Meckley,+Grant


 * Classification of Matter**

When considering the differences between the four classifications of matter there are many stark contrasts that one can observe through the juxtaposition between heterogeneous mixtures, solutions, compounds, and elements. Beginning with elements, one will notice that it is the only graphic with only one type of atom- as represented by the colored dots. Also, compounds are unique in that they combine different types of atoms into molecules, but because they are chemically bonded to form one entity, they too are considered “pure substances”. THEY ALSO LOOK LIKE MICKEY MOUSE!!! The other warring factions of classifications of matter are solutions and heterogeneous mixtures. Both are mixtures, but solutions are evenly mixed with solvents and solutes. Heterogeneous mixtures are not mixed entirely and clumps of similar types of matter are visible sporadically, much like Ramen noodles and the flavoring mix.

I like the tree chart the best because it shows similarities and contrast

Great Post! Funny too! MW


 * Separation of Matter**

I find it interesting how different hydrocarbons are separated through distillation. Crude oil is put in fractioning tower. Hydrocarbons that vaporize at low temps (like Naptha and rocket fuel) rise to the top. Hydrocarbons with larger molecular structures (like tar) form at the bottom. Distillation is only one method to separate matter. In other instances chromatography is better suited to separate matter. Chromatography has more practical applications in DNA fingerprinting and when separating pigments. In the lab we did, we took the dyes of Skittles and M&Ms. We placed the dyes on a special kind of paper and put the paper in a salt water soluton. Through capillary action, the solution rose through the paper and the pigments separated.

You are off to a good start... A little short as it stands. Pr


 * Why Measurement is Important to Me**

While exact measurements may seem unnecessary and over precise, I have encountered many times where they are o utmost importance while running cross-country in high school and middle school. A typical cross-country race consists of a 5-kilometer foot race, which is about 3.1 miles. Most courses are uniform in that they only vary in distance by a tenth of a mile. However, this was not the case when our team went to run at Suburban High School, where differences in measurement techniques resulted in the course only being 2.9 miles. When it came time to compete, the Suburban runners were used to their short home course and paced themselves accordingly. Because we trained and paced ourselves for the full 5k race, we lost to Suburban. Unfortunately, the PA Interscolastic Athletics Association allow these slight deviations in course length. I however, am opposed to this, feeling that differences in course length make for inaccurate times and give the home team a clear advantage. I wish that all XC courses could be the same length... Grant, OK. Interesting and thoughtful post. Full Marks! MW


 * Redefining the Kilogram**

I would have never guessed that scientists had a physical artifact keeping the standard for the kilogram. I agree that there needs to be reform to the current system become in an ever changing world, such physical artifacts become obsolete. For what ever reason the model's weight has gone down by 56 //micro//grams and with nanotechnolgoy emerging, scientists will need to be more accurate with masses. I agree that an exact standard should be derived by a mathematical means. Planacks constant bears a striking resemblence to Einstein's Theory of Relativity stating that mass and energy are essentially interchangeable. Avorgadro's constant deals with moles. I reject any measurement system that has to deal with blind, subterranean rodents...

Grant, Great sense of humor! We'll find that a mole in chemistry is not a rodent! :) MW


 * Airport Security**

In a post 9/11 world, airport security has been of ever-increasing concern. I was always curious behind the science with X-ray machines. Objects with lower densities are more permeable to X-rays and inversely, high density objects do not let x-rays through as easily. Inert materials with usually low densities appear as no threat on x-ray the x-ray monitor. However high density objects are a red flag. One time in an airport (this was shortly after 9/11) my i-pod caused concern at security. After a swab test, as mentioned in the article, my i-pod was deemed harmless. However, at the time of inspection objects of a density comparable to an i-pod were obviously underwent further screening. It also didn't help that i-pods were less prevalent back then and not just a commonplace gadget.

Grant, Interesting reflection. 5 stars! MW


 * El Dia del Mole**

I am honestly floored by the amount of content, jokes, and "molemorabilia" on this site. It impresses me that a few science teachers took a boring mathematical constant made by a dead guy named Avorgadro and turned it into a national holiday. It is ideas like such that foster a love of science in students and make otherwise dry topics fun (or slightly more bearable). I found it most interesting that Avorgadro was not a well-respected scientist during his discovery of the mole or even later in his life time. It surprized me that Avorgado's number was not reinforced with fancy test results or well-organized notes. It was not until his successor Stanislao Cannizzaro, examined his findings and brought the mole into mainstream chemistry. Surely this would suggest that Officer Acetate and Hydroxide Cookies will not recieve their due attention as brilliant scientific advances until many more years down the road...

