INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY

Chemistry is a branch of science that studies matter especially its composition,

properties and the changes it undergoes.

Chemistry is a scientific discipline that focuses on the study of matter, its composition,
structure, and properties as well as the principles governing its behavior. It intersects
with fields like physics, biology, environmental science and engineering, and is crucial in
understanding and explaining the natural world. Chemistry plays a vital role in
developing new technologies, materials and drugs for various applications.

Question
What do you understand by the term chemistry?
CHEMISTRY AS A CENTRAL SCIENCE DISCIPLINE
Biology, chemistry and physics are considered as basic sciences.
Chemistry is described as central science because it links Biology through
Biochemistry; it links to physics through Physical Chemistry; it links to Geography
through Geology. It is closely related to Agricultural Science, Home Economics,
Integrated Science, Food and Nutrition, Environmental Science and Basic Design and
Technology.
Chemistry is a central scientific discipline that plays a critical role in various aspects of
our daily lives, from health and well-being to the environment around us. It is often
called the “central – science" because it is connected to other disciplines such as
physics and biology. It is critical in the development of new materials in various
industries such as electronics, textiles, and construction.
Chemistry is a crucial discipline that provides a fundamental understanding of our world.
Its applications are vast and include technology, medicine, industry, and environmental
management, making it central to scientific progress and human development.
How chemistry links other subjects
Chemistry has close relationships with various other subjects, including physics,
biology, and environmental science, due to the fact that it overlaps with them in terms of
content and techniques.
Question
1. Name the science subjects that make up basic science.
2. Explain why it is said that chemistry is a central science?
3. Name three subjects that links chemistry as central science.
Effect of chemistry on daily lives
Chemistry has an enormous impact on daily life, as it is essential for various aspects of
modern life. Here are some ways in which chemistry affects daily life

BRANCHES AND DIVISIONS OF CHEMISTRY

Chemistry has two main divisions; pure chemistry and applied chemistry.
1. Pure chemistry
Pure chemistry is the study of matter in order to understand nature better. It is
the study of basic principles and theories of chemistry with practical use or
application. It involves exploring the properties, structure, and behavior of matter
at a molecular and atomic level, analyzing the interactions and transformation of
substances, understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules, discovering
new compounds, and improving technologies.
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 2. Applied chemistry
Applied chemistry is the application of knowledge of chemistry to the service of
mankind and society. It is the branch of chemistry that studies the practical
applications of chemical knowledge in various fields. It focuses on using
chemistry to solve real-world problems using scientific methods and principles. It
has diverse applications including food science, medicine, medicine,
pharmaceuticals, material sciences, agriculture, and environmental science.
Examples of applied chemistry are biochemistry, biotechnology, geochemistry,
medicine, pharmacy, petrochemistry, environmental chemistry and
radiochemistry, teaching of chemistry, health service, food processing, petroleum
and petrochemical industries, manufacturing industry, extractive industry,
agriculture, forestry, etc

chemistry is divided into three main branches:

 Physical chemistry – deals with effects of the structure of substances on their

physical properties. It is a branch of chemistry that combines principles from
physics and chemistry to study the relationship between the physical properties
of matter and its chemical composition and behaviour.

 Inorganic chemistry – deals with the study of elements and their compounds
(including carbon (II) oxide, CO, carbon (IV) oxide, CO2, cyanides and
trioxocarbonates but not carbon compounds). It is the branch of chemistry that
studies non-carbon-based compounds and their properties, composition, and,
reactions. It includes the study of the properties of elements and their
compounds and their behaviors in different conditions.

 Organic chemistry – deals with the study of carbon compounds (excluding

carbon (II) oxide, CO, carbon (IV) oxide, CO2, cyanides, hydrogen
trioxocarbonate (IV) and trioxocarbonates (IV.) compounds.
It is the branch of chemistry that studies carbon-based chemistry that studies
carbon-based molecules and their properties, composition, and reactions. It
focuses on the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds

Question
1. Name the divisions of chemistry.
2. Define each of the divisions of chemistry.
3. Name the branches of chemistry.
4. Define each of the branches of chemistry.

Uses of chemistry

Chemistry has contributed greatly towards providing our basic needs and
improving the quality of our life.

