why is it impossible to draw a distinction between natural substances and chemical substances?
To understand why it is difficult to draw a clear distinction between natural and chemical substances, we first need to define what these terms mean.
Natural substances refer to those that exist in nature and are not altered significantly by human intervention. They can be found in various forms, such as minerals, plants, animals, and microorganisms. Examples include water, air, wood, and honey.
On the other hand, chemical substances are compounds that consist of atoms bonded together in specific ways. They can be naturally occurring or synthesized by humans through chemical reactions. Examples of chemical substances are salt (sodium chloride), ethanol, and aspirin.
The distinction between natural and chemical substances becomes blurred when we consider that all substances, whether occurring naturally or synthesized, are comprised of atoms and molecules arranged in specific patterns. These patterns determine their properties and behaviors. Thus, even "natural" substances have a chemical composition and follow chemical principles.
Moreover, many substances we consider to be natural undergo some degree of alteration through human intervention. For instance, fruits and vegetables are often grown using fertilizers and pesticides, altering their chemical composition. Additionally, extracted natural resources are often processed and refined, resulting in further chemical changes.
In essence, the key point is that everything in the natural world can be understood through chemistry. Atoms and molecules are the building blocks of matter, regardless of their origin or how they are manipulated. This interconnected nature makes it difficult to draw a definitive line between natural and chemical substances. The distinction is more of a societal construct and not a scientific one.