The nature of chemistry

Learn the new vocabulary:

neither (of)	жоден (з)
along (with)	разом (з)
branch of knowledge	галузь знань
closely related (to)	тісно пов’язаний (з)
universe	Всесвіт
animate / inanimate	живий / неживий
to be concerned (with)	мати відношення (до)
to govern the behavior (behaviour)	керувати поведінкою
to observe nature	спостерігати за природою
to rust	ржавіти
poisonous	отруйний
natural phenomena	природні явища
relatively	відносно

 

1. Read and translate the text:

What is chemistry? A popular dictionary gives this definition: Chemistry is a science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. Another, somewhat simpler dictionary definition is: Chemistry is a science dealing with the composition of matter and the changes in composition that matter undergoes. Neither of these definitions is entirely adequate. Chemistry, along with the closely related science of physics, is a fundamental branch of knowledge. Chemistry is also closely related to biology, not only because living organisms are made of material substances but also because life itself is an essentially complicated system of interrelated chemical processes.

The scope of chemistry is extremely broad. It includes the whole universe and everything, animate and inanimate, in it. Chemistry is concerned not only with the composition of matter, but also with the energy and energy changes associated with matter. Through chemistry we seek to learn and to understand the general principles that govern the behavior of all matter.

The chemist, like other scientists, observes nature and attempts to understand its secrets: What makes a rose red? Why is sugar sweet? What is occurring when iron rusts? Why is carbon monoxide poisonous? Why do people wither with age? Problems such as these — some of which have been solved, some of which are still to be solved — are part of what we call chemistry.

A chemist may interpret natural phenomena, devise experiments that will reveal the composition and structure of complex substances, study methods for improving natural processes, or, sometimes, synthesize substances unknown in nature. Ultimately, the efforts of successful chemists advance the frontiers of knowledge and at the same time contribute to the well-being of humanity. Chemistry can help us to understand nature, but it is not necessary to be a professional chemist or scientist to enjoy natural phenomena. Nature and its beauty, its simplicity within complexity, are for all to appreciate.

The body of chemical knowledge is so vast that no one can hope to master it all, even in a lifetime of study. However, many of basic concepts can be learned in a relatively short period of time. These basic concepts have become part of the education required for many professionals including agriculturists, biologists, dental hygienists, dentists, medical technologists, microbiologists, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, physicians, and veterinarians, to name just a few.

 

2. Choose the most suitable title to the text out of the given ones:

1. The Scope of Chemistry.

2. The Nature of Chemistry.

3. The Body of Chemical Knowledge.

4. The Work of a Chemist.

5. Chemical Education.

 

3. Say if the following statements are true (T) or false (F):

1. We can infer that physics is a fundamental branch of knowledge.

2. In paragraph 2, the study of energy is said to be a part of chemistry.

3. The author writes that every animate and inanimate thing in the universe is governed by general principles.

4. According to the author, even though there are unsolved secrets in nature, principles govern these secrets.

5. The author believes that if chemists “advance the frontiers of knowledge”, they will “contribute to the well-being of humanity”.

6. To truly enjoy nature, the author thinks, we must have some knowledge of chemistry.

7. If you are studying to become a veterinarian (a doctor for animals), you will have to take courses in chemistry.

 

Read the text once again and entitle its paragraphs.

5. Write out:

a) key-words out of each paragraph;

B) sentences expressing main ideas of each paragraph.

Retell the text briefly in your own words using the key words and the sentences you’ve written out.

 

Read the following text about this scientist and make notes on his personal information: first name, family name, date and place of birth, occupation qualification, nationality, etc.

Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleyev was born in Tobolsk in 1834. In 1850 he entered the Pedagogical Institute in St. Petersburg to study chemistry. Five years later he graduated from it with a gold medal and was invited to lecture on theoretical and organic chemistry at Petersburg University.

Then, in 1859, he was sent to Germany to continue his education. When he was living abroad, he made a number of important investigations.

The year 1868 was the beginning of his highly important work Fundamentals of Chemistry. When Mendeleyev was working on the subject, he analyzed an enormous amount of literature, and made thousands of experiments and calculations. This tremendous work resulted in the Periodic Table of the Elements consisting of vertical groups and horizontal periods.

Thanks to his investigations Mendeleyev was able to predict not only the existence of a few unknown elements but their properties as well.

D. I. Mendeleyev was engaged not only in the study of chemistry. He combined theory with practical activity and carried out enormous research in coal, petroleum, iron and steel industries in Russia.

Mendeleyev died in 1907 at the age of 73.

 

8. Fill in the form with the information about D. I. Mendeleyev:

First name...........................................................

Middle name......................................................

Family name.......................................................

Date of birth.......................................................

Place of birth.......................................................

Nationality..........................................................

Occupation..........................................................

Qualification.......................................................

9. Match the points on the left with the questions on the right:

1.First name 2.Middle name 3.Family name 4. Nationality 5. Date of birth 6. Age 7. Place of birth 8. Permanent address 9. Marital status 10.Occupation 11.Qualification 12.Hobbies/Interests

a) Are you married or single? b) What do you do in your free time? c) What’s your first name? d) What do you do? e) When were you born? f) Where were you born? g) What degrees, diplomas do you have? h) What’s your family name? i) What nationality are you? j) What’s your middle name? k) Where do you live? 1) How old are you?