1. Food and nutrition – for production of fertilizers and insecticides to increase

food production greatly. Chemistry has a significant impact on food and
nutrition by improving food quality, safety, and preservation. It helps us
understand the composition of different foods, develops various food

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 processing techniques, and uses chemicals as food additives to improve
tastes and prevent and spoilage. It also provides tools and techniques for
analyzing food components, contaminants and nutrients, contributing to
research aimed at improving health and disease prevention.

2. Clothing- man made textiles fibres are produced to make it cheaply bought
and available. Eg NYLON (New York LONdon) , silk (SrI LanKa), polyester,
dacron, cotton, jeans, tie and dye, batik, etc
3. Housing – many high –rise buildings are being constructed to overcome the
present need for housing especially in the cities.
4. Medicine- production of chemicals and medicine has improved the lifespan of
many people.
Chemistry has a significant impact on medicine as it contributes to the
development of drugs and medical devices, their production, and analysis.
Chemistry plays a role in discovering new compounds and synthesizing them
to optimize their therapeutic use. It helps design.
This is because many pharmaceutical industries keep producing drugs like
chloroquine, paracetamol, vaccines to fight SARS, Ebola, Corona Virus
(COVID -19), marlbug, AIDS, etc
5. Transportation – modern transportation is an essential feature of today’s
world. Chemistry greatly affects transportation in various ways, which include
fuel production, vehicle material designs, lubricants and additives, emissions
control, and, battery technologies. These chemical advancements enhance
fuel efficiency, decrease emissions, and improve the transition to eco-friendly
transportation methods.

This has made movement of goods and services from one place to another
easier. Eg use of crude oil fractions such as LPG, coal, petrol, kerosene,
diesel, etc used by automobiles such as vehicles, trains, motors, ship, etc
6. Agriculture: Chemistry is crucial in agriculture to maximize crop yield and
quality while minimizing costs and environmental impact. It impacts
agriculture through the development of fertilizers, chemical pesticides to
control pests, understanding soil chemistry, genetic modifications, and water
management with chemicals. Chemistry has revolutionized agriculture,
providing valuable insights, technologies, and solutions to enhance crop
yields, control pests and diseases and improve soil and water quality.
7. Energy : Chemistry affects energy through its involvement in the production
of traditional and renewable energy, energy storage solutions, the
development of energy-efficient technologies, and technologies that reduce
emissions from energy production. Through chemical principles, researchers
can identify solutions that promote more sustainable and environmentally
friendly energy production and consumption. Chemistry plays a crucial role in
the production of traditional energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas
through processes such as extraction, refinig, n,g and combustion. Chemistry
is also involved in the production of renewable energy sources such as solar
panels and wind turbines through the development of new materials and
processes.
Question
1. Name three uses of chemistry in everyday life.
2. Explain briefly how chemistry is used in everyday life.
3. Give five important applications of chemistry in human life.

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 Adverse effects of chemistry
Chemical processes and products have also affected our lives adversely.
1. Pollution – one of the main disadvantages of chemical industries is the
pollution of the environment by
 Chemical wastes from factories and refineries and
 Radioactive wastes from nuclear plants
 Oil spillages
 Exhaust from motor vehicles, pesticides, inorganic fertilizers, acid rains
have made our environment unclean and endangered plants’ and
animals’ lives.
2. Drug abuse – drugs such as heroine, cocaine, morphine are addicted.
Drug addiction is a major problem in our societies especially among the
youth.
Question
1. Name one adverse effect of chemistry.
2. Explain briefly how the stated effect has on the environment or human life.

Education and training required for careers in chemistry

The education and training required for careers in chemistry and related fields vary
depending on the specific job and employer.
Most jobs in chemistry or chemistry-related fields require a minimum of a bachelor’s
degree, while some specialized positions may require an advanced degree. Employers
often require laboratory or research experience, relevant work experience and problem-
solving skills
SOME OF THE CAREERS OR PROFESSIONS IN CHEMISTRY
Some professions or carriers after studying chemistry.

