What term describes the study of matter's properties, structure, and changes?

The term that describes the study of matter's properties, structure, and changes is chemistry. This discipline encompasses various branches that deal with the composition, structure, and behavior of substances, as well as the reactions they undergo. Chemistry provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding materials, their interactions, and the processes that affect them.

For those in the field of esthetics, an understanding of chemistry is crucial because it applies to the formulation of skin care products and treatments. A strong grasp of chemistry enables professionals to analyze how various ingredients work together and how they interact with the skin, thereby influencing the effectiveness of treatments.

Physics focuses on the principles of matter and energy but does not specifically address the properties and interactions of substances in the same manner as chemistry. Inorganic chemistry deals primarily with inorganic compounds, while organic chemistry focuses specifically on carbon-containing compounds. Both are branches of chemistry but do not encompass the entire field's study of matter. Thus, the most accurate term for the broad study of matter is indeed chemistry.