Applications of chemistry in the development of a modern society

Project Visit a nearby manufacturing industry, health facility, mining site or agricultural farm to identify materials produced through chemical processes, study the practical applications of chemistry in the development of modern society, and prepare a report.

Chemistry plays a significant role in the development of a modern society. It is applied in a wide range of industrial processes and daily life activities. It has influenced most aspects of life including healthcare, energy production and environmental sustainability. The quality of life for most people worldwide has improved due to practical applications of chemistry. Many of the products that are obtained by the applications of chemistry are useful for development of modern societies. These products are processed in different areas such as agriculture, medicine, nutrition and cooking, and manufacturing industries.

Agriculture
Agriculture is the practice of growing crops and keeping animals. Farmers use many products made through chemical processes to obtain better agricultural yields. These products include fertilisers, pesticides, animal vaccines and processed animal feeds. Fertilisers are used to improve the quality and quantity of crops. Some of the fertilisers are shown in Figure 1.1.

 

Figure 1.1: Fertilisers

Pesticides are used to destroy or control pests harmful to crops, animals, or their products. Pesticides are sprayed or sprinkled on crops to destroy pests. Figure 1.2 shows a farmer spraying pesticides on the crops.

 

Figure 1.2: Spraying pesticides on the crops

Pesticides are also used in animal dips (Figure 1.3) to kill pests such as ticks that attack animals.

 

Figure 1.3: Animal dip

Animal vaccines are used to protect animals against various infectious diseases. They are also important in preventing the transmission of diseases between domesticated animals and human being. Figure 1.4 shows a dog being vaccinated.

 

Figure 1.4: Vaccinating a dog

Medicines
The field of medicine ensures our well-being through the prevention and treatment of diseases. Chemically produced substances in the forms of vaccines and medicines are used in this field. Medicines are found in medical stores and pharmacies. Some medicines are shown in Figure 1.5.

 

Figure 1.5: Medicines in a pharmacy

Nutrition and cooking
Chemistry has an impact on the tastes, textures and nutritional value of food. Understanding chemistry helps in identification of different food components including carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, vitamins and minerals. Chemical reactions involved in cooking help to have foods that are healthy and palatable. The reactions taking place during cooking bring impact on the taste and texture of the food. For example, chemical processes are useful in the preparation of baked foods such as bread, cakes, rock buns and biscuits (Figure 1.6).

                     

Figure 1.6: Examples of baked foods

Manufacturing industries
Manufacturing industries such as textile, chemical, paper, food and beverage, transport industries, communication, plastic manufacturing, and construction materials industries rely heavily on chemical processes. Most of the machine parts are made of metals, plastics and rubber. These materials are produced through chemical processes. Raw materials from different sources are also processed chemically to obtain products. Examples of such products are cement, plastic containers, fabrics, chemicals, rubber and paper. Figure 1.7 shows some of the products manufactured using various chemical sources and processes.

 

Figure 1.7: Some of the products from the manufacturing industries

Food and beverage industries
The food and beverage industries have benefited greatly from chemical processes and products. Among these processes is the preservation of foods, especially canned or bottled. Examples of chemicals commonly used as food preservatives are common salt, sodium nitrite, citric acid, sodium benzoate and alcohol. Chemically preserved food stuffs last longer than those unpreserved. Some foods which are preserved using chemicals are shown in Figure 1.8.

 

Figure 1.8:Canned and bottled foods

Transport
Fuels and lubricants used in motor vehicles, aircraft, motorcycles, ships and other means of transportation are produced by chemical processes. Their parts such as engines, batteries and tyres are made through chemical processes. Other materials such as seals, plastics, paints, coolants, carpets and seat covers found in the means of transportation are also made through chemical processes. Figure 1.9 shows a car engine and its associated parts made through the application of chemistry.

 

Figure 1.9:Car engine and its associated parts

Communication and technology
Chemistry plays a significant role in communication and technology, from the development of batteries and electronic devices to the transmission of data through various networks. Applications of chemistry principles give impact on innovation and advancement of technology. It also improves communication and brings entertainment. Newspapers and magazines are written using papers and ink that are manufactured through chemical processes. Telephones, radios, televisions, and computers rely much on wires, batteries, chemicals and other materials that are chemically manufactured. Figure 1.10 indicates some of the communication media whose components are made by chemical processes.

 

Figure 1.10: Some of the communication media

Home care products and cosmetics
Home care products are chemically made materials used to clean the home and its surroundings, making them more comfortable to live in while ensuring effective hygiene and personal care. These products include soaps, detergents, disinfectants, air fresheners and polish. Some of the home care products are shown in Figure 1.11.

 

Figure 1.11: Examples of home care products

Cosmetics are also produced chemically. They are used to improve one’s physical appearance or odour. Such products include deodorants, lotions, lipsticks and face foundation creams (Figure 1.12).

 

Figure 1.12: Examples of cosmetics

Exercise 1.11. Using examples of chemical substances, explain how chemistry is commonly applied in your community.2. How do the chemistry skills contribute to the understanding of environmental science field?3. How does chemistry influence the development of a modern society?