1. Science and chemistry teacher

2. Medical doctor
3. Pharmacist
4. Ecologist
5. Optician
6. Biochemist
7. Geologist
8. Meteorologist
9. Botanist
10. Pilot
11. Farmer
12. Nurse
13. Zoologist
14. Metallurgist
15. Midwifery
16. Engineer– chemical, mechanical, electric, civil, materials, petrochemical etc
17. Food nutritionist
18. Agriculturist
19. Veterinary officer
20. Mathematician

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5
Question

Name five professions or careers that one can undertake after studying chemistry.
Some prominent Ghanaian scientists

Scientists Contribution

Prof F.K.A. Allotey He propounded Allotey constant in aerospace

navigation in formalism on soft x-rays

Prof Frimpong Boateng He did the first successful heart transplant in Ghana

Prof Yeboah –Gyan He is a great ecologist in Ghana

Prof Dr. Brobbey He is a great medical doctor in Ghana

Prof Kwasi Andam He was a structural engineer in Ghana

Prof Sarfo Kantanka He is a great scientist in Ghana, he has

manufactured a lot of kantanka products in the
country

Some prominent international scientists

Scientists Contribution

Aristotle He classified living things into animals and plants

Carolus Linnaeus He introduced binomial system of nomenclature of

classification of living things

Dimitri Mendeleev He introduced periodic table of classification into

elements in horizontal rows called periods and in
vertical columns called groups

Jakob Berzelius He suggested simple system of representing

elements with symbols.

Amedeo Avogadro He propounded the Avogadro’s constant and

Avogadro’s law of gases

John Dalton He propounded the Dalton atomic theory,Dalton’s

law of partial pressure and the law of conservation
of matter

Proust He propounded the law of definite proportions

Archimedes He propounded the principle of density, Archimedes

principle and law of floatation

John Ray He propounded the classification of similar species

that can interbreed

Le Chatelier He propounded the principle of equilibrium and the

le Chatelier’s principle

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Question:

1. Name three prominent Ghanaian scientists that has greatly contributed to

science development.
2. Name specific contributions of the prominent Ghanaian scientists named above.

3. Name three prominent international scientists that has greatly contributed to

science development.
4. Name specific contributions of the prominent international scientists named
above.

Measurement of Physical Quantities

Chemistry is an experimental science and makes use of a lot of quantitative
measurements. Physical chemistry mainly concerns with measurement and study of the
physical properties. Examples of physical properties are freezing point, density, melting
point, solubility, vapour pressure, energy content and electrical conductivity of
chemicals and mixtures of chemicals. The measurements are expressed by a number
and a unit in what is called physical quantity. IUPAC conventions and SI units are
employed in the measurement of the physical quantity.
However, many operations in laboratory involve measurement of physical quantities.
These physical quantities are macroscopic and can be measured directly. Others are
microscopic and cannot be measured directly.

Physical quantity is a quantity that can be observed and measured. Physical quantity
can be classified into two classes namely;
 Basic or fundamental quantity
 Derived quantity

Physical or Basic or Fundamental Quantity

Basic quantity is a quantity that cannot be expressed in any other physical quantity.
These include mass, length, time, temperature, luminous intensity, electric current and
amount of substance.

Physical quantity Symbol of SI unit Symbol of SI

quantity unit
Length l Metre m
Mass m Kilogram kg
Time t Second S
Electric current I Ampere A
Thermodynamic T Kelvin K
temperature
Amount of substance n Mole mol
Luminous intensity Iv Candela Cd

Derived Quantity
Derived quantity is a quantity that can be expressed in terms of two or more basic
quantities. Derived quantity is derived from the seven basic quantities by division,
multiplication, differentiation and integration. Example, area is Length (m) x Length (m),
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with unit of m2, volume is Length (m) x Length (m) x length (m), with unit of m3, density
is mass (kg) / volume (m3) with unit kg / m3 etc

Derived physical Symbol of Derived SI Definition of unit

quantity quantity unit
Concentration C mol m-3 or moles ÷ volume
mol dm-3
Force F newton (N) 1 N = 1 kg m s-2
Pressure P pascal (Pa) 1 Pa = 1 Nm-2
Energy or work E joule (J) 1 J = 1kg m2 s-2
Power P watts(W) 1W = J/s

Quantity of electricity Q coulombs (C) 1C = As,

Electric potential V volt (V) 1V = WA

Electric resistance R ohm (Ω) 1Ω = V/A,

Velocity V meter per m/s or ms-1

second

Density ϼ kilogram per Kg/m3 or kgm-3

meter cube

Prefixes for SI Units

Decimal fractions or multiples of the basic SI units of the derived units are indicated by
use of the prefixes.
Fractio Prefix Symbol Multipl Prefix Symbol
n e
-1
10 deci- D 10 deka- Da
10-2 centi- C 102 hecto- H
-3 3
10 milli- M 10 kilo- K
-6 6
10 micro- µ 10 mega- M
10-9 nano- N 109 giga- G
-12 12
10 pico- P 10 tera- T

