Chapter 1: Useful Chemistry

Unit A: Matter and Chemical Change

1.1 Chemistry Then and Now Farming 100 years ago was very different than

it is today. Synthetic or human-made chemicals have

reduced the amount of work that farmers have to do. Pesticides Herbicides Insecticides

Synthetic fibres or threads are another creation that are a part of our daily lives.

1.2 Plastics, Polymers, and Alloys Polymers are a type of compound that occurs

in nature.

Synthetic polymers are human-made materials consisting of long chains of molecules; often spun into thread to make fabrics or moulded to form plastics.

Alloys are a combination of two or more metals that look like one metal.

1.3 Chemistry at Home There are many hazardous materials that can

be found in the home. Almost all of these products have safety warnings on their labels.

Hazardous Household Product Symbols or HHPS are pictures of hazards outlined by shapes resembling road signs.

1.4 Chemistry at Work Chemistry is present at many workplaces. The

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System or WHMIS helps employees work safely.

This system provides detailed information on how to store, handle, and dispose of dangerous substances. This information can be found on the MSDS or

Material Safety Data Sheet provided with the substance.