Difference between Organic and Inorganic Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the interactions of  matter and energy: Of the elements and their compounds.  For most practical purposes, there are some 90 elements the chemist devotes his attention to.

For feasibility, we divide chemistry up into a number of genres, including analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, quantum chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. The last two just listed might seem to be unequally divided up, as inorganic chemistry covers almost all of the elements, whereas organic chemistry focuses upon only one: carbon.

This is not to say other elements are not included along with the carbon. In fact, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorous and many other elements play an important role in organic chemistry. They simply are not the key players.
Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic chemistry is generally the first form of chemistry the student learns. He or she will discover the metals and the non-metals. Acids, bases and salts will quickly join the discussion. Oxidation and reduction—the so-called redox equations—will soon take center stage. Names such as sodium chloride, phosphoric acid, potassium nitrate and nickel sulfate will become part of the student’s vocabulary, and he will use terms such as reactions, half-reactions and other stoichiometric vocabulary. Perhaps they will cover titration, or chemical analysis, as well, although that is more often associated with analytical chemistry. Finally, the semester ends.

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