Learning of dimensions can be done with the following pneumatics:

Many (mm) cockroaches (cm) died (dm) mother (m) did (dcm) high (hm) killing
(km)
mm cm dm m dcm hm km

10 10 10 10 10 10
mm = millimetres, cm = centimetre, dm = decimetre, m = metre, dcm = dekametre or
decameter, hm = hectometre, km = kilometre
Hence
10 mm = 1 cm, 10cm = 1 dm, 10 dm = 1 m, 10 m = 1 dcm, 10 dcm = 1 hm and
10 hm = 1 km
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10-1 mm = 1 cm, 1 cm = 10-1dm, 1 dm = 10-1 m, 1 m = 10-1 dcm, 1 dcm = 10-1 hm, 1 hm =
10-1 km
Again, 1000 mm = 1 m, 100 cm = 1 m, 106 mm = 1 km, 105 cm = 1 km,
1 mm = 10-3 m, 1 cm = 10-2 m, 1 mm = 10-6 km, 1 cm = 10-5km etc
Length (l) is the distance between two points in a space. 1m = 10-3km, 1m =10-6 mm,
1m = 10-9Gm, 1m = 10dm, 1m = 102 cm, 1m = 103mm
Volume (v) is the size of a three-dimensional space enclosed within or occupied by
matter. It is measured in two ways:
(a) using the capacity of a container and
(b) using space defined by a cuboid of length. It is defined mathematically as: volume =
length x breadth or width x height or v = l x w x h
1cm3 = (10-2m)3 = 10-6m3 1dm3 = (10-1m)3 = 10-3m3 1L = 1000ml = 1000cm3 = 1dm3
Mass (m) is the amount of matter that a body contains and a measure of the inertial
property of the body. It is measured in grams (g) or kilograms (kg). 1g = 10-3kg,
1000 g = 1 kg

Pressure (Pa) is a force per unit area. 1atm = 760mmHg = 100 kPa,
1atm = 101,325Pa = 100 kPa = 105 Pa = 1 x 105 Nm-2, 1atm = 101.3 x 103Nm-2
Questions
1. Convert the following into meters
8 km = …………………… 150 cm = ……………………………
2500 mm = ……………………….6800 dm = ……………………………
2. Convert the following into kilogram
2 tonnes = …………………………… 5000 g = ……………………………
20, 000 mg = ……………………………25000 g = ……………………………
3. Distinguish between scalar quantity and vector quantity
SCHOOL SCIENCE LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
They are ware/ equipment / device / instruments which are used to do practical work in
the science laboratory.
They include the following:
Test tube rack, test tube holder, tongs, crucible and lid, wire gauze, tripod stand,
evaporating dish, Bunsen burner, pipe clay triangle, beaker, conical flask, measuring
cylinder, teat or dropping pipette, glass or plastic funnel, wash bottle, burette and
pipette, separating funnel, flat bottom flask, round bottom flask, gas jar, top pan
balance, combusting spoon, spatula, double beam balance, reagent bottle, laboratory
pan balance, desiccator, volumetric flask, pestle and mortar.

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND THEIR USES

Laboratory ware/ Use

equipment / device
1. Measuring cylinder For measuring the volumes of liquid
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2. Burette Measuring fixed volumes of liquid and for titrations
3. Pipette Measuring fixed volumes of liquid and for titrations
4. Beaker For holding solutions
5. Fire tong or pair of For holding hot objects
tong
6. Thermometer For measuring temperature
7. Volumetric flask For preparing standard solutions
8. Tripod stand For supporting beaker during heating
9. Fire gauze or wire Placed on tripod stand to help spread fire during heating
gauze
10. Spatula For fetching powdered crushed substances
11. Conical flask For preparation of gases and also titration
12. Bunsen burner For providing source of heat in the lab
13. Funnel Help in transferring liquid from one container to another
and for filtration
14. Test tube holder For holding test tube during heating
15. Fume chamber A workplace in the laboratory for preparation of
poisonous gases
16. Beam or electronic or For measuring mass of substances
top pan or chemical
balance except spring
balance
17. Mortar and pestle For crushing and grinding of substances
18. Gas jar For collection of gases
19. Test tube rack For holding and storing test tube for experiments
20. Wash bottle Used to store distilled water for practical
21. Dropper For holding small amounts of liquids during practical
22. Stirring rod For stirring solutions
23. Retort stand For holding firmly apparatus such as burettes during
practical
24. Clay triangle For supporting the crucible
25. Crucible tong To pick up and hold apparatus
26. Gas measuring tube To hold burette when titrating
27. Evaporating dish As a container for small amounts of liquids being
evaporated
28. Watch glass May be used as a beaker cover and also used in
evaporating very small amounts of liquids
29. Reagent bottle For holding chemical substances during practical
30. Kipp’s apparatus For preparing and supplying gases intermittently

