08/13/01 - How Does Soap Clean?
You may use it every day, but do you know how it works? Learn about emulsions, micelles, and soap scum! Then check out links to sites about bubbles, soapmaking, and the regulation of soap chemistry.
08/08/01 - Amino Acids
The names, three-letter abbreviations, one-letter abbreviations, and molecular structures for the twenty protein-derived amino acids are presented. The amino acids are grouped according to whether they have side chains that are nonpolar, polar and uncharged, or polar and charged. Links are provided for other amino acid classification systems and characteristics.
07/23/01 - Fitzroy's Storm Glass
This article introduces a type of weather glass that uses characteristics of precipitants and barometric pressure changes to forecast weather. There are instructions for making a storm glass and links for further meteorology, HMS Beagle, Darwin, and Fitzroy information. (revised 11/12/01)
07/18/01 - Chemistry of Diamond - Part II
Part II: Properties and Types of Diamonds. An overview of diamond characteristics is provided, along with a breakdown of the classification system. Methods of diamond synthesis are described. There are also links to learn about carbon allotropes, diamond mining, diamonds as gemstones, and geology.
07/16/01 - Chemistry of Diamond - Part I
Part I: Carbon Chemistry and Diamond Crystal Structure. Learn why diamonds exhibit so many superlative mechanical properties. Emphasis is on formation and crystal structure. There are also links to learn about carbon allotropes, diamond mining, diamonds as gemstones, and geology.
07/14/01 - How Do Smoke Detectors Work?
Find out how ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors work. Then determine which type is better for your needs. Links are supplied to give you more information about fire safety, tips for installing a smoke detector, and answers to common smoke detector questions.
07/12/01 - Why Is Stainless Steel Stainless?
Learn about the chemistry of stainless steel. This article also includes descriptions of the different types of stainless steels, comments on passivation, and numerous links to sites offering related information. (revised 01/24/02)
07/04/01 - Gasoline & Octane Ratings
Find out what octane ratings are, how they are calculated, and how to determine the best octane rating to use. There are links to gasoline and alternative fuel sites, as well as to definitions and molecular structures.
06/27/01 - Chemistry of Firework Colors
Fireworks combine art and science. This article focuses on the chemistry behind firework colors, including the mechanisms of color production and a table listing colorants. There are links to websites about fireworks - some with instructions for making your own!
06/11/01 - Using Material Safety Data Sheets
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) aren't just for chemists! This guide for the non-technical consumer defines MSDSs, describes why you should know how to use them, tells how to find them, and outlines typical uses. Links to several MSDS databases are included.
06/06/01 - Candy Triboluminescence
Wintergreen Lifesavers aren't the only candies that can make a spark in the dark. Take an in-depth look at the mechanism behind this special chemiluminescence caused by friction.
05/16/01 - Jacobson's Organ and the Sixth Sense
In many animals Jacobson's organ is responsible for sensitive chemical detection and pheromone communication between members of the same species. Is Jacobson's organ responsible for the sixth sense in humans?
05/06/01 - Turning Lead into Gold
Learn about transmutation, the holy grail of alchemy. Can one chemical be changed into another? Is it worth the effort?
