Semiconductor of the Week: Antimony
A semiconductor is something that can conduct electricity in some conditions, but not in others.
Antimony is kind of a downer and I don't know why I picked it. I think the same may be true of all the semiconductors. Thankfully, it is not abundant on earth.
Antimony is generally toxic. Nevertheless, it is used as a flame retardant in things for children. (God help us). It is also in mattresses. Some people think that antimony has lead to the increase in autism and/or SIDS deaths. It is also used in electronics, as many semiconductors are. All of which begs the question: what happens to old mattresses and computer monitors that end up rotting in landfill and leaching into the water supply?
On a slightly brighter note, antimony was used in ages gone by as a medicine. It is still used as a veterinary skin conditioner. It has been used by man since 3000 BC.
Welcome to Chembalancer
I actually really enjoyed this link. I love this kind of game. I never did figure out the last one though, and ran out of patience. I wish it would give you the answer if you try a few times. Anyway, liked the link a lot.
General Chemistry: Balancing Equations
I can't open this and it seems to be threatening my OS. Not going to pursue further.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Week Seven: Molecular Weight
Inert Gas of the Week: Nitrogen
An inert gas is a gas that is non-reactive in normal circumstances. Nitrogen is ubiquitous. It constitutes nearly 80% of the earth's atmosphere. It is also in every living organism in the form of amino acids, which are the building blocks of life. (I wonder why something that is so non-reactive shows up so many places? A bit counterintuitive).
Like other inert gases (being the lazy, couch-potato elements that don't want to get up and react) nitrogen is used to prevent unwanted chemical reactions. It is used in food packaging because bacteria and fungus cannot flourish without reacting with gases. In addition, it won't permit any reactions to occur within the food, thus preventing any change in the quality of the food in transit. I'm surprised they don't have nitrogen creams to smear on people's faces to prevent oxidation and aging! With meat, at least, nitrogen sort of tweaks an arrow of time. But oops, that's physics class.
A cool thing (pun definitely intended): liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic liquid. At atmospheric pressure, it boils at −196.5 °C Very cold. It's like dry ice. It is used as a regfrigerant. I know this because my old refrigerator just got filled up with nitrogen which really gave it a new lease on life. It is used to cryogenically freeze blood and other things like reproductive cells and maybe even organs.
Avogadro's Hypothesis
I found this exercise to be somewhat intersting but a little irritating. I still don't see why a well tested hypothesis isn't a law (but appears to become a theory, as if that distinction meant something to me. This made me get number 1 wrong. I hate multiple choice questions that turn on phrasing rather on whether you actually understand the concept. But, I hear that's what the licensing exam is all about.
Moles
I found the link helpful, but overall I thought the handout in class is better at getting to the relevance of the mole concept. The link deals more with the history and with the details of the concept. I find that with this type of thing, it's better not to think about it too much. Getting the general principle that a mole is like a dozen is the key. It's just a number and you can apply it to whatever. That's my take home point.
An inert gas is a gas that is non-reactive in normal circumstances. Nitrogen is ubiquitous. It constitutes nearly 80% of the earth's atmosphere. It is also in every living organism in the form of amino acids, which are the building blocks of life. (I wonder why something that is so non-reactive shows up so many places? A bit counterintuitive).
Like other inert gases (being the lazy, couch-potato elements that don't want to get up and react) nitrogen is used to prevent unwanted chemical reactions. It is used in food packaging because bacteria and fungus cannot flourish without reacting with gases. In addition, it won't permit any reactions to occur within the food, thus preventing any change in the quality of the food in transit. I'm surprised they don't have nitrogen creams to smear on people's faces to prevent oxidation and aging! With meat, at least, nitrogen sort of tweaks an arrow of time. But oops, that's physics class.
A cool thing (pun definitely intended): liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic liquid. At atmospheric pressure, it boils at −196.5 °C Very cold. It's like dry ice. It is used as a regfrigerant. I know this because my old refrigerator just got filled up with nitrogen which really gave it a new lease on life. It is used to cryogenically freeze blood and other things like reproductive cells and maybe even organs.
Avogadro's Hypothesis
I found this exercise to be somewhat intersting but a little irritating. I still don't see why a well tested hypothesis isn't a law (but appears to become a theory, as if that distinction meant something to me. This made me get number 1 wrong. I hate multiple choice questions that turn on phrasing rather on whether you actually understand the concept. But, I hear that's what the licensing exam is all about.
Moles
I found the link helpful, but overall I thought the handout in class is better at getting to the relevance of the mole concept. The link deals more with the history and with the details of the concept. I find that with this type of thing, it's better not to think about it too much. Getting the general principle that a mole is like a dozen is the key. It's just a number and you can apply it to whatever. That's my take home point.
Week Six: Electrochemistry and Alchemy
Halogen of the Week: Chlorine
I'm a fairly regular swimmer, so I'm curious about Chlorine. Just learned that "Halogen" is from the greek meaning "Salt former". All of the halogens bind with sodium to form different salts. As with all halogens, in its elemental form chlorine is a gas.
