Forensic Chemists

Do you want to know more about forensic chemistry? Then listen to this podcast! It is on the radio and Bookwormsrule870045 asks questions about the career. Forensic Chemistry (JetFan21)

Physical and Chemical Changes

Who knew so much could occur just by lighting
a candle? In class, we did a lab which taught my group about chemical and physical changes. First, we lit a birthday candle and the wax started to melt. The wax changed its appearance by absorbing the heat given off by the flame. This was an endothermic change, a change which absorbs energy. The wax was taking in the heat produced by the flame, therefore, it transformed into a liquid. The liquid’s molecules had more “space” than when it was in solid form.

Furthermore, a chemical change took place since smoke was present. The wax combined with the flame’s heat to emit smoke. A new substance formed with a different molecular makeup.

Did you know that an exothermic change occurred too? An exothermic change, energy that is released, was taking place when the flame was burning since it was giving off heat.

In order to keep something burning, oxygen must be present. My group combined vinegar and baking soda. This chemical reaction created a new substance called carbon dioxide. When we placed the carbon dioxide near the flame, it extinguished since oxygen was no longer present, therefore this process was combustion.

I did some further research on this subject and came across combustion. Combustion is the burning of a substance. In this case, my group burned the wick of a birthday candle.

As one can see, many things took place when my group did this lab. I thought this lab was very interesting. Now I have a better understanding of chemical and physical changes.




I got my information from here

Newton's Third Law of Motion

I was watiching Rocky IV when I noticed how the opponent who was being punched was thrown back as the immediate result of the punch. This got me thinking and I did some research to see what caused the opponent to be thrown back. This is when I came across Newton's Third Law of Motion. The Third Law of Motion is, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that the force will be equal of an actionand reaction to an object. This correlates to Rocky IV. The force of the fist that was punching was equal to the force of the persons falling. The action equals the reaction.

This goes to show that almost everything can relate to science. Science surrounds us in ways which sometimes people don't recognize, like the Rocky IV scenario. People just have to go one step further to recognize it.

Some other examples of Newton's Third Law of Motion is someone falling off a skateboard, a rocket taking off, etc.

I got my information from http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/louviere/Newton/law3.html

Sir William Osler Quote

Have you ever had a great idea, but never bothered to investigate your theory? Sir William Osler, a Canadian physician once stated, "In science the credit goes to the man who convinces the world, not to the man to whom the idea first occurred." One who proves the world about their theory, gets the recognition for his or her idea.

Everyone knows Isaac Newton as the scientist who discovered gravity. Everyone knows Albert Einstein for proving the equation E=mc2. All the credit goes to them for convincing humans that these statements are true. Gravity keeps objects from floating in midair, and E=mc2 shows the relationship between mass and energy and how they are different forms of the same thing. This quote inspires me to perservere in science therefore receiving the acknowledgement.

Clever New Device Sees Through Walls

Wouldn’t it be cool if one could see through walls? Well, now it is possible! Researchers have created a new device that is able to do just that. This contraption works by using radio tomographic imaging. It identifies mobile objects or people in an area that is encircled by radio transceivers.

In addition, researchers have tested this device by planting twenty-eight radio transceivers of a wireless network around a hall shaped like a square. The transceivers are placed on stands made of plastic pipe that are 4 feet tall. Therefore, the researchers are able to see measurements at a person’s upper-body level. A small spot of color on the computer screen pops up while a person ambles through the hall. How does the spot appear on the computer screen? Outlines are calculated in radio tomographic imaging. Additionally, these outlines are produced when radio waves traverse through an object or person.

However, the device still needs to undergo additional testing. Patwari, a student at the University of Utah, expresses how this technology would be extremely helpful in the case of a hostage or a fire, and, “instead of entering the building first, they would throw dozens of these radios around the building and immediately they would be able to see a computer image showing where people are moving inside the building.” (Live Science). Another beneficial feature of this contraption is that, “they are reusable and you can pick them up afterwards.” (Live Science).

In conclusion, after this device undergoes further testing, it will definitely be beneficial in the future. Wouldn’t you feel safer if your school contained these devices in case of a real fire or attack?

Want to know more and see the picture? Click on this link.
http://www.livescience.com/technology/091012-see-through-walls.html

Pollution Reduces Rain Vital to Crops

The article, “Pollution Reduces Rain Vital to Crops" written by Live Science, discusses the impact of air pollution in China. Air pollution has caused China to lose 23% of light rainfall in the past half century. This is because the substances in the polluted air cause tinier drops of rain. It is difficult for raindrops to form into rain clouds. As a result, rain shortage is an on going problem in China and producing crops in China is becoming more onerous.

Moreover, northern China is having larger amounts of droughts and lesser amounts of rain. "...this work suggests that reducing air pollution might help ease the drought in north China," offers Yun Qian, leader at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest Nation Laboratory. Air pollution is causing rain shortage because it contains gas particles, water, and aerosols. Aerosols in the polluted air contribute to China’s rain shortage. “No matter how we define light rain, we can see a very significant decrease of light rain over almost every station," Yun Qian states. To support Qian's point, southern China's rain days decreased by 21%, and northern China's rain days have decreased by 25% from 1956 to 2005.

Overall, this subject is very depressing and proves to humans how we are constantly mistreating our earth. I was drawn to this article because I am very concerned about the earth. We need to take pride in our environment and keep it as healthy and clean as possible. Everyone should do their part. As some people say, one person truly can make a difference; however, if everyone works together, we can accomplish more. Many things can be done to help our planet. For example, everyone can pick up litter; turn off lights, walk to school, etc. In conclusion, everyone needs to do their part for a better, cleaner earth.

Date of Article: August 16, 2009
If you would like to know more click this link: http://www.livescience.com/environment/090816-rain-pollution-china.html