Grant, Yes I wait to be recognized but alas it is not to be! MW


 * Stoichiometry Dust'splosion**

I enjoyed this article immensely. The details of a fireball roaring across conveyor belts and through ventilation ducts is a scene reminiscent of Mission Impossible. The sugar factory dust explosion is analogous to blowing air on dying fire or igniting lycopodium powder in the air. In Stoichiometry, there are reactants and products. A reaction will only yield product until enough reactants are present in the right proportion. The two warring factions of reactant in this large scale reaction was flammable dust and oxygen. The article makes it clear (disturbingly so) that in this instance, the dust is in excess with numbers like 1/8 inch of the stuff coating the floor. The oxygen too is present here and in excess but the veritable tinder box would not ignite unless stimulated. Thus is the oxygen mixing with dust in the air. With both components mixed evenly- BOOM! - the reaction is triggered by something as trivial as static electricity. Realy, explosions like these are govenrned by the same principles that bake cakes... and explodiate alkali metals in water for pyromaniacs bemusement.


 * Sulfur Hexaflouride**

This is cool stuff. Heavy gasses can be fun (when used sparingly) and I've seen the famed Mythbusters inhaling the SH6 and talking in a deep demonic Gehanna voice even rivaling Xenon. This leads to me to say that the caveat that came with this article about the dangers of inhaling helium or SH6 I believe to be over blown and preposterous. I aknowlege that gasses like SH6 can supplant life giving oxygen in the lungs, and granted, the warning sign for a lack of air is due to a build up of CO2, but let's be realistic- I am incredulous that anyone keeled over from SH6 missuse. First of all tiny grape looking balloons in the lungs called aveloi are the lungs back up air supply. Worst comes to worst, these guys will help demure the effects of the SH6 ergo lack of O2. Second, the article painted a vivid scene of someone laughing while inhaling SH6, talking funny, laughing some more and so on. This is //exactly// how sulfur hexflouride should be consumed! In the company of your friends having a good time! So long as one adheres to the old addage "swim with a buddy", your friend will see you turn red in the face and cut you off from any more gas -a fool proof precaution. But most distrubling so, the article forgot to mention the adverse effects of SH6 to the enviroment. Sulfur hexaflouride is a terrible greenhouse gas with harmful effects over 20,000 times worse than that of CO2! So yes, enjoy fun with Sulfur Hexaflouride but then go plant a tree, ride a bike, or reduce,reuse, RECYCLE!

Grant, Once again you are the master of the wiki posts!! Funny, insightful and intelligent! Watch the formula for sulfur hexafluoride though! It's SF6 not SH6. :) 5+ stars! :) MW

Motion Detectors

Upon reading this article, was thoroughly offended. The author had the audacity to assume that I would sneak out on a Saturday night and then be thwarted by a motion detector. This is a presumptuous claim as I am no troublesome hoodlum. Though the notion of beating a motion detector has always intrigued me. I once again allude to my old friends the Mythbusters. The Mythbusters attempted to fool 2 of the 3 factions of motion detectors: the "ultrasonic" echo motion sensor and one detecting heat. A variety of methods were used to try to fool the heat sensor. All objects emit energy except those at zero Kelvin. Despite absolute zero being unattainable, the sensor only looks for a variance of infrared energy from the surroundings. A insulated fire suit worked well for the Mythbusters as it almost worked like camouflage to hide the body heat from the sensor. Even more successful was a glass panel. It turns out that glass blocks infrared waves. Visible light, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma rays may pass right through, but infrared waves don't have the energy or high frequency do so. The "ultrasonic" motion detector was much easier to fool. The Mythbusters found that if you move slow enough, the micro/radio waves won't pick up on you (but this took 20 minutes). A bed sheet worked even better, and the low frequency waves got absorbed. Neat stuff!

Wow! I learned a lot from reading your post! BTW I think the suggestion that you might be sneaking in at night was not an accusation but more of a "teaser" to grab the interest of those that are apathetic. Not you Grant! Or if I may "Grant the Great!" :) Another awesome post! Perhaps you should publish! MW