Chlorine is the most abundant element on earth, even more abundant than carbon. I would guess this is largely because its presence in the salt of the ocean. In addition, though, chlorine exists naturally in fungal life on earth. Chlorine reacts with things in nature creating organochlorines. The organochlorines can be used as anti-bacterials and anti-cancer drugs. An ecuadorian tree frog produces one that is ten times more potent than morphine for pain relief.
Chlorine has been used as a weapon in bombs since WWII. It is also used in the manufacture of PVC, which in turn creates dioxins in the environment. As for the pool, it's not that great for you, especially if you swim in an indoor, highly chlorinated pool. Happily, the pool I swim in is outdoors and doesn't smell much like chlorine. I figure I'm better off swimming, getting exercise and enjoying myself than worrying about chlorine.
Electrochemical Science Toys
These are certainly ingenious. I am definitely not the type of person who should try this at home. I don't want to electrocute myself or a family member.
Alchemy: Science Magic or Art
Alchemy and science are really the same thing, in my mind. I feel like by labeling something as "alchemy", people denigrate ideas that are outside of the mainstream. In reality, however, the most exciting ideas in science are so "out there" that they seem like magic. Unfortunately, most people don't know that. The Alchemists brought tremendous creativity and ingenuity to bear on the mysteries of the world. I think that scientists do the same thing. Thus, alchemy is art is science is alchemy.
I'm a fairly regular swimmer, so I'm curious about Chlorine. Just learned that "Halogen" is from the greek meaning "Salt former". All of the halogens bind with sodium to form different salts. As with all halogens, in its elemental form chlorine is a gas.
Chlorine is the most abundant element on earth, even more abundant than carbon. I would guess this is largely because its presence in the salt of the ocean. In addition, though, chlorine exists naturally in fungal life on earth. Chlorine reacts with things in nature creating organochlorines. The organochlorines can be used as anti-bacterials and anti-cancer drugs. An ecuadorian tree frog produces one that is ten times more potent than morphine for pain relief.
Chlorine has been used as a weapon in bombs since WWII. It is also used in the manufacture of PVC, which in turn creates dioxins in the environment. As for the pool, it's not that great for you, especially if you swim in an indoor, highly chlorinated pool. Happily, the pool I swim in is outdoors and doesn't smell much like chlorine. I figure I'm better off swimming, getting exercise and enjoying myself than worrying about chlorine.
Electrochemical Science Toys
These are certainly ingenious. I am definitely not the type of person who should try this at home. I don't want to electrocute myself or a family member.
Alchemy: Science Magic or Art
Alchemy and science are really the same thing, in my mind. I feel like by labeling something as "alchemy", people denigrate ideas that are outside of the mainstream. In reality, however, the most exciting ideas in science are so "out there" that they seem like magic. Unfortunately, most people don't know that. The Alchemists brought tremendous creativity and ingenuity to bear on the mysteries of the world. I think that scientists do the same thing. Thus, alchemy is art is science is alchemy.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Week Five
Alkali Earth Metal: Magnesium
I picked magnesium because I always wonder if I get enough of it in my diet. It is an alkali earth metal (of course) which means it's in group 2 of the periodic table. These elements have two outer electrons and want to get rid of them by forming a (covalent?) bond with other elements.
Magnesium is necessary for life in all biological organisms. It is light and strong, and so is used in industrial applications such as car wheels ("mag wheels"), aircraft, and in soda cans with aluminum. It is also a good conductor so is used in electronic applications.
The real reason I chose magnesium is epsom salts (magnesium sulfate). Growing up, everything that ever went wrong with my horse seemed to be cured by soaking in epsom salts. I went to the industry website on epsom salts and learned this:
1. Over-farming has lead to depleted amounts of magnesium in our vegetables.
2. Everyone is taking calcium supplements, but calcium can only work to form bones in the presence of sufficient magnesium. So, the extra calcium completely gobbles up whatever magnesium was there, and after that is worthless. So, taking a calcium supplement without magnesium actually depletes magnesium levels in the body. Research shows that we have five times the amount of calcium than magnesium in our bodies, and the ratio should be two to one.
3. Predictably, the epsom salt industry says you have to use epsom salts to improve the situation (eye roll). Here's what they say it does (pasting this in)
Researchers and physicians report that raising your magnesium levels may:
Improve heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
Improve the body's ability to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
Relieve stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation
No wonder my horse lived to be 35!!!
Colors of Food in My Kitchen
I've decided to report only on my fridge, so I'm leaving out pantry items that would score big points like Goji berries, seaweed, tomato products, etc.
Red: red pepper, red stalks on swiss chard,
Orange: a few oranges that need to be eaten right away, bunny love carrots
Yellow: nothing, to be honest. I do have a lemon tree outside.
Green: romaine lettuce, basil, celery, chard, dead avocado.
