Martin Speters, Ivan Gaichuk

Javier Medina
CHEM-1210
7/9/2016
Life without Chemistry

To most people hearing the word chemistry will usually invoke fear of the unknown or

confusion of this type of science. Chemistry has its own unique language, sets of rules, numbers

and letters, all of these factors can contribute to how people feel about this science. However, it

is because of chemistry people can look at the world or even the universe, and understand the

fundamentals of how matter is formed and works in conjunction with other matter. Taking a

class such as chemistry, to fulfill the requirements for a major, or just for fun will give you an all

encompassed view of how our world works. This insight into the world of matter can give us a

better understanding of how certain elements react with others and what the outcome will yield.

It will also provide a better understanding of chemical reactions to create compounds such as

water, table salt, or even calcium chloride and how certain metals react with water and oxygen.

Thinking in terms of what life would be like without the knowledge of chemistry can

paint a grim picture inside any mind and will lead to an understanding of why it is so important.

For instance without the knowledge of chemistry common household items like soaps,

shampoos, hair sprays, and perfumes would likely not be mixed correctly during the

manufacturing process and would not be safe for use. Modern medications could not exist.

Paints, glues and motor oils would be greatly lacking in their individual colors, adhesiveness and

ability to properly lubricate. Great structures such as the Empire State Building which stretches

high into the sky or the Golden Gate Bridge which extends over a vast amount of water would

not be possible because the composition of the metal wiring would be too brittle and the concrete
would not be mixed with the right proportions causing it to break or degrade. It is such errors

that could be attributed to the lack of knowledge of chemistry.

While pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, at first glance it may seem like there is

no need to study chemistry, however, upon closer inspection to what makes up the parts and

components of the electrical engineering field a person can quickly begin to understand the

implications that chemistry has. For example, wires play a basic but important part in the

electron flow. Metal wires all over the world, such as copper, aluminum or gold rely on metal

composition to not only increase its potential conductivity, but its weight, cost and longevity.

Inside batteries a chemical reaction causes a built up of electrons, this results in an electrical

difference between the two end of the battery and allows objects such as a light bulb to receive

power. All of these components of a simple circuit could not be efficiently made or reproduced

without the knowledge of chemistry.

Just as in the electrical engineering field the languages, rules and applications of

chemistry have a common theme to its counterparts, to better understand the world around us,

and how elements react with each other. To imagine living in a world without the knowledge of

chemistry would be something like living back in the Stone Age. Simply put, without an

understanding of how matter reacts could spell disaster for human kind. Chemistry is a

fundamental part of science and to take it out of the equation would essentially be like driving at

night without headlights, you can see a little bit but cannot get the whole picture.