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11
Question
1. What are science laboratory equipment?
2. Name five of them.
3. List one use of the named science equipment
4. Draw the named science equipment.

HAZARDS
A hazard is anything that can hurt you or make you ill. It is something which could be
dangerous to one’s health or safety.
Hazards are dangerous because they may result in injuries and loss of lives and
properties.
We face hazards in our lives in everyday life activities such as walking, working, etc at
our homes, workplaces, laboratories, etc.
The following are examples of hazards encountered in the teaching and learning of
science.
1. Fire outbreaks
2. Falling objects
3. Fumes and dust
4. Poor lightning system
5. Toxic or poisonous gases

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 6. Explosives substances
7. Corrosive substances
8. Broken glassware
9. Faulty electrical gadgets
10. Expired chemicals
11. Volatile chemicals
12. Inflammable substance
13. Slippery floors

Classification of hazards.
1. Mandatory signs / symbols
2. Safe condition signs / symbols
3. Warning signs / symbols
4. Prohibition signs / symbols
Warning and safety signs in the community and laboratory
The warning and safety signs in the community and laboratory into the following:
MANDATORY SIGNS:
They mean “you must do” or “carry out the action given by the signs”.
They inform us to take certain actions to prevent or reduce accidents. They are
indicated by blue and white colours.

PROHIBITION SIGNS
They mean “you must not”, “do not” or “stop”. They are used to prohibit behaviour likely
to cause accidents. They are indicated by red and black colours.

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SAFE CONDITION SIGNS
They mean “the safe way” or “where to go in an emergency”. They give information on
the right action to take. They are indicated by green and white colours.

WARNING SIGNS

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They mean “caution” , “risk of danger” or “hazard ahead”. They give warning of hazard
or danger. They are indicated by yellow and black colours.

Questions
1. What are hazards?
2. Name five examples of hazards encountered in the teaching and learning of
science.
3. Name the broad classes of hazards.
4. Define each of the classes of hazards.
5. Draw two hazards under each class.

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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
They are safety equipment and devices that are worn on the human body and used to
protect a person in a laboratory or community or any working environment.
PPE or Safety devices include the following

 Nose masks
 Life jackets
 Protective goggles
 Hand gloves
 Crash helmet
 Safety boots
 Face masks or face shield

BASIC SAFETY LABORATORY PRACTICES

Laboratory – it is a workplace for carrying out experiments, investigation, scientific
research and for the production of chemical materials.
The laboratory is a workplace for the science teachers and science laboratory
technicians.
Safety – it is a condition of being free from harm, danger, hazard, injury or loss.
To be safe in the laboratory simply means to be free from all forms of harm, hazard,
injury or loss.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN THE LABORATORY
Precautions are measures warding off impending danger or damage or injury OR the
trait of practicing caution in advance OR the wisdom in avoiding harm or danger
Rules and regulations in the chemistry laboratory
The chemistry laboratory must be a safe place for effective learning. Given this, the
following rules and regulations must be observed.

RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LABORATORY

1. Never eat, drink or smoke, etc in the science laboratory.
2. Never perform any experiment alone in a science laboratory without the
permission of a teacher or any superior
3. Do not store food in the laboratory
4. Wash hands before and after laboratory work.
5. Always wear footwear that cover completely and not open toe shoes
6. Do not pour chemicals into the sink drains.
7. Do not wear loose clothing
8. In diluting concentrated acids or bases, always add acid or base to water and not
water to acid/ base.
9. Always point the mouth of test tubes away when heating in the laboratory.
10. Never smell a substance by holding it very close to the nostrils.
11. Always wear eye protection in all experiments.

