Meaning of Chemicals

Chemicals are substances that have a definite composition and distinct properties. They can exist as elements, compounds, or mixtures, and are used in everyday life, industries, laboratories, medicine, and agriculture.

1. Elements


1. Pure substances made up of only one type of atom.


2. Cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.


3. Examples: Oxygen (O), Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C).


2. Compounds


1. Substances made up of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions.


2. Can be broken down into simpler substances by chemical reactions.


3. Examples: Water (H₂O), Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Sodium chloride (NaCl).


3. Mixtures


1. Combinations of two or more substances physically mixed but not chemically combined.


2. Components can be separated by physical means.


3. Examples: Salt and sand, air, sugar solution.

1. They Have specific properties like color, melting point, boiling point, density, and solubility.


2. They Can react with other substances to form new products.


3. They Can be hazardous if not handled properly.


4. They Are essential for daily life and industrial processes.

1. Natural Sources


2. Chemicals obtained from plants, animals, and minerals.


3. Examples: Salt from sea water, sugar from sugarcane, oils from plants.


4. Synthetic Sources


5. Chemicals made artificially in laboratories or factories.


6. Examples: Plastic, synthetic dyes, fertilizers.

1. Domestic Use: Chemicals are used in households for cleaning, hygiene, and food preparation. For example,
   
   soap removes dirt and germs from the skin.
   
   detergents clean clothes and dishes.
   
   cooking salt is used in food and preservation.
   
   disinfectants kill harmful germs to prevent infections.


2. Industrial Use: Chemicals are vital in industries to manufacture products and build infrastructure. Examples include
   
   fertilizers for agriculture.
   
   cement for construction.
   
   paint for decoration and protection.
   
   pharmaceuticals for producing medicines.


3. Medical Use: Chemicals play an essential role in healthcare for treating and preventing diseases. For example
   
   medicines treat illnesses.
   
   antiseptics prevent infection by killing germs on wounds.
   
   vaccines protect against infectious diseases.


4. Agricultural Use: Chemicals help improve crop growth and protect plants from pests and diseases. Examples include,
   
   pesticides that kill harmful insects.
   
   herbicides that remove weeds.
   
   fertilizers that provide essential nutrients for healthy plant growth.

1. Non-Hazardous Chemicals: Safe for handling. Examples include sugar, salt, and water.


2. Hazardous Chemicals: Can cause harm if misused. Examples include sulfuric acid, ammonia, and bleach. These chemicals can be corrosive, flammable, toxic, or reactive.

1. Always read labels and instructions carefully.


2. Use protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and masks.


3. Do not mix chemicals without proper guidance.


4. Store chemicals in labeled, secure containers.


5. Wash hands after handling chemicals.


6. Keep chemicals away from children and pets.

1. It Help us to perform daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and building.


2. It Support industrial development and economic growth.


3. It Improve healthcare, agriculture, and technology.


4. It Help us to understand natural processes in science.

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Summary

Chemicals are substances with definite composition and properties, used in daily life, industry, medicine, and agriculture. They can be classified as elements, compounds, or mixtures, and also by their hazardous nature. Proper handling, safety measures, and understanding their uses help humans benefit from chemicals while avoiding harm.