What term is used to describe substances or products made by chemical synthesis?

The term "synthetic" refers specifically to substances or products that are created through chemical synthesis, which involves combining different chemical elements or compounds to form new substances that do not exist in nature. Synthetic materials are often man-made and can be designed with particular properties for specific applications, from plastics to pharmaceuticals.

This term distinguishes these substances from "natural" products, which occur without human intervention, and "organic," which typically pertains to compounds containing carbon that originate from living organisms. "Biochemical" relates to the chemical processes and substances that occur in biological systems, emphasizing the interaction of chemical processes in living organisms rather than the synthetic origin of those substances. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for students as they relate to material properties, applications, and the underlying principles of chemistry and engineering technology.