Chapter 1, Problem 48A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The following research topics needs to matched with the branch of chemistry that would study it:

Water pollution, the digestion of food, textile fiber, metals to make coins, and AIDS treatment.

Concept introduction:

The branch of science which study about elements and compounds made up of atoms, ions and molecules is said to be chemistry. The study involves composition, properties, formation, structure and reactions shown by a substance.

Explanation of Solution

The five major branches of chemistry are inorganic, organic, analytical, physical and biochemistry. These branches are further sub-divided into many parts:

Medicinal, organometallic, polymer, stereochemistry, environmental, nuclear, forensic, spectroscopy, quantum chemistry etc.

Now, the given research topics are matched with the branch of chemistry as:

• Water pollution involves the study of chemical and biochemical phenomenon that occurs in environment so, it is related to environmental chemistry.
• The digestion of food involves the study of human body that is the chemical reactions that are taking place in human body so, it is related to biochemistry.
• Textile fiber contains a long chain of carbon atoms so, they are classified as polymers hence, it is related to polymer chemistry.
• Metals to make coins involves the study of metals (inorganic compounds) such as behavior and property so, it is related to inorganic chemistry.
• AIDS treatment involves the study of human body so, it is related to biochemistry.