2003 Chemistry Features...
12/27/03 - Mad Cow Disease - What You Need to Know
When it comes to Mad Cow Disease, it's difficult to separate fact from fiction and hard data from supposition. Part of the problem is political and economical, but a lot of it is based in biochemistry. The infectious agent that causes Mad Cow Disease isn't easy to characterize or destroy. Plus, is can be hard to sort through all of the different acronyms used for the scientific and medical terms. Here's a summary of what you need to know.
12/22/03 - Chemistry Concentration Game
Are you ready for some chemistry fun? Match the chemistry-related images to win the game in this version of the classic concentration game. Can you beat your time?
12/21/03 - Experimental Determination of Avogadro's Number
Did you know that Avogadro's number isn't a mathematically derived unit. The number of particles in a mole of a material is determined experimentally. This easy method uses electrochemistry to make the determination.
12/15/03 - How Does Stainless Steel Remove Odors?
Have you heard about the kitchen tip in which you rub your fingers across the blade of a stainless steel knife to remove odors from onions, garlic, and fish? You have now! Learn about the chemistry behind this interesting bit of cooking magic.
12/11/03 - Interpreting Statements in Research Papers
What does it mean when a scientists writes, "it can be shown" or "a trend is obvious"? Here are translations for these and other common phrases used in research papers.
12/07/03 - Melting Snow & Ice with Salt
You know salt is sprinkled on roads and sidewalks to melt ice and prevent it from refreezing, but do you know how it works? Learn about freezing point depression and colligative properties and find out about the pros and cons of several de-icers.
12/04/03 - How to Grow a Charcoal Crystal Garden
Make delicate, colorful crystals! This is a great classic crystal-growing project. You use charcoal briquettes (or other porous materials), ammonia, salt, bluing, and food coloring to grow a sort of crystal garden. The components of the garden are toxic, so adult supervision is recommended.
11/30/03 - Ideal Gas Law - Worked Chemistry Problems
Here are some worked examples of Ideal Gas Law chemistry problems plus links to formulas for working gas problems and related chemistry tools and resources.
11/28/03 - Why Are Babies Born with Blue Eyes?
Do you know the answer? It's a matter of chemistry as much as biology. I've included other factoids about eye color, including some that may surprise you.
11/20/03 - Amino Acid Hangman Game
This hangman game makes a great quiz to make sure you know how to spell the names of the amino acids and to reinforce your knowledge of whether they are polar, nonpolar, or have charged side chains.
11/19/03 - Is There Really a Chemistry of Love?
Sweaty palms and a pounding heart don't just happen! It takes complex biochemistry to give you the symptoms of being in love. And lust. And security. Chemistry may even play a role in falling out-of-love.
11/10/03 - Molecules with Strange Names
Here's information about molecules and other chemical species that have silly or downright strange names.
11/09/03 - Pressure Conversions - Worked Problems
Here are some examples of conversions between units of pressure (kPa, atm, mm Hg).
10/29/03 - What Materials Glow Under a Black Light?
Black lights emit ultraviolet radiation, giving certain materials an eerie glow. Which materials? You can do a little experimental research or you can check out this list!
10/26/03 - Flame Retardant People
Learn about the health effects of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), a common flame retardant, and efforts to ban further use of certain forms of the chemical.
10/22/03 - Sample Problems - Calorimetry & Heat Flow
There's a worked example for coffee cup calorimetry and another for bomb calorimetry, with links to review calorimetry and thermochemistry concepts.
10/20/03 - What Is the Most Abundant Element?
The elemental composition of the universe and the earth's crust are very different! How different? Take a look...
10/20/03 - What Are the Elements in the Human Body?
Do you know the chemical composition of the human body? Here's the list of elements, given in percentage according to weight.
10/19/03 - Chemistry Hangman Game - Common Chemicals
This hangman chemistry game is based on the articles and information available throughout the About Chemistry website. I'll give you a hint and also the link to the article that has the answer. Don't worry, the link to the article will open in a new window so it won't interrupt your game.