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SOME SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN THE LABORATORY

Safety measure Reason for observing

1. Do not eat, drink, To avoid contamination of food and possible death later
smoke, study, etc in
the laboratory (except
permitted to do so by
your teacher or the
technician)
2. Wear protective To avoid cuts or accidents from hazardous chemicals
working gear eg hand
gloves, boots, lab
coats, nose mask, eye
goggles or eye shield
3. Do not walk bare To avoid cuts or piercing by sharp objects on the leg or
footed in the lab feet
4. Avoid direct smelling Some gases can be poisonous and dangerous to one’s
of gases evolved from health when inhaled
chemical reactions
5. Do not wash your The liquid could be corrosive, toxic, injurious or
hands in an unknown poisonous or might burn hands
colourless or coloured
solution
6. Do not add water to To avoid explosion
concentrated acids
7. Wash hands before To avoid carrying poisonous chemical home
leaving the lab
8. Close all taps before To avoid flooding or wastage
leaving the lab
9. Spilled liquids must To avoid slipping or gjhk;kl
be cleaned
immediately
10. Do not light a match The unusual scent might be gas leaking and there is the
on smelling an risk of fire outbreak when a match is lit
unusual scent in the
laboratory
11. Do not open a gas tap The gas that will come out will be too high to cause fire
before looking for a outbreak when the match is lit later
match to light the
Bunsen burner
12. Do not hold very hot To prevent the hot objects from burning your hands
objects with your bare
hands
13. Never point the mouth There may be an explosion which can cause injury to the
of a test tube person to whom the mouth of the test tube is pointed
containing a
substance being
heated towards
another person or
yourself
14. Accidents and This will enable the teacher to apply the immediate
breakages should be remedy. Thus giving first aid to the victim, clearing the
reported to the pieces of broken apparatus and cleaning the spilled off
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 teacher immediately chemicals.
15. Do not perform any Some experiments can be hazardous if the necessary
experiment without precautions are not considered in performing them
your teacher’s
permission and
always follow the
instructions carefully
16. Goggles should be This is to ensure that the eyes are protected against any
worn for experiments injury
17. Do not look into the This is because the contents could pop out onto your
flask through the eyes and cause injury
mouth whilst heating
18. Bottles of soft drinks People may mistakenly take them for something
should not be used to drinkable
store hazardous
chemical
19. Know where fire To pick them quickly and use them to quench fire in case
extinguisher and other of fire outbreak in the laboratory
life saving devices are
located and how they
are used
20. Do not keep Such chemicals have high of their tendency to react
chemicals that react together.
easily together on the
same shelf

CHEMICAL SAFETY SYMBOLS EXPLAINED

Hazard is a source of danger, a possibility is incurring loss or misfortune.
It can also be defined as an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an
event to result one way rather than another.
HAZARD SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANING

Sign Meaning Example

Explosives Substances that can H2SO4, HNO3, dynamite,

produce sudden expansion nitro-glycerine, ammonium
of materials usually nitrate, and nitrocellulose
through heating

Flammable substances or Substances that can easily Petrol, butanol, LPG,

highly flammable catch fire ethanol

Oxidizing material They add oxygen to other hydroxide peroxide, H2O2,

substances and burns potassium permanganate,
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 fiercely. KMnO4, oxygen gas,
chlorine gas, bleach, nitric
They cause severe burns, acid, and potassium
respiratory damage, and nitrate.
explosions.

Irritant or harmful Substances that cause Bleaching powder,

substances irritations to the skin alcohols, ammonia,
hydrochloric acid,
Irritant substances can detergents, insecticides,
have a range of adverse sodium hydroxide, and
effects on humans, such gasoline
as itching, pain, redness,
swelling, and blistering of
the

Toxic or poisonous Substances that can cause KCN, DDT, chlorine gas,
death when swallowed, crude oil, mercury, iodine,
drank or inhaled
arsenic, lead, carbon
monoxide, pesticides,
cyanide, benzene, and
ammonia.

Electrical hazard Equipment or devices Naked wire, exposed

which has the tendency of electrical wires
electrocution

Radioactive They emit radioactive Radium, radon, thorium, x

substances such as alpha, ray in hospitals, are
beta and gamma rays. uranium, radon, iodine-
131, and cobalt-60 etc
It is essential to handle
and dispose of them
properly as they can pose
significant hazards due to
their potential for radiation
exposure and
contamination.

