What is the study of matter derived from inanimate or lifeless things called?

The study of matter derived from inanimate or lifeless things is known as inorganic chemistry. This branch of chemistry focuses on the properties and behaviors of inorganic compounds, which typically include minerals, metals, and nonmetals, as opposed to organic chemistry, which deals with carbon-containing compounds usually derived from living organisms.

Inorganic chemistry plays a crucial role in understanding the composition, structure, and reactivity of materials that do not usually possess the characteristics of living organisms. It encompasses a wide range of substances, from salts and metals to complexes, and has significant implications in various fields, including materials science, environmental science, and medicine.

While other branches like organic chemistry focus on carbon-containing compounds and physical chemistry deals with the physical properties and changes of substances, inorganic chemistry specifically addresses the chemistry of non-organic substances, solidifying its position as the correct answer in understanding matter derived from lifeless entities.