10/15/03 - Can a Tattoo React with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?
Is a burning reaction between a tattoo and magnetic resonance imaging (an MRI) based in fact or is it an urban legend? Here's the answer!
10/12/03 - Hair Color Chemistry
Over 75% of women and a growing percentage of men color their hair. Learn about what happens when you bleach hair or use natural, temporary, or permanent haircolor.
10/05/03 - Measurement of Heat Flow & Enthalpy Change - Coffee Cup and Bomb Calorimetry
A calorimeter is a device used to measure the quantity of heat flow in a chemical reaction. Learn about two of the most common types of calorimeters, the coffee cup calorimeter and the bomb calorimeter, and find out how to use them to calculate heat flow and enthalpy change.
09/22/03 - Chemical Names of Common Substances
Do you need to know the chemical name for aspirin or baking soda? This is the list for you! Look up the common name of a substance to see its chemical or scientific name.
09/19/03 - Sample Problems - Bond Energies & Enthalpies
This is a step-by-step worked problem to help you calculate bond energies and enthalpies for gaseous reactions.
09/14/03 - Single Bond Energies
This is a table of single bond energies in units of kJ/mol at 25°C. Use these values to predict whether a reaction will be endothermic or exothermic and to calculate change in enthalpy for gases.
09/07/03 - Bathroom Chemistry Quiz
Do you know about the chemistry of excretion and toiletries? Let's find out! Take this multiple choice quiz and test your bathroom knowledge.
08/31/03 - Sample Problems - Heats of Formation
These are examples of how to calculate the heats of formation for compounds and ions in aqueous solution. Links are given to rules of thermochemistry and explanations of endothermic and exothermic reactions.
08/24/03 - Chemistry of Hard and Soft Water
Do you have hard water or soft water? Both? Do you know why? Get the definitions for hard and soft water, learn about their chemistry, and examine the pros and cons of each type of water.
08/20/03 - Electrochemical Cells
Learn about galvanic (voltaic) and electrolytic cells. You'll also get information about anodes and cathodes and direction of electron flow in the two electrochemical cells.
08/10/03 - Calculating Concentration
Do the units for solution concentration confuse you? Get definitions and examples for calculating percent composition by mass, mole fraction, molarity, molality, and normality. I've also included a bit of information on dilutions.
08/03/03 - Sample Problems - Enthalpy Change
This is a set of worked thermochemistry problems for calculating the change in enthalpy. Links are given to rules of thermochemistry and explanations of endothermic and exothermic reactions.
07/30/03 - Laws of Thermochemistry
Certain rules or laws apply to thermochemical equations and enthalpy. These are explanations and examples of these laws, including Hess's Law.
07/29/03 - Crystal Growing - Science Fair Project Ideas
Are you looking for a science fair project idea? Here are some ways you can turn crystal growing into a research project. There are links to instructions for growing different types of crystals and for designing a great science fair project, too.
07/27/03 - How to Grow a Big Alum Crystal
Do you want to grow a big single crystal instead of a mass of crystals? Then try out these instructions for growing a big alum crystal. You can apply the techniques used here to grow big single crystals of other substances, too.
07/25/03 - Heats of Formation - Anions/Cations
This is a table of molar heats of formation for common anions and cations in aqueous solution.
07/21/03 - Types of Inorganic Chemical Reactions
There are four main categories of inorganic chemical reactions. Can you name them all? Here they are, along with examples of each type.
07/15/03 - Reactions in Water or Aqueous Solution
Let's review some important types of reactions that occur in aqueous solution and take a look at the rules that are used when writing balanced equations for water reactions.
07/14/03 - Sample Problems - Reactions in Aqueous Solution
These are examples of calculations for determining limiting reactant, theoretical yield, number of moles, and mass in grams for reactions in water solutions.
