines, air, cleaners... you name it. Chemistry sometimes is called the "central science" because it connects other sciences to each other, such as biology, physics, geology, and environmental science. Here are some of the best reasons to study chemistry.

• Chemistry helps you to understand the world around you. Why do leaves change color in the fall? Why are plants green? How is cheese made? What is in soap and how does it clean? These are all questions that can be answered by applying chemistry.

• Basic knowledge of chemistry helps you to read and understand product labels.

• Chemistry can help you make informed decisions. Will a product work as advertised or is it a scam? If you understand how chemistry works you'll be able to separate reasonable expectations from pure fiction.

• Chemistry is at the heart of cooking. If you understand the chemical reactions involved in making baked goods rise or neutralizing acidity or thickening sauces, chances are you'll be a better cook.

• A command of chemistry can help keep you safe! You'll know which household chemicals are dangerous to keep together or mix and which can be used safely.

• Chemistry teaches useful skills. Because it is a science, learning chemistry means learning how to be objective and how to reason and solve problems.

• Helps you to understand current events, including news about petroleum, product recalls, pollution, the environment and technological advances.

• Makes life's little mysteries a little less... mysterious. Chemistry explains how things work.

• Chemistry opens up career options. There are many careers in chemistry, but even if you're looking for a job in another field, the analytical skills you gained in chemistry are helpful. Chemistry applies to the food industry, retail sales, transportation, art, homemaking... really any type of work you can name.

• Chemistry is fun! There are lots of interesting chemistry projects you can do using common everyday materials.

• Chemistry projects don't just go boom. They can glow in the dark, change colors, produces bubbles and change states.