Long,+Jackie

Concocting A Crystal Lair

Personally, I found this article interesting, but not really impressive scientifically. Although the result was very grand scale, there wasn't much actual work behind it. All Roger Hiorns had to do was use 90 tons of copper sulfate and then wait until the room cooled down and crystallized. I admit waiting three weeks for the result must have been difficult, but this project could've been done by anyone with the proper equipment and setting. Overall, the room itself was pretty neat with all of the crystals hanging from the ceiling and covering the walls. I'd just probably call the room an artistic wonder as opposed to a "chemical phenomenon."

Jackie, Good thoughts. I kind of agree this is a place where chemistry and art meet. 5 stars. MW

Redefining the Kilogram

I found the fact that there are actual copies of a precise kilogram in parts of the world interesting because I didn't think that there was a literal standard for weight in the world. I didn't think that real people were actually concerned about getting such a precise weight. The weight itself isn't as accurate anymore because it is consistently losing mass over time which means that a new way to record measurement has to be created. Some say that rounding Avogadro's constant will help with the mass of the kilogram, but changing the number would change the mass of the kilogram which will change the standard of measurement. In the end, rounding the number would make class easier, but the entire system of weight would be changed for scientists and mechanics around the world, which means that they would have to adjust to the new system

Jackie, I assume for most of us the transition will be seamless, but I suppose it will be a pain for scientists. 5 stars. MW

Motion Detectors

I'm surprised at the extent of how motion detectors can be used in everyday life. People can use them as security systems or automatic sinks depending on the situation. What really surprised me was that there are actually different types of motion detectors that use light, sound and temperature to operate. Although most of what is in our everyday lives uses light, there is also technology that uses heat and sound detection to work. Some animals like snakes and bats use heat sensing and sounds bouncing off of objects to detect food. For us the motion detecting technology is used for convenience but for them, it is a means to survive, which is why they have that ability automatically.

Jackie, Yes I suppose there wouldn't be bats and snakes if they didn't have those abilities. 5 stars. MW