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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.
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What's the Difference Between Ethyl Alcohol and Isopropyl Alcohol?
The two different types of alcohol are commonly used in hand sanitizer today. But does one work better than the other?
Electronegativity Is Like an Atomic Tug-of-War
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.
What Are the 7 Diatomic Elements?
Diatomic elements are molecules composed of only two atoms, every time, always. There are only seven of them on the entire periodic table.
Denatured Alcohol: Great for Your Camp Stove, Not Your Margarita
Denatured alcohol is useful for lots of things, but drinking definitely isn't one of them.
The Ancient Element Bismuth Is the Pink in Today's Pepto-Bismol
Bismuth is a naturally occurring element with many applications in our daily lives, but even more than that, it looks amazing when it cools!
Formaldehyde Is Everywhere, But Is It Dangerous?
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?
What's the Difference Between Covalent and Ionic Bonds?
Making chemical compounds is a lot like dating. Some ions are naturally compatible; others hook up out of desperation.
Peyote Is Endangered, Spiritually Sacred and Becoming Legal
Long-banned in the U.S., except for religious purposes, peyote is starting to be decriminalized in some cities. But is that a good thing for this endangered plant?
What Are Isotopes?
You don't need to be a fan of chemistry to appreciate isotopes. They affect geology and medicine, too.
Elemental Haiku: A Poetic Take on the Periodic Table
Award-winning poet and fiction writer Mary Soon Lee has found a charming way to combine science and poetry in a refreshing new take on the periodic table of elements.
Is Borax Harmful or Helpful?
Borax, a popular addition to laundry detergents and slime recipes, is a natural ingredient that has been getting flack for possibly being harmful to children. But is this true?
Does Alcohol Freeze?
If you've ever had a half-frozen beer explode on you, you know that yes, alcohol freezes — but not all types freeze at the same rate. We'll let you in on the secrets to frozen alcoholic delights.
It's Elementary: The Periodic Table Quiz
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?
How a New Blue Pigment Became a Crayon
The story of how the first new blue pigment in 200 years was discovered and took its place in the crayon box.
Striking a Match in the Loo Helps Mask the PU
We hold our nose and investigate.
What Makes a Scent Soothing?
Why do most of us start relaxing as soon as we smell lavender or vanilla? Is it the memories they conjure up or is there a chemical reason?
Why Does Hydrogen Peroxide Come in a Brown Bottle?
You probably have a bottle of the stuff at your house. Have you ever seen it come in any color bottle besides brown?
The EPA Just Made It Easier to Use Asbestos
The Trump administration quietly changed the rules on asbestos use in the U.S. What does that mean?
Bloodstains at Crime Scene Can Tell Age of Victim or Suspect
Scientists have developed a blood test that can give an approximate age of a person within an hour.
Why Compressed Air Canisters Shouldn’t Be Shaken
It's a force of habit to shake spray canisters, but when it comes to canned air, that inclination could cause frostbite.
Watch: The Chemistry of Sparklers Explained in Slow-motion Video
There's some serious science behind the sparkle, with different metals, compounds and other elements creating the fun firework.
What Makes This Video of Things Melting So Satisfying?
YouTube channel Let's Melt This has become an internet sensation. Why are we so mesmerized by videos of everyday objects undergoing phase change?
Common Pool Chemical Could Be Key to Building Triple-Helix DNA Nanomaterials
A molecule used to protect the chlorine in swimming pools from sunlight could be key to building new kind of DNA structures
Skunk Water: A Weapon That Uses Stench to Control Crowds
Developed in Israel, this foul-smelling liquid has been used on Palestinian and Israeli protesters … and it's showing up in the United States.
How Nitrous Oxide Works
At the same time scientists discovered that nitrous oxide could numb agonizing pain, they also found it could make you really lightheaded and silly. Yes, huffing parties started in the 1700s.
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