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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How Marijuana Works

Marijuana isn't just a recreational drug for hippies and philosophy majors -- its psychoactive history ranges from Egyptian mummies to modern U.S. politics. What's the big deal about this leafy, green plant?

By Kevin Bonsor & Nicholas Gerbis Chemistry / Chemical Compounds

Is there a way to make my sunglasses scratch-resistant?

I recently bought a pair of mirrored sunglasses and they are already scratched. Isn't there a way to make them scratch-resistant?

Chemistry / Chemical Processes and Tests

What is dye-sublimation printing?

What is dye-sublimation printing? Why is it better for printing digital images than traditional ink-jet printing?

Chemistry / Chemical Processes and Tests

Biting on aluminum foil can be painful. Why?

Biting on aluminum foil can be painful -- basically, when you bite on foil, you build a battery in your mouth. Ouch!

Chemistry / Chemical Processes and Tests

How Nicotine Works

Smoking or chewing tobacco makes many people feel good, even mildly euphoric. It's the nicotine that produces the buzz. Find out how nicotine affects the human body and what makes it so addictive.

By Maria Trimarchi & Ann Meeker-O'Connell Chemistry / Chemical Compounds

How Alcohol Works

More than 2.3 billion people across the globe drink alcohol, but most don't consider it a drug. But if you've ever seen someone who's had too much, you know alcohol has profound effects on the mind and body.

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D. & Michelle Konstantinovsky Chemistry / Chemical Compounds

Is it harmful to breathe 100-percent oxygen?

We need oxygen to live, so it seems to me that if we got more oxygen, we would be better off. Is it harmful to breathe 100-percent oxygen? What will happen?

By Marshall Brain Chemistry / Chemical Elements

Why do newspapers turn yellow over time?

Chemistry / Chemical Processes and Tests

How does rust work?

Rust is the common name for iron oxide, which is created when iron bonds with oxygen. In fact, pure iron is only rarely found in nature because it interacts with oxygen so easily.

Chemistry / Chemical Processes and Tests

What makes glass transparent?

Here's something to consider: The place you call home likely has walls and glass windows. Both are adept at keeping rain, snow and wind from bothering you in your abode. Only one, though, allows light to enter. Why is that?

By William Harris Chemistry / Chemical Processes and Tests

What is dynamite and how does it work?

Dynamite is simply some sort of absorbent material (like sawdust) soaked in nitroglycerin. But what makes this chemical so explosive?

Chemistry / Chemical Processes and Tests

How Do Artificial Flavors Work?

Ever wondered exactly what they "artificial flavors" in your candy are, and why no specific ingredients are listed? Find out in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors Chemistry / Chemical Processes and Tests

If water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, why can't we breathe underwater?

If water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, why can't we breathe underwater? It has to do with how molecules combine and how the human lung functions.

Chemistry / Chemical Compounds

What causes helium balloons to lose their lift after a day or two?

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?

Chemistry / Chemical Processes and Tests

How Is Helium Made?

Helium is the second lightest element on the Periodic Table. How is helium created?

By Patrick J. Kiger Chemistry / Chemical Elements

How does chlorine bleach work?

I recently used chlorine bleach to clean the siding on my house, and I was amazed at how well it worked! What is bleach? How does it remove stains? Is the chlorine in bleach the same as the chlorine in drinking water or in swimming pools? Is chlorine safe to use?

Chemistry / Chemical Compounds