Integrated Physics and Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of how a set of substances with particular physical properties— like solid paper and the oxygen in the air—can react with each other to form different substances with entirely different properties—like gaseous water and carbon dioxide. In most cases, these chemical changes result in an energy change as well, either giving off energy or absorbing energy. The development of new types of materials, new methods of producing or storing energy, or new methods of interacting with genetic material all depend upon knowledge of chemistry. Physics is one of the three main fields of science, along with biology and chemistry. Physics often seems like a grab bag of topics, including motion, magnets, machines, light, sound, and electrical circuits. The common thread running through all these things is that they each illustrate some very basic mathematical laws in our physical world. In brief, physics is the scientific study of matter, energy, and their most fundamental physical interactions, including attractions, repulsions, and collisions. In Integrated Physics and Chemistry A, you will first learn about the “basics” of physics, since physics is actually the foundation of chemistry.