public understanding

Book Review: "Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction" by Peter Atkins

Lowell Thomson | Sat, 03/18/2017 - 10:43

book-review-chemistry-very-short-introduction-peter-atkins.jpg

I was at a workshop recently, when a friend suggested I read, Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction by Peter Atkins, Oxford University Press. The friend suggested the book would not take long to read, and given the name included the phrase "A very short introduction" who was I to argue? So I bought the Kindle Version of the book for about $7 U.S. and got to reading.

Investigations of Chemicals in Natural Food Coloring. Part 2: Berry

Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 02/27/2017 - 13:42

investigations-chemicals-natural-food-coloring-part-2-berry.jpg

The chemistry of the Berry dye found in McCormick's Color From Nature food colors is explored. This is part two of a three-part series in which the chemistry of McCormick's Color From Nature food colors is presented.

Chemical Investigations of McCormick's Color From Nature Food Colors. Part 1: Sky Blue

Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 01/31/2017 - 09:15

chemicals-investigations-mccormicks-color-nature-food-colors-part-1-sky-blue.jpg

The chemistry of the Sky Blue dye found in McCormick's Color From Nature food colors is explored. This is part one of a three-part series in which the chemistry of McCormick's Color From Nature food colors is presented.

Chemical Connections to Climate Change

Tom Kuntzleman | Wed, 01/25/2017 - 11:11

chemical-connections-climate-change.png

It is becoming increasingly important for citizens to understand various concepts related to climate change and global warming. This post describes several chemical concepts that are pertinent to these issues, in the hopes that teachers of science and chemistry can introduce the topic of climate change into their classrooms and everyday discussions.

Solution to Chemical Mystery #9: Liquid Nitrogen vs. Dry Ice

Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 01/16/2017 - 09:21

solution-chemical-mystery-9-liquid-nitrogen-vs-dry-ice.jpg

The solution to Chemical Mystery #9: Liquid Nitrogen vs. Dry Ice is presented. Why does liquid nitrogen launch the bucket so much higher than dry ice and water?

Chemical Mystery #9: Liquid Nitrogen vs. Dry Ice

Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 01/12/2017 - 07:20

chemical-mystery-9-liquid-nitrogen-vs-dry-ice.jpg

A 2L soda pop bottle is filled about one-third full with either liquid nitrogen or solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) and water. The bottle is sealed and a plastic bucket is placed on top. Do you think the liquid nitrogen or dry ice and water will make the bucket go higher? Can you explain the results using chemistry?