07/08/03 - Sports Drinks - Better than Water?
Are you exercising or sweating away under a summer sun? Find out what beverage to drink to get and stay hydrated. Do you think water is best? Are sports drinks worth the money? What about a beer? Here's what you need to know.
07/02/03 - Everyday Chemistry Quiz
Do you read labels and keep up with chemistry as it affects your daily life? Here's a ten question quiz you can take to test your knowledge. Are you ready? Have fun!
06/30/03 - Incompatible Chemical Mixtures
Here's a list of chemicals that you don't want to accidentally mix, together with brief statements about the expected reactions. Use this information to avoid accidents and ensure safe storage and handling of potentially dangerous substances, both at work and at home.
06/27/03 - Heats of Formation
Here's a handy table of the molar heats of formation for many common compounds. It's a must-have for thermochemistry calculations!
06/27/03 - Functional Groups - Organic Chemistry
These are important organic functional groups containing nitrogen or oxygen. Learn 'em, live 'em, love 'em!
06/26/03 - Firework Periodic Table
Use this special periodic table to find out what elements are found in fireworks and how they are used. Just click on an element to learn more.
06/25/03 - Sample Problems - Concentration and Molarity
These are examples of concentration and molarity calculations, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
06/23/03 - Solubility of Ionic Compounds in Water
Here's a table of the solubility rules for common ionic solids in water, as well as an explanation of the main factors which affect solubility.
06/19/03 - What Causes Rigor Mortis?
Dead bodies are sometimes referred to as 'stiffs' for a reason! Learn what rigor mortis is and find out why it happens.
06/17/03 - Sample Problems - Limiting Reactant & Theoretical Yield
These are examples of calculations for determining the limiting reactant and theoretical yield of a reaction, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
06/14/03 - Drugs from Plants
This is a table listing many of the pharmaceuticals that are derived from plants, including the name of the drug, its action, its plant source, and the common names of the plants.
06/12/03 - Element Hangman Game
The names of all of the elements have been entered into the game, but you're given a small hint to narrow down the possibilities. Can you figure out the element name in time?
06/08/03 - Chemistry Hangman Game
Let's have some fun! Here's a hangman game with a chemistry theme. Refer to the Chemistry Glossary if you need ideas for words.
06/08/03 - Basic Online Calculator
Sometimes you just need to use a quickie calculator! Here's one for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
06/08/03 - Temperature Converter
Here's a handy online converter for temperatures. Simply enter your known temperature (Kelvin, Celsius, Fahrenheit) and the other values will appear. It's much easier than trying to remember the formulas or do the math ;-)
06/07/03 - Home & Garden pH Indicators
Here's a list of common household substances and garden plants that can be used as pH indicators. Many of the active molecules, expected color changes, and pH ranges are listed.
06/06/03 - pH of Household Products Quiz
Do you know whether common household products are acids or bases? Here's your chance to test your knowledge. Can you answer all ten multiple choice questions correctly?
06/02/03 - Sample Problems - Mass Relations in Balanced Equations
These are examples of calculations for determining the mass relations in balanced chemical equations, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
06/01/03 - Best of the About Chemistry Forum
About Chemistry's Forum hosts some interesting and educational discussions. This is a collection of some of the best threads, with links to the entire message.
05/27/03 - How To Color Fire
Have you ever wanted to color fire? Here are simple, nontechnical instructions for making your own colored flames. Add extra interest to your fireplace or campfire!
05/25/03 - Alkanes - Nomenclature & Numbering
Alkanes are fully saturated hydrocarbons. They are among the first molecules encountered in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Learn how to name straight-chain, branched, and cyclic alkanes and how to number them.
05/19/03 - Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
Learn about endothermic and exothermic chemical reactions and get instructions to perform your own hot and cold chemistry demonstrations.
05/14/03 - Plant and Soil Chemistry Science Project Ideas
Here are some science fair project ideas that involve plants and soil chemistry. Are you looking for an environmental science project? Check here!
