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John_Alexander_Reina_Newlands — February 7, 1863, was the day John Newlands published a paper outlining what would be known as “The Law of Octaves”. Newlands discovered if he ordered the known elements by increasing atomic weight, the chemical properties of the elements would be similar for every eighth group. Since this pattern seemed […]

Today in Science History – February 7 – Law of ...

This entry was posted on February 6, 2018 by Todd Helmenstine (updated on May 10, 2021)

About 70% of polybutadiene is used to manufacture tires. (Dean Hochman) — Interesting Polymer Chemistry Demonstration The “jumping rubber” polybutadiene reaction is a dramatic chemistry demonstration in which chemicals are reacted and sealed into a container, which pops open, shooting out a polymer “snake”. Here is how to perform the demonstration. Jumping Rubber Polybutadiene Materials Jumping Rubber kit plastic or rubber gloves […]

Make Jumping Rubber or Polybutadiene

This entry was posted on March 27, 2017 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on May 17, 2021)

Orbitz Soda contains edible gelatin beads that float suspended in the soda because they are the same density as the liquid. Goleh, public domain — Have you seen those drinks with the floating edible eggs or beads in them? One interesting brand was Orbitz Soda, which contained colored beads that were suspended in the carbonated soda. You can apply chemistry to make edible eggs or beads. In fact, you can even make them change color. […]

Chameleon Eggs Cooking Chemistry Project – Edible Color Change

This entry was posted on January 17, 2017 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on May 17, 2021)

Prosthetics So You Can Be a Goat — The 2016 Ig Nobel Prize recognizes scientific research that makes you laugh, but then makes you think. While possibly less prestigious than the Nobel Prize, winners can take satisfaction in knowing their hard work raises interest in science around the world. The theme of the 26th First Annual Ig Nobel […]

List of the 2016 Ig Nobel Prize Winners

This entry was posted on September 22, 2016 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on May 17, 2021)

While it might not hurt you, it does present a risk to an unborn baby. (borosjuli, Flickr) — Society has moved away from leaded gas and lead for toys and household paints, but you’re still getting exposed to the toxic metal. Cosmetics are a source of lead, whether they are made of all-natural ingredients or not. Lead in your lipstick may be the worst because you ingest some […]

Lead in Your Lipstick? Here’s Why

This entry was posted on June 2, 2016 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on April 16, 2022)

Chart of Element Electronegativities — This electronegativity chart PDF is a useful reference tool for the elements and their electronegativity values. Electronegativity is a chemical property which describes how well an atom can attract an electron to itself. Values for electronegativity run from 0 to 4. Electronegativity is used to predict whether a bond between […]

Electronegativity Chart PDF

This entry was posted on June 16, 2015 by Todd Helmenstine (updated on May 2, 2021)