17th-century scientist Robert Boyle, one of the world’s first chemists and creator of Boyle’s Law, wrote out a list of problems he hoped could be solved through science. Since the list was written more than 300 years ago, almost everything on it has been discovered, invented, or otherwise figured out in some fashion. Here are several of the items from Boyle’s list (in bold) and the corresponding scientific advances that have followed:
Posts Tagged 'chemistry'
300 Year-Old Wishlist For Science
Published January 23, 2018 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: Boyle’s Law, chemistry, history, invention, prognostication, prophesy, Robert Boyle, science
Periodic Table Displays How Each Element Is Used
Published December 7, 2017 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: chemistry, periodic table, periodic table of elements, science
The ability to name all of the elements on the periodic table from actinium to zinc is an impressive feat. Actually being able to explain how each element functions in the real world is a little more challenging. If you agree that learning the everyday relevance of all the Earth’s elements is just as important as memorizing their symbols, check out the chart above. This graphic, spotted by inhabitat, presents the information found in a traditional periodic table with pictographs and labels indicating where you might encounter each element in your life.
How Do Snowflakes Form? [video]
Published January 26, 2016 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: chemistry, precipitation, science, snow, Snowflake, video, weather, winter
Is MSG Bad for You? [video]
Published September 4, 2014 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: chemistry, Chinese food, cooking, food myth, gastronomy, gourmet, medicine, monosodium glutamate, MSG, pseudo science, pseudoscience, seasoning
The Chemistry of Fireworks [video]
Published July 3, 2014 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: 4th of July, aerial display, chemical, chemical reaction, chemistry, explosion, Fireworks, Independence Day, John A. Conkling, July 4th, pyrotechnics, science
Bananas Are Radioactive
Published June 16, 2010 Uncategorized 1 CommentTags: bananas, chemistry, geiger counter, granite, kitty litter, potassium, radioactive, science, wtf
Here is something else for the paranoid readers to be concerned about.
Do you carry kitty litter in your car to help provide traction in icy weather or to absorb oil? It’s slightly radioactive. Do you have tile or granite in your vehicle for a home improvement project? It has a relatively high radiation signature. Do you have a lot of bananas? They are also slightly radioactive. It’s pretty easy to understand why tile, granite, and kitty litter are radioactive. They contain low levels of minerals that naturally decay. Bananas are radioactive for a similar reason. The fruit contains high levels of potassium.