Caffrey,+Emily

Classification of Matter

I would have to say that the third graphic is my favorite. The third graphic I feel is the most organized and obtains information than the second graphic. It is easier to understand because it gives an example along with each type of mixture. The first graphic seems crammed and busy. The final graphic can be easily comprehended by glancing at it, unlike the first picture where the viewer must figure out which path to take.

Separation of Matter

After sitting in class today, I feel like I have learned a lot. For instance, I learned the difference between distillation and filtration. It was beneficial recognizing examples of each in our own lives as well. This makes the lesson feel more life-like and relevant to real life. Talking about a topic along with reading about it helps me to remember the concepts. Informational videos are helpful as well. The video gave me a 3D perspective on the process of distillation. I liked the chromatography lab as well. It was interesting to see which dyes were combined in making various colors of m&m's and Skittles. I didn't know that they didn't use orange dye! I find it also very interesting that they use chromatography to trace victims of forgery. Who can argue with that? :)

Importance of Measurement

I am a field hockey player and now realize that measurement is vital to the game. For example, the field is 100 yards long. Measurement is important to field hockey in terms of fairness. For example I would not be happy if I had to travel further to my offensive goal than the other team had to travel. Measurement "comes into play" (if you will) when taking free hits. When the other team fouls the ball is turned over to the other team, in this example, my team. The other team must then drop back five yards away from the ball. If the other team did not move back five yards, it would not be fair. One last example where measurement is important while playing field hockey relates to scoring. An offensive team must be within sixteen yards of the goal to score. There is a circle marking this point. If a player gets a goal from hitting the ball outside of this measurement the goal does not count. I would be upset if the other team scored from outside of the designated measurement.

Redefining the Kilogram

I learned a few things from reading the article on the kilogram. First of all, I had no idea that there were seven base units in the SI system. I only knew of kilogram, meter and second. Little did I know that the mole, candela, ampere and kelvin existed as well in this system of measurement. The article discusses that the change would result in revisions of school textbooks. In my opinion this would be great-that is for schools with enough funding. For school with a lack of money towards supplies-in this case textbooks- this might be a difficult change to adapt to. On the other hand, the article said the "redefining" will be easier to understand for students then previously. Because of this, I think that the BIPM should choose to redefine the kilogram. The issue is interesting, and has it's positives and negatives.

Airport Security

I have been racing through airports since I can remember. As a little girl, I would cry if a security guard pulled my mommy or daddy away from me to screen them with their strange wand. At 16 years of age I now appreciate it when I see the security guards screening somebody. After reading this article I am surprised at the available technology "now-a-days".It also amazes me what people will do to try and sneak things past security. As for the people who guide others in bomb creating or disguising, I pray for them!! I read that TSA finds 20 firearms per week to this day! This is of concern to me, but makes me especially thankful for the security checkpoints. Even though I find myself annoyed at the long line slowing down my trip to the gate, or having to cram my toilet-trees into a tiny bag, when I really think about it I am so glad to live in a country where safety is a priority.

Mole Day!

I had no idea how profound Mole Day was in the chemistry world! Who would have known that it is such a big deal. I mean, it is so recognized that foundations, T-shirts and websites are made in honor of the mol! I was even further astonished to come across a mol pledge! It was established partially to anchor an interest in chemistry- I now feel as if the world of chemistry is calling my name in hopes to be more greatly discovered! On another note, it was informational. It is clever that it is only celebrated from 6:02a.m. to 6:02p.m. I am now curious what we are going to do in class on Mol day!!

Dust Explosions

Sugar can cause an explosion? I learned in the article that yes it can, if it is broken down small enough. A collection of fine particles can be highly explosive when combined with just a spark. This is what happens in factories as dust collects over the years. The result can be potentially fatal or injure those close to the scene. I honestly never knew that this was an issue. Factories need to take more care in making sure that the dust collection is controlled and kept to a minimum amount. People’s lives and factories reputations are at stake!

Emily, Good thoughts, but what about relating this to stoichiometry? MW

The video we watched in class today was quite interesting. I knew that if a person inhaled Helium, their voice would change to high pitch. I did not know that there was a gas that did the opposite! I also learned that Helium is six times lighter than air! On the other hand, sulfur hexaflouride is six times heavier than air. Your voice sounds deeper after inhaling the impressive gas Sulfure Hexaflouride. This is because sounds waves don't travel as quickly through more dense gas compared to "regular air". I am glad to say that I know the scientific reason for a change a pitch in a person's voice after inhaling either Helium or Sulfur hexaflouride- looks like i'm becoming a real chemist! :)
 * Sulfur Hexaflouride**

Well maybe a "chem appreciator." :) MW

When I was little I went to my grandparents house and was amazed by their motion detectors. Ever since then I have been wondering how they really work. There are three main ways that this happens. The first way in when a photo sensor has infared light aimed at it. If something crosses over the beam, the motion detector senses it. Another way is the machine can send out waves and senses motion when the pattern changes. Lastly, detectors can sense movement by monitoring infrared radiation or if a human is nearby giving off warmth. All of my answers since age 8 about the detectors have been answered!!
 * Motion Detectors -**

Emily, Glad the article cleared that up for you. :) MW