Why Is Chemistry Important in Everyday Life?

Everything is made of chemicals

Chemistry is a part of cooking, medicine, and household products.
LWA, Getty Images

Have you ever wondered about the importance of chemistry in everyday life? You might ask yourself this question if you're studying chemistry. Finding an answer is one of the most common chemistry homework assignments. Here's a look at why chemistry matters:

Why Chemistry Is Important

Chemistry is important in everyday life because:

  • Everything is made of chemicals. You are made of chemicals. So is your dog. So is your desk. So is the sun. Drugs are chemicals. Food is made from chemicals.
  • Many of the changes you observe in the world around you are caused by chemical reactions. Examples include leaves changing colors, cooking food and getting yourself clean.
  • Knowing some chemistry can help you make day-to-day decisions that affect your life. Can I mix these household chemicals? What are safe mosquito repellents? Will my bottled water expire? Can I mix types of motor oils for my vehicle?
  • Understanding basic chemistry is essential for understanding the effects of chemicals on the environment. This information can be used to give plants the best nutrients to help them grow or to decide how to dispose of chemicals without poisoning the air or water supply.
  • Chemistry concepts are important in other disciplines. It's key to cooking, biology, physics, and astronomy.
  • Chemistry is fun! It can be used to make colors change, alter recipes, color flames, make things glow in the dark, or even make stuff explode. Many people study chemistry not because it's a requirement for a class but because they are interested in using it to explore the world and to try science projects. As hobbies go, chemistry is inexpensive because home chemicals can be used to perform many interesting experiments.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Why Is Chemistry Important in Everyday Life?" ThoughtCo, Sep. 7, 2021, thoughtco.com/importance-of-chemistry-in-everyday-life-606807. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, September 7). Why Is Chemistry Important in Everyday Life? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/importance-of-chemistry-in-everyday-life-606807 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Why Is Chemistry Important in Everyday Life?" ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/importance-of-chemistry-in-everyday-life-606807 (accessed March 29, 2024).