05/10/03 - Mole Relations in Balanced Equations
These are examples of calculations for determining the mole relations in balanced chemical equations, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
05/05/03 - Natural Mosquito Repellents
Looking for a natural alternative to synthetic chemical mosquito repellents? Find out which natural substances repel mosquitoes, how to avoid attracting them, and how to maximize the effectiveness of your repellent.
05/02/03 - Metal Quiz
Test your knowledge of the metals with this fun ten question quiz. Links are provided to help you find the answers!
04/29/03 - Balancing Chemical Equations
Here is a step-by-step tutorial for balancing chemical equations, along with a worked example. This is a must-read for students of general and introductory chemistry!
04/28/03 - DEET Chemistry
Learn about the insect repellent called DEET. See its chemical structure, find out how it works, get information about the risks of using DEET, and find out how to reduce your need for bug spray.
04/21/03 - Predicting Formulas of Compounds with Polyatomic Ions
This is a tutorial for problems determining the formulas of compounds containing polyatomic ions. Links are included to the periodic table, a chart of common polyatomic ions, group chemistry, and valences of the elements.
04/20/03 - Natural Easter Egg Dyes
These are easy instructions for making your own natural Easter egg dyes, using fruits, vegetables, and spices.
04/16/03 - Household Product Testing - Science Fair Project Ideas
Science doesn't have to be expensive and it doesn't require specialized lab equipment! These are ideas for science fair projects that involve testing or comparing common household products.
04/15/03 - Food and Cooking Chemistry - Science Fair Project Ideas
These are ideas for science fair projects that involve food or cooking chemistry. Links are provided for additional science fair project help and food chemistry information.
04/13/03 - Predicting Formulas of Ionic Compounds
This is a tutorial for working through problems asking you to determine the formulas of ionic compounds. Links are included to the periodic table, group chemistry, and valences of the elements.
04/09/03 - Common Polyatomic Ions
This is a table of some of the most common polyatomic ions. Names, formulae, and charges are listed.
04/04/03 - Ricin and RCA - Castor Bean Toxins
Learn about ricin and RCA, the two potent toxins from the castor bean plant. Information is provided about the action, symptoms, and treatment of ricin and RCA poisoning.
04/03/03 - Chemical Weapons and Warfare Agents
Get basic information about chemical weapons and learn what you can do to protect yourself in the event of a chemical attack.
04/01/03 - Food Chemistry Quiz
Do you know about the chemistry of food? Test your knowledge with this fun and quick ten-question multiple choice quiz.
03/30/03 - Classic Chemical Volcano
Here are the instructions for making the classic chemical volcano. This demonstration uses ammonium dichromate to produce 'Vesuvius fire', with glowing sparks and a cone of deep green ash.
03/28/03 - Molecular Formula from Simplest Formula
These are examples of calculations for determining the molecular formula from the simplest formula and approximate molecular mass, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
03/25/03 - Colored Glass Chemistry
Have you ever wondered how glass is colored? Here's a table of common colorants and a description of processes used to color glass.
03/24/03 - AMCAS Application for Medical School
Get information about the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) application for medical school. Tips are included to help you make your application the best it can be!
03/17/03 - Light Stick Colors
This article lists some of the fluorophors that are used to give light sticks different colors. The oxalate chemiluminescent reactions are introduced.
03/12/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Simplest Formula from Percent Composition
These are examples of calculations for determining the simplest formula of a compound from its percent composition, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
03/11/03 - Nomenclature for Ionic Compounds
This is a summary of the past and present naming conventions for ionic compounds.
03/08/03 - Top Picks - Science Fair Project Books
This is a collection of top-rated science fair project resources for students, parents, and educators. There are books that describe experiments, a CD-ROM packed with thousands of pages of ideas, and reference materials for making posters, giving presentations, and understanding the judging process.
