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.