SIGNIFICANT DISCOVERIES IN CHEMISTRY THROUGH
THE AGES
A JOURNEY FROM THE BIRTH OF MODERN CHEMISTRY TO TODAY
Saiyasha Talreja
Introduction
THE BIRTH OF MODERN CHEMISTRY (1600-1800)
• The era between 1600-1800 marked the birth of modern chemistry, characterized by the transition from alchemy to a science-
based discipline.
Key Discoveries and Scientists
• Robert Boyle (1627-1691)
• Known as the father of modern chemistry.
• Formulated Boyle’s Law, which describes the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas.
• Emphasized the importance of experimentation and scientific method.
• Antoine Lavoisier (1743-1794)
• Known as the father of modern chemistry.
• Established the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions.
• Helped develop the modern system of chemical nomenclature.
• Identified and named oxygen and hydrogen.
Impact on Chemistry and Society
• These discoveries laid the foundation for modern chemical science.
• Shifted the
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focus from mystical explanations .
to empirical and systematic scientific research.
CLASSICAL CHEMISTRY (1800 -1900)
Introduction
• The period from 1800-1900 saw the development of foundational theories and tools that transformed chemistry
into a rigorous science.
Key Discoveries and Scientists
• John Dalton (1766-1844)
• Developed the Atomic Theory, proposing that matter is composed of atoms.
• His work laid the groundwork for modern physical chemistry.
• Dmitri Mendeleev (1834-1907)
• Created the Periodic Table of Elements.
• Predicted the existence and properties of undiscovered elements.
• Organized elements based on atomic weight and properties, leading to the periodic law.
Impact on Chemistry and Society
• Dalton’s Atomic Theory revolutionized the understanding of matter and chemical reactions.
• Mendeleev’s Periodic Table provided a systematic framework for studying elements and their interactions,
profoundly influencing chemical education and research.
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MODERN CHEMISTRY (1900 -PRESENT)
• Introduction
The 20th century to present has witnessed revolutionary advances in chemistry, transforming science and society with
groundbreaking discoveries.
Key Discoveries and Scientists
• Marie Curie (1867-1934)
• Discovered radium and polonium.
• Pioneered research on radioactivity.
• First woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win in two different scientific fields (Physics and
Chemistry).
• Niels Bohr (1885-1962)
• Developed the Bohr model of the atom, integrating quantum theory.
• Introduced the idea of electrons orbiting the nucleus in distinct energy levels.
• James Watson (b. 1928) and Francis Crick (1916-2004)
• Discovered the double helix structure of DNA in 1953.
• Their work paved the way for modern genetics and biotechnology.
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• Linus Pauling (1 90 1-1 99 4)
• Conducted groundbreaking work on the nature of the chemical bond.
• Won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1954) and the Nobel Peace Prize (1962).
• Impact on Chemistry and Society
• Ad va nce s in q ua nt um c hemis tr y ha ve imp rove d t he un de rs ta nd ing of ch emica l b ond ing an d
molecular intera ction s.
• The dis covery of DNA’s s tr uct ure revolu tion ized gen et ics, lead ing to med ical brea kt hrou ghs .
• Innovat ion s in mater ials sc ience , s uch a s synth et ic p olymers , h ave t ran sfor med variou s
indust ries.
• Green Ch emis try p rinc iples a im to c rea te more su sta ina ble an d sa fe r ch emica l proces se s.
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CONCLUSION
Summary
• The evolution of chemistry from the 1600s to the present demonstrates the transformative power of
scientific discovery.
• Each era built upon the previous, leading to profound advancements in technology, medicine, and
industry.
Final Thoughts
• The study of chemistry continues to evolve, driving innovation and improving our understanding of the
natural world.
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These videos should provide you with a comprehensive understanding
of the significant discoveries in chemistry across different eras :)
• Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye: Chemistry
• The History of Atomic Chemistry: Crash Course Chemistry #37
• Evolution of Atomic Model 400 BC - 2020
• A Brief History of Chemistry
• The History of Atomic Chemistry by Khan Academy
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THANK YOU
Saiyasha Talreja
, 9 Sariska.