Biohazard Hazard to humans or the Water bodies, anthrax

environment resulting from spores
biological agents or
condition

Corrosive Can easily burn the hands Concentrated acids and

or body bases such as conc HCl,
conc NaOH
sulphuric acid, nitric acid,
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 sodium hydroxide,
potassium hydroxide,
bleach, and ammonia
solution.

Flammable gas Safety used for the Bulk Oil Storage Transport
transport or storage of (BOST) vehicles
flammable gas

Inhalation hazard Used on transport / Oil such as petrol,

storage symbol kerosene

Spontaneously Spontaneously
combustible combustible material (treat
with great caution)

Miscellaneous danger Catch –all symbol for all Petrol

other dangers (usually
specific in the space)

Poisonous Where most chemicals are DDT, weedicide, kerosene,

fairly dangerous if ingested diesel, petrol
or inhaled , many of these
dangerous even on contact

Danger Danger’ is a term used to Highway Road, near pit

describe a specific
situation, activity, or
condition that poses a
significant risk of harm,
injury or damage to
individuals, property or the
environment. Any situation
that has the potential to
cause harm, injury or
damage can be considered
dangerous, and it is
important to respond to
such situations promptly to
prevent harm. A ‘danger’
sign is shown below:

Non ionizing radiation When you come in contact Wireless network

with excessive radiations connection in computers

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 LASER radiation Light Amplification Photocopier machines,
Stimulation Emission hospitals and atomic
Radiation (LASER) centres

Hazard symbols are used to represent warning signs. These are usually enclosed in a
triangle with a yellow background. These signs represent:

 Flammable substances
 Oxidizing substances
 Toxic materials
 Radioactive substances
 Non-ionizing radiation
 Dangerous voltage
Questions

LABORATORY EMERGENCIES AND FIRST AID

The emergency response procedures include:
 Minor laboratory accidents or first aid
 Chemical spillage

MINOR INJURIES
Where there is a small cut or break in the skin with coincident chemical exposure, treat
as follows:
1. Begin treatment immediately at or near the scene of the accident.
2. Rinse contaminated area under a tap with large quantities of water
3. Keep chemicals away from cuts
4. Wash exposed area with mild soap and lukewarm water.
5. Seek medical attention

Chemical spills
Spills may be cleaned up and the contaminants neutralized as follow:
1. Notify other people in the area of spills
2. Record the name of chemical spilt, appropriate amount and the hazard of the
chemical
3. Gather the spill, control material and equipment
4. Ensure that there is no source of ignition
5. Turn off any devise instrument that could exacerbate the spill

First aid
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First aid is the immediate assistance provided to a person who has been injured or has
suddenly taken ill. It involves a series of simple, life-saving techniques and procedures
that can be performed by anyone with basic training. The primary objective of first aid is
to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery while
waiting for professional medical attention. A first aid sign is shown below:

Expected items in a first aid box

Bandage
Antiseptic
Pain killers

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPES)

Everyone who works in chemical laboratory requires certain equipment to protect
himself/herself from hazards in the laboratory. These equipment are called Personal
Protective Equipment. They are:
Laboratory coat/apron, chemical or protective goggles, eye wash station, safety shower,
hand gloves, safety shoes or boots, respirator or gas or nose mask, face shield or
mask, fume cupboard, Life jackets and Crash helmet

Putting Fire Off

The type of fire determines the kind of fire fighting equipment required. For small fire the
extinguishing agents are:
 Water extinguisher
 Fire extinguisher (types: soda, foam, carbon dioxide and dry powder
extinguishers).
 Sand bucket
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  Fire blanket

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Chemistry is an experimental science and concepts, theories and discoveries which
were made were through scientific method of inquiry. Scientific method is systematic
approach to experiment or research work. This includes:
1. Identification of the problem
2. Hypothesizing (hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a set of similar
observations. Example, Avogadro’s hypothesis (which was confirmed by Gay-
Lussac to become law)
3. Experimentation (this is done through method of observation, measurement,
recording, analysis, deduction and conclusion
4. Observation
5. Formulation of laws and theories (Theory is a unifying principle that explains a
body of facts or observations in all areas of human life). Eg theory of
dissociation, theory of electrolytic dissociation, theory of indicators, etc If a
theory is used successfully for many years to explain scientific observations, it
evolves into a law. Law is a concise verbal or mathematical statement of a
relationship between phenomena that is always the same under the same
condition. Eg Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, etc Model gives a mind’s picture of how
something looks or may look. Example, Rutherford’s and Thompson’s models of
the atom.

