Hildebrand,+Tijay

I believe that I read this article by accident towards the beginning of the semester.I already knew that there were three types of motion sensors. I was unaware that one used Infrared technology. I also knew that these sensors are used in nature, such as ecolocation with bats and IR with pit vipers. I believe Khols may have an IR sensor or a reflection pattern sensor. I was unaware that Einstein won his nobel prize through photoelectricity. I have also attempted to walk into the bathrooms here at school very slowly to avoid detection, however, I always trigger it so therefor it must be infrared or a photo sensor.

Tijay, Good reflections. I understand that it is possible to walk into a bathroom w/o triggering the light?? I'll have to try it. 5 stars! MW

I was aware of the risks involved in inhalation of gases to alter one's voice. Due to toxins in the tanks and the threat of suffocation I have never been tempted to inhale any gaseous substance besides air. I was also aware that one could inhale certain gases which would make one's voice lower. I did not however, know that this was sulfur hexafluoride. I was also aware of the common uses of sulfur, i.e. gun powder/matches, and the high level of reactivity of fluorine. I had observed the shrinking of a helium balloon but not known of its cause. The idea that gases in a balloon leak in and out at different rates was foreign to me. I now also know this to be the root of why a balloon filled with sulfur hexafluoride would expand overtime.

Tijay, Well done! 5 stars! MW

It is uncommonly known that simple dust and debris particles that we all so foolishly ignore can become dangerous explosives. These flammable particles collect in plants and factories across the world and are overlooked. On first presumption this debris seems to only clutter and make our environments dirty. On further investigation we find that when it reaches the right stoichiometric ratio with oxygen in the air, it can turn into a flaming lethal burst. Once this reaction occurs it can become fatal quickly, as the explosion can consume entire facilities leaving behind many casualties. Perhaps if the plant supervisors were aware of the stoichiometric reaction better care would be taken in preventing such catastrophies!

Tijay, I suspect it has to do with economics. I think people are aware of the risks but it costs money to clean things up. 5 stars! MW

It is apparent that some take this subject and exploit it for humor. However this topic has influence that is foundational to modern chemistry. It should be treated with the respect it has rightfully earned. This number helps us to count that which is infinitesimally finite. By using the mole we can then use mass to determine number of atoms per gram or even as far as subatomic particles. Avogadro’s work made it possible to calculate the otherwise impossible, without his achievements chemistry would not be as effective in industry and global progression as it currently is. Tijay, Awesome post! 5 molenificent stars! MW

Every element found on Earth, at one point or another, was a resident of our celestial surroundings. Many of these elements reach planets, such as Earth, when they explode or Super Nova. through fusion of elements in the core of each star various elements can be produced. When enough energy is gained one element will fuse into a heavier element. Stars are able to produce elements that are lighter than iron. Any element heavier than iron would suddenly consume the star's energy causing it to collapse or implode. It is peculiar that such stars are formed from the gases of nebulous cloud of gas. These clouds, under the influence of gravity, condense to form stars which can one day explode and expell elements into either another cloud or to a planet such as Earth. This process is called stellar evolution. The stage of a star in its evolution is fully dependent upon its mass and composition. In essence Astronomy, as well as other sciences, relies fully upon the foundations of Chemistry.

Tijay. Right! Astronomers go crazy over this stuff! 5 supernova stars! MW

The kilogram is the only SI unit that is still defined by a physical artifact. The Kelvin, second, meter, and so on are all defined by an unvarying physical property of nature. This is the potential downfall of the kilogram. The world standard kilogram was recently found to have lost fifty micrograms of mass. Not only does this create an inconsistency between the standard kilograms of the world but it also creates an uncertainty of units based on the kilogram. Many scientists have suggested it be based on Planck’s constant or Avogadro’s constant. The latter has a strong link to the mole measure and therefore would be widely accepted. With respect to metrologists and the updating of chemistry text books, the majority of people would remain unaffected by this change.

Solid post! 5 stars. MW

Frankincense and Myrrh have been entwined into history and modern religious practices. Because these substances are found in such diverse climates their exact chemical compositions cannot be determined. They are made of a diverse group of hydrocarbons that have been found to relieve pain in arthritic patients. Most worshippers assume that the burning of incense is purely symbolic, but researchers have found that frankincense and myrrh have a depression and anxiety dampening affects. It has only been in recent times that we have had the skills and technology to study these mysterious substances.

Interesting stuff. 5 stars. MW

Crude oil begins as a dark liquid found under the surface of the Earth. Crude oil alone is relatively useless, however, when separated the molecules within can be used for a variety of purposes. In order to separate the valuable aspects of Crude oil one must use distillation. The separate particles evaporate at different temperature, which are then condensed at different times, this is called fractional distillation. Industry performs this distillation on a massive scale using containers, which collect different oils at different heights within the container based upon temperature.