Background: Chemists look at the world in two ways, often simultaneously. The two worlds of the chemist are the macroscopic world and the microscopic world. Macroscopic refers to substances and objects that can be seen, touched, and measured directly. Microscopic refers to the small particles that make up all matter. Chemists must observe matter and do experiments macroscopically and then make generalizations and propose explanations that are microscopic in nature. For example, anyone can observe the physical change in appearance that occurs as an iron object such as a tractor that is left out in the elements gradually turns to rust. However, a chemist looks at the rusting tractor and thinks about what is going on with the individual atoms that make up the iron and how they are changing as a result of exposure to oxygen in the air and water from rain. Throughout your study of chemistry, you will often switch back and forth between the macroscopic and microscopic worlds.

Situation: Two cousins went to college to get a B.S. Greg studied Biology, and his younger cousin Dawn decided to study chemistry. They both graduated Summa Cum Laudae.

Question: Which cousin studied more about the way chemists look at the world?
Answer: Dawn

Situation: Two cousins went to college to get a B.S. Greg studied Biology, and his younger cousin Dawn decided to study chemistry. They both graduated Summa Cum Laudae.

Question: Which cousin studied less about the way chemists look at the world?
Answer: Greg

Situation: Two cousins went to college to get a B.S. Greg studied Biology, and his younger cousin Dawn decided to study chemistry. They both graduated Summa Cum Laudae.

Question: Which cousin studied less about the macroscopic world of chemistry?
Answer: Greg

Situation: Two cousins went to college to get a B.S. Greg studied Biology, and his younger cousin Dawn decided to study chemistry. They both graduated Summa Cum Laudae.

Question: Which cousin studied more about the macroscopic world of chemistry?
Answer: Dawn

Situation: Two cousins went to college to get a B.S. Greg studied Biology, and his younger cousin Dawn decided to study chemistry. They both graduated Summa Cum Laudae.

Question: Which cousin studied more about the microscopic world of chemistry?
Answer: Dawn

Situation: Two cousins went to college to get a B.S. Greg studied Biology, and his younger cousin Dawn decided to study chemistry. They both graduated Summa Cum Laudae.

Question: Which cousin studied less about the microscopic world of chemistry?
Answer: Greg

Situation: Two cousins went to college to get a B.S. Greg studied Biology, and his younger cousin Dawn decided to study chemistry. They both graduated Summa Cum Laudae.

Question: Which cousin studied less about the small particles that make up all matter?
Answer: Greg

Situation: Two cousins went to college to get a B.S. Greg studied Biology, and his younger cousin Dawn decided to study chemistry. They both graduated Summa Cum Laudae.

Question: Which cousin studied more about the small particles that make up all matter?
Answer: Dawn

Situation: Two cousins went to college to get a B.S. Greg studied Biology, and his younger cousin Dawn decided to study chemistry. They both graduated Summa Cum Laudae.

Question: Which cousin  had to make generalizations and propose explanations that are microscopic in nature?
Answer: Dawn

Situation: Two cousins went to college to get a B.S. Greg studied Biology, and his younger cousin Dawn decided to study chemistry. They both graduated Summa Cum Laudae.

Question: Which cousin didn't have to make generalizations and propose explanations that are microscopic in nature?
Answer: Greg