IMPORTANCE OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS

1. It provides logical procedure for gaining or arriving at knowledge.
2. It provides knowledge that can be verified.
3. It avoids a situation where scientists will jump into hasty conclusions.
4. It has been applied successfully to establish several laws and principles such as
the law of floatation and law of radioactivity
5. It has been applied successfully in forensic science where CID uses scientific
evidence to link criminals with crime scenes to prove their guilt.

Assignment
1. (a) Define the term “chemistry”.
(b) State the two main branches of chemistry.
2. List three main branches of chemistry
3. (a) What is applied chemistry?
(a) Give five examples of applied chemistry.
4. (a) Distinguish between applied chemistry and chemistry
(b) Name
(i) two prominent Ghanaian scientists
(ii) three prominent international scientists
(c) State the contribution made by each of the scientists named in (b) (i) and (ii)
above.
5. (a) name five careers in chemistry.
(b) State three steps in the scientific method requires.
6. (a) What is science method?
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 (b) Outline at least five steps involved in the scientific method.
(c) (i) State two importance of scientific method.
(ii) Give two examples of the use of scientific method

Assignment
1. (a) Explain why it is important to observe precautions in the science laboratory.
(b) Name two officials who are mandated to instruct students in the
Okuapemman school science laboratory.
2. (a) List five causes of accidents in the science laboratory
(b) Suggest five safety measures to be observed in the science laboratory.
3. Explain briefly the dangers involved in each of the following activities in the laboratory
(i) smelling an unknown gas with the nose very close to the test tube containing
the gas.
(ii) setting up a chemical experiment without a control experiment.
(iii) adding water to concentrated strong acid
(iv) wearing rubber slippers
(v) Do not perform any experiment without your teacher’s permission and always
follow the instructions carefully
4. (a) State five general rules which are to be observed in the science laboratory.
(b) Explain the reason(s) behind all of the rules you have stated in (a) above.
5. Explain briefly one danger involved in each of the following activities in the laboratory.
(a) washing the hand with an unknown colourless liquid in a beaker.
(b) opening a gas tap before looking for a match stick to light the Benson burner.
(c) dropping a large piece of sodium metal into water
(d) chewing some food substances
(e) smelling evolving gas with the test tube pointing at the nose.
(f) covering a reagent bottle containing sodium hydroxide solution with a glass stopper
(g) picking a hot object with bare fingers
(h) adding water to concentrated acids
6. Give the uses of the following apparatus

(a) Measuring cylinder

(b) Burette
(c) Pipette
(d) Beaker
(e) Fire tong or pair of tong
(f) Thermometer
(g) Volumetric flask
(h) Tripod stand
(i) Fire gauze or wire gauze
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 (j) Spatula
(k) Conical flask
(l) Bunsen burner
(m) Funnel
(n) Test tube holder
(o) Fume chamber

7. Give the instrument that can be used to perform the following exercises in the
chemistry lab.

i. For measuring the volumes of liquid

ii. Measuring fixed volumes of liquid and for titrations
iii. Measuring fixed volumes of liquid and for titrations
iv. For holding solutions
v. For holding hot objects
vi. For measuring temperature
vii. For preparing standard solutions
viii.For supporting beaker during heating
ix. Placed on tripod stand to help spread fire during heating
x. For fetching powdered crushed substances
xi. For preparation of gases and also titration
xii. For providing source of heat in the lab
xiii.Help in transferring liquid from one container to another
xiv. For holding test tube during heating
xv. A workplace in the laboratory for preparation of poisonous
gases
xvi. For measuring mass of substances
xvii. For crushing and grinding of substances
xviii. For collection of gases
xix. For holding and storing test tube for experiments
xx. Used to store distilled water for practical
xxi. For holding small amounts of liquids during practical
xxii. For stirring solutions
xxiii. For holding firmly apparatus such as burets during practical
xxiv. For supporting the crucible
xxv. To pick up and hold apparatus
xxvi. To hold burette when titrating
xxvii. As a container for small amounts of liquids being evaporated
xxviii. May be used as a beaker cover and also used in
evaporating very small amounts of liquids
xxix. For holding chemical substances during practical
xxx. For preparing and supplying gases intermittently

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