Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter and the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. In this section, learn about everyday chemistry, from chlorine beach to helium, and even why chocolate turns gray.
The Most Expensive Metal in the World Isn't Gold or Platinum
It's Elementary: The Periodic Table Quiz
Alkali Metals: Elements in the First Column of the Periodic Table
Understanding the Empirical Formula in Chemistry
Strong Bases: Properties, Applications and Examples
Comparing Strong Acids and Weak Acids
Delta-8 vs. Delta-9: Comparing Types of THC
What Color Is the Hottest Flame?
Why Do Bubbles Pop?
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In chemistry, there are a variety of methods that scientists use to identify a chemical compound, including a molecular formula, molar mass and molecular diagram. The simplest formula of these is known as the empirical formula.
By Talon Homer
Precious metals are not just shiny and attractive; these elements are also incredibly valuable, often used in a wide range of industries from jewelry to high-tech applications.
By Mack Hayden
"Delta 8" has become a bit of a buzzword in the cannabis industry and the community health sphere. But what exactly is delta-8, and how is it different from "regular" cannabis?
By Sascha Bos
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In chemistry, the classification of substances into acids and bases is fundamental.
By Marie Look
In the world of chemistry, understanding the difference between strong acids and weak acids is fundamental for both students and professionals alike. Strong acids are known for their ability to completely dissociate in water, making them a pivotal topic in chemical reactions and laboratory experiments.
Flame colors span a spectrum that tells a tale as old as fire itself. Many people wonder what color is the hottest flame; more than a testament to the natural fascination with fire's beauty, this question underscores a fundamental principle in the science of thermodynamics and combustion.
All bubbles pop - that's a fact of life. But what's the science behind the short life and inevitable pop of a bubble?
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It's the ultimate cheat sheet for science class - and it's right there hanging on the wall. What do you really know about the indispensable periodic table of elements?
Juice and soda mix well with alcohol, but a few things don't mix so well. Some may just produce embarrassing moments. Others could cost you your life.
By Beth Brindle
Why do newspapers turn yellow over time?
I have heard that carbon monoxide is extremely poisonous. Can you explain why?
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Scenario: A helium balloon is up against the ceiling one day, and the next day it's on the floor. Does the balloon fall because the helium leaks out, or because the helium molecules slow down due to decreased pressure?
Although the term might be unfamiliar, you know all about alkali metals. Ever used salt or eaten a banana? So, what special properties do these elements have?
More than fodder for melt-in-your-hand YouTube videos, gallium is a key component in LED lights and the powerful microchips in your smartphone.
By Dave Roos
Scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory just made history with einsteinium. They held a sample of the short-lived element long enough to measure some of its chemical properties.
By Dave Roos
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From soap to pharmaceutical products, glycerine has many applications.
Adrenochrome has been linked to schizophrenia and the LSD counterculture movement. Now QAnon conspiracy theorists say it's part of a child sex-trafficking cult. So what's the truth behind this chemical compound?
It's an odorless gas that's present in a variety of home products, cosmetics, car exhaust and even humans. But is it bad for us?
Bismuth is a naturally occurring element with many applications in our daily lives, but even more than that, it looks amazing when it cools!
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Denatured alcohol is useful for lots of things, but drinking definitely isn't one of them.
Diatomic elements are molecules composed of only two atoms, every time, always. There are only seven of them on the entire periodic table.
Electrons are attracted to some atoms more than others. If two atoms are of equal strength, the electrons will be equally shared. If one atom is stronger, the electrons will be pulled in that atom's direction.
The two different types of alcohol are commonly used in hand sanitizer today. But does one work better than the other?
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Don't know your fool's gold from the real deal? We'll tell you how to tell what's pyrite (aka fool's gold) and the good ol' 24 karat stuff you want.
By Mark Mancini
Tungsten's hardness and heat resistance make it a must for products like rocket engine nozzles, armor-piercing bullets and even the humble light bulb filament. In fact, pure tungsten boils at 10,030 F, the same as the photosphere of the sun.
By Dave Roos