Organic vs Inorganic Chemistry

Differences Between Organic and Inorganic Chemistry

• Organic chemistry studies substances containing carbon, essential for all living organisms.
• Organic compounds include gasoline, synthetic fabrics, plastics, and pesticides, originating from fossilized plants and animals.
• Most organic substances are flammable due to their chemical structure.
• Inorganic chemistry focuses on substances that do not contain carbon but may include hydrogen.
• Inorganic compounds encompass metals, minerals, water, air, and ammonia and are not derived from living organisms.
• Inorganic substances are non-flammable and do not exhibit the same biological processes as organic compounds.

Definition of Matter

• Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass.
• Exists in three states: solid, liquid, or gas.
• Physical properties of matter include qualities that can be perceived through the senses, such as touch, taste, smell, and sight.
• Energy, such as light and electricity, is not classified as matter since it does not possess mass, though it can affect matter.
• The chemical properties of matter can only be observed during chemical changes or reactions.

Elements

• An element is the most basic form of chemical matter, consisting of only one type of atom.
• It cannot be chemically broken down into simpler substances without losing its identity.
• There are currently 118 known elements, of which 98 occur naturally on Earth.
• Synthetic elements are artificially created through chemical processes or synthesis.

Periodic Table Information for Carbon

• Atomic Number: 6
• Symbol: C
• Element Name: Carbon
• Atomic Mass: 12.01