Question: how fun is chemistry?

James Jennings answered on 16 Jun 2011:

There’s only one answer to that question- yes! Do you agree?

I think chemistry is the most fun science because it involves a good mix of practical work and factual learning. Depending on which you prefer more, you can do more of one part or another!

For example, physical chemistry looks at how molecules and atoms behave and how it defines their reactivity etc. Typically there is a fair bit of maths and physics behind the theories of how molecules work, and less practical work.

Then there’s organic and inorganic chemistry, which mostly involve making new chemicals by mixing together a number of starting materials. Close to the classic chemist you may see in films on TV! Thought bubbling flasks of green liquid are a rare sight! A typical use of compounds made in inorganic chemistry is catalysts, and from organic chemistry, medicine.

Finally, there’s materials chemistry, which is the area I work in. The materials I work on are plastics (polymers). I look at how changing the chemical structure of polymers can effect the properties of the plastic. I couldn’t study this without using alot of chemistry.

So all in all there’s alot of breadth to the subject, as you can see in the periodic table of elements!