Blue: nothing at all
Indigo: zero
Violet: eggplant, red wine
Link Discovery
Strontium chloride is very beautiful when it's burned. The website with the little movies keeps crashing my computer though. Seeing the spectrum of light emitted by burning gasses makes the discussion about fireworks much more alive. Fireworks are amazingly ingenious in their design, and I never would have even considered this before chemistry class!!
I picked magnesium because I always wonder if I get enough of it in my diet. It is an alkali earth metal (of course) which means it's in group 2 of the periodic table. These elements have two outer electrons and want to get rid of them by forming a (covalent?) bond with other elements.
Magnesium is necessary for life in all biological organisms. It is light and strong, and so is used in industrial applications such as car wheels ("mag wheels"), aircraft, and in soda cans with aluminum. It is also a good conductor so is used in electronic applications.
The real reason I chose magnesium is epsom salts (magnesium sulfate). Growing up, everything that ever went wrong with my horse seemed to be cured by soaking in epsom salts. I went to the industry website on epsom salts and learned this:
1. Over-farming has lead to depleted amounts of magnesium in our vegetables.
2. Everyone is taking calcium supplements, but calcium can only work to form bones in the presence of sufficient magnesium. So, the extra calcium completely gobbles up whatever magnesium was there, and after that is worthless. So, taking a calcium supplement without magnesium actually depletes magnesium levels in the body. Research shows that we have five times the amount of calcium than magnesium in our bodies, and the ratio should be two to one.
3. Predictably, the epsom salt industry says you have to use epsom salts to improve the situation (eye roll). Here's what they say it does (pasting this in)
Researchers and physicians report that raising your magnesium levels may:
Improve heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
Improve the body's ability to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
Relieve stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation
No wonder my horse lived to be 35!!!
Colors of Food in My Kitchen
I've decided to report only on my fridge, so I'm leaving out pantry items that would score big points like Goji berries, seaweed, tomato products, etc.
Red: red pepper, red stalks on swiss chard,
Orange: a few oranges that need to be eaten right away, bunny love carrots
Yellow: nothing, to be honest. I do have a lemon tree outside.
Green: romaine lettuce, basil, celery, chard, dead avocado.
Blue: nothing at all
Indigo: zero
Violet: eggplant, red wine
Link Discovery
Strontium chloride is very beautiful when it's burned. The website with the little movies keeps crashing my computer though. Seeing the spectrum of light emitted by burning gasses makes the discussion about fireworks much more alive. Fireworks are amazingly ingenious in their design, and I never would have even considered this before chemistry class!!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Week Four: Green Chemistry
Catalyst
Nickel is a good catalyst. Apparently, it is sticky and so attracts other elements, and then when the reaction is over, it also lets them go. Raney Nickel is a common catalyst because it is relatively stable and can catalyze reactions at room temperature. I don't know what else I can say about this because everything else I read is impossibly technical and not interesting (at least to me).
Green Chemistry as a Social Movement
I think this is very exciting. It is very heartening that scientists have come to realize their social responsibility. Science is an incredibly powerful thing, with some of the world's best minds working in it. It is fabulous that they are methodically (as would be expected) applying common sense principles to industrial applications which could generate an enormous change in the industrialized world. I learned that the simple ideas behind green chemistry could effect the following:
1. eliminate the use or generation of 1.2 billion pounds of hazardous chemicals and solvents each year—enough to fill over 5000 railroad tank cars or a train over 62 miles long
2. save over 16 billion gallons of water each year—enough to supply a city the size of Baltimore, MD
3. eliminate 57 million pounds of carbon dioxide releases to air each year—equal to taking nearly 37,000 automobiles off the road.
Go chemistry geeks go!!!
Atom Economy Link
I'm sorry to say that I didn't find this link to be any more helpful than what we covered in class. Not much to blog about here.
Nickel is a good catalyst. Apparently, it is sticky and so attracts other elements, and then when the reaction is over, it also lets them go. Raney Nickel is a common catalyst because it is relatively stable and can catalyze reactions at room temperature. I don't know what else I can say about this because everything else I read is impossibly technical and not interesting (at least to me).
Green Chemistry as a Social Movement
I think this is very exciting. It is very heartening that scientists have come to realize their social responsibility. Science is an incredibly powerful thing, with some of the world's best minds working in it. It is fabulous that they are methodically (as would be expected) applying common sense principles to industrial applications which could generate an enormous change in the industrialized world. I learned that the simple ideas behind green chemistry could effect the following:
1. eliminate the use or generation of 1.2 billion pounds of hazardous chemicals and solvents each year—enough to fill over 5000 railroad tank cars or a train over 62 miles long
2. save over 16 billion gallons of water each year—enough to supply a city the size of Baltimore, MD
3. eliminate 57 million pounds of carbon dioxide releases to air each year—equal to taking nearly 37,000 automobiles off the road.
Go chemistry geeks go!!!
Atom Economy Link
I'm sorry to say that I didn't find this link to be any more helpful than what we covered in class. Not much to blog about here.
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