Monthly Archives: January 2017

Parts of an Atom
The atom is the basic building block of matter. Atoms combine to form pure elements, compounds, and complex forms like computers and phones. Atoms are the smallest particle of matter than cannot be further subdivided using chemical means. In order to understand how atoms interact with each other, you first need to […]

Learn the Parts of an Atom

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A blueprint is a paper-based reproduction of a technical drawing in which the white drawing appears on a blue background. Blueprints are made using the cyanotype process. Franklin M. Jones, U.S. Department of State
A blueprint is a paper-based reproduction of a drawing, usually a technical drawing, such as an architect or engineer would use. Blueprints use the cyanotype process that was invented by the astronomer John Herschel in 1842. The paper (or vellum or plastic) is coated with a solution of two soluble […]

How Blueprints Work

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Graphene is a one-atom thick honeycomb sheet composed of carbon atoms that have bonded together. Thomas Szkopek
The discovery of graphene, a honeycomb sheet of carbon, was so important it earned a Nobel Prize, yet graphene isn’t an exotic material. You can make it yourself. Here are three easy methods to try: Graphene From a PencilWhen you draw with a pencil, you are depositing graphite onto paper. […]

Easy Ways Anyone Can Make Graphene

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Extended Periodic Table
This version of the periodic table is an example of the extended periodic table. The usual periodic table shows the lanthanides and actinides below the rest of the table and the two spots below scandium and yttrium are marked with placeholders. In the extended table, these two groups are placed […]

Extended Periodic Table

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Milk curdles when its pH drops, allowing protein molecules in milk to clump together. (Tess Watson)
Curdled milk is what you get when lumps form in smooth milk. Although the clumps form in spoiled milk, the chemical reaction that causes curdling also occurs in fresh milk, under the right conditions. Intentional curdling of milk is used to produce foods, such as yogurt, cheese, and buttermilk. Here’s […]

Why Milk Curdles

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The color change violets project works because violets are natural pH indicators.
You can change violets from violet to green by exposing them to a household chemical. This is a fun chemistry demonstration, especially for the home. Color Change Violet Materials All you need for this project are violets (or pansies) and household ammonia. Choose deeply-colored flowers. violets household ammonia Change the […]

Color Change Violets Chemistry Demonstration

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These are vials of glowing actinium-225. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of Energy
Element Name: Actinium Symbol: Ac Atomic Number: 89 Atomic Weight: 227.0278 Electron Configuration: [Rn] 6d1 7s2 Element Classification: Radioactive Rare Earth (Actinide Series) Discovery: Andre-Louis Debierne 1899 (France) Word Origin: Greek: akis, aktinos (ray). Melting Point (K): 1320 Boiling Point (K): 3470 Appearance: heavy, silvery-white metal that is highly radioactive […]

Actinium Facts – Atomic Number 89 or Ac

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This is a disk of americium-241 viewed under a microscope. Bionerd, Creative Commons License
Element Name: Americium Atomic Number: 95 Symbol: Am Atomic Weight: 243.0614 Electron Configuration: [Rn] 5f7 7s2 Atomic Number: 95 Element Classification: Radioactive Rare Earth Element (Actinide Series) Discovered By: G.T.Seaborg, R.A.James, L.O.Morgan, A.Ghiorso Discovery Date: 1945 (United States) Name Origin: named for the American continent, similar to the naming of […]

Americium Facts – Element 95 or Am

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