Editing Antoine Lavoisier

= Antoine Lavoisier - The Father of Modern Chemistry =

'''Antoine Laurent Lavoisier''' (1743–1794) was a French chemist who is widely regarded as the Father of Modern Chemistry. He revolutionized chemistry by introducing a scientific and quantitative approach to studying matter and chemical reactions.

== Early Life and Education ==

* Born in Paris, France, in 1743  
* Educated in science and law, but devoted his life to chemistry  
* Known for using careful measurement and observation in experiments

== Major Contributions to Chemistry ==

=== 1. Law of Conservation of Mass ===  
Lavoisier discovered that:

<math>\text{Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction}</math>

This became the [[Law of Conservation of Mass]].  
Example: If you burn wood and collect the gases and ash, their total mass will equal the original mass of the wood.

=== 2. Naming of Elements and Compounds ===  
He helped develop a system of chemical nomenclature — naming substances based on their composition.  
He gave names like:
* [[Hydrogen]] (from Greek: "water-former")  
* [[Oxygen]] (from Greek: "acid-former")

=== 3. Discovery of the Role of Oxygen in Combustion ===  
Before Lavoisier, people believed in the "phlogiston theory" (a fake substance thought to cause burning).  
Lavoisier proved that oxygen is essential for burning (combustion) and respiration.

=== 4. Chemical Reactions as Measurable Processes ===  
Lavoisier used a balance to measure reactants and products, making chemistry a more accurate science.

== Scientific Works ==

* Published "Elements of Chemistry" (1789) — the first modern chemistry textbook  
* Introduced the idea of chemical elements and compounds

== Legacy and Death ==

* Lavoisier brought chemistry out of alchemy and superstition into modern science  
* Unfortunately, he was executed during the French Revolution in 1794  
* Fellow scientist Joseph-Louis Lagrange said:  
  "It took them only an instant to cut off that head, but a hundred years may not produce another like it."

== Conclusion ==

Antoine Lavoisier changed the face of chemistry forever. His methods of careful measurement, scientific reasoning, and clear language helped shape the chemistry we study today.

[[Category:Chemistry]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Grade 10]]
[[Category:Grade 12]]
[[Category:Nobel Era (Pre-Nobel)]]
[[Category:History of Science]]