SuKi has explained the general cooking usage. I'd say that "cut" is the more general word and can be used instead of "chop", but you lose some clarity in your description. Chop" implies cutting with more force, often with a heavier implement like an ax, a machete, a cleaver, or a chopping knife. You wouldn't chop with scissors or a lightweight knife like a paring knife or a pocket knife.

You cut paper with scissors, whereas you chop wood with an axe. Or you cut someone's hair but chop down a tree. Does that help?

If you come across 'cut' or 'chop' in a recipe, the difference is this: 'Chop' means to cut into very small pieces, usually with a large blade. 'Cut' on its own gives you no information about how to cut. Recipes usually say 'cut into 1 cm cubes' or 'cut into fine slices'.