03/05/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Mass Percent Composition
These are examples of mass percent composition calculations, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
03/03/03 - Timeline of Element Discovery
Use this table to look up the date an element was discovered. Links to additional element facts are provided, too.
03/01/03 - Element Symbol Quiz
Can you match the chemical symbol to its element? Here's a ten-question quiz to test your knowledge.
02/25/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Mole - Gram Conversions
These are examples of mole-to-gram and gram-to-mole conversions, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
02/23/03 - Lanthanides & Actinides - The Rare Earth Metals
Learn about the properties of the rare earth metals. This 3-part article includes an overview of the rare earths and separate sections for the lanthanide series and actinide series.
02/19/03 - Metric Conversion Quiz
Test your ability to make metric-to-metric conversions with this quick quiz.
02/17/03 - Periodic Table Quiz
Test your knowledge of the elements with this fun, quick quiz!
02/16/03 - Applying to Medical School - What to Do if your Application is Rejected
Most applicants to medical school don't get accepted! Make plans for this possibility. Here is advice on what to do if your application is rejected, with concrete steps to take to improve your application for the next year.
02/15/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Avogadro's Number
These are examples of calculations involving Avogradro's number, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
02/14/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Molecular Mass Calculations
These are examples of molecular mass calculations, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
02/11/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Atomic Mass & Isotopic Abundance
These are examples of atomic mass and isotopic abundance calculations, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
02/10/03 - How to Build a Bomb - Feinstein Amendment 419
Can you learn how to build a bomb from About Chemistry? Probably, but you won't find any explicit instructions. Learn about Feinstein Amendment 419 and find out why bomb-making instructions are verboten.
02/06/03 - How to Prepare Gases
Here are simple instructions for preparing common gases from ordinary chemicals. The gases include carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, methane, nitrous oxide, and several others.
02/05/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Protons & Electrons in Ions
These are examples of calculations used to determine the number of protons and electrons in ions, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
02/03/03 - Spiders in Space
Columbia's STS-107 carried Australia's first animals into space. Learn about the Columbia spider experiment and the Skylab 3 experiment and visit links to ground-based research and space exploration.
02/01/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Isotopes and Nuclear Symbols
These are examples of isotope and nuclear symbol problems, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
01/31/03 - Electronic Configuration of Elements
Here's a useful table for your chemistry homework or general use! This is a compilation of the electron configurations of the elements up through number 104. I've included some tips for writing out stable configurations and for shorthand notation.
01/29/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Law of Multiple Proportions
Here's an example of a Law of Multiple Proportion problem, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
01/28/03 - How to Make Red Cabbage pH Indicator
Make your own pH indicator solution! Red cabbage juice indicator is easy to make, exhibits a wide range of colors, and can be used to make your own pH paper strips.
01/21/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Unit Conversions
These are examples of unit conversion problems, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
01/18/03 - Rock Tumbler Instructions
Here are instructions for tumbling rocks using a rotary tumbler and a vibratory tumbler, as well as instructions for polishing jewelry in a rock tumbler.
01/15/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Significant Figures
These are examples of significant figure, accuracy, and precision problems, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
01/14/03 - Sample Chemistry Problems - Temperature Conversions
These are examples of temperature conversion problems, with links to other worked chemistry problems and homework help.
01/09/03 - Working from Home - Chemistry & Other Sciences
Are you looking for a way to work at home in the sciences? Here is a list of employment options, with notes on what to expect when you make the transition to home and ideas for staying up-to-date in your field.
01/06/03 - Chemistry of Smoke Machines
Have you ever wondered how smoke machines work or wanted to make your own smoke or fog? Here's your chance to find out how it works. There are separate sections for each type of non-toxic smoke generator, together with important safety tips.
01/01/03 - Element Types - Chemistry of Groups
Learn the locations of element types on the periodic table and get summaries of the defining characteristics of element groups, such as alkaline earths, noble gases, halogens, etc.
