Why is chemistry often referred to as the central science?

• A. Because it deals exclusively with the study of living organisms.
• B. Because it focuses only on the properties of metals and nonmetals.
• C. Because it is the oldest scientific discipline studied by humans.
• D. Because it connects and overlaps with both the physical sciences and life sciences, serving as a bridge between disciplines.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemistry is called the 'central science' because it connects various scientific disciplines rather than focusing on just one area.
2. Recognize that chemistry studies matter and its changes, which are fundamental to both physical sciences (like physics and geology) and life sciences (like biology and medicine).
3. Note that chemistry explains how atoms and molecules interact, which is essential for understanding processes in living organisms as well as non-living systems.
4. Realize that this bridging role allows chemistry to overlap with and support other sciences, making it central to scientific knowledge.
5. Conclude that the correct reason chemistry is called the central science is because it serves as a bridge between physical sciences and life sciences, connecting and overlapping with both.