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1.
melinda B. | May 13, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Hi Azareal,
Thank you for all the chemistry information.I am a 37 yr old and have a very poor math background in math and science but I am of average intelligence and hope to be able to learn them starting with basic algebra. I am trying not to let negative comments like “oh you needed to have learned math and science when you were a child”, “it’s too difficult to learn as an adult!”. Your articles have inspired me so please wish me luck!.
Sincerely,
Melinda
2.
Mike Law | June 15, 2009 at 10:59 am
If you are even remotely interested in learning any new subject then you have all the intellect required. Learning does not end when we leave school; learning is a life long process. What does end when leaving school is getting credit for having a brain; also, less time is available to learn because most jobs are interested in our hands and not our brains. My background is not much different than yours, being a curious person, as you clearly are, what I did is start a self-study program. About.com is a good place to begin. I also like “The Cartoon Guide (many subjects) by Larry Gonick”
Gonick has a whole series of entertaining books and you can get an introduction to a subject in a short time. There are many other good introductory books and web sites. Good luck with your studies.
3.
kyle | May 13, 2008 at 11:45 pm
I wanted to know why does the combination of Heet and boric acid make a fire turn green i saw it and im curious
4.
azareal | May 14, 2008 at 12:25 pm
The green comes from the emission spectrum of heated boron. Heet is methanol… it makes a good fuel for green fire in part because it doesn’t contain sodium. Sodium has a bright yellow emission that would drown out the green color from the boric acid.
5.
Chris | May 14, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Re your piece on Cherry Pit Toxicity.
I recently saw a recipe for cherry pit ice cream on a food blog, suggesting that cooking the ground inner pit (which is mixed with sugar) and added to the cream, which is heated to 180. The recipe calls for the inner part of 60 or so pits for one batch of ice cream. Thoughts?
Thanks!
6.
JK | May 20, 2008 at 9:04 am
Dear Mrs. Helmenstine,
I’m currently a student in Chemistry AP, and I came about your About.com article on making ferrofluids.
(http://chemistry.about.com/od/demonstrationsexperiments/ss/liquidmagnet.htm)
One of the ingredients necessary in the article is oleic acid. I was wondering if using Canola Oil (57% oleic acid, but wikipedia says only 0.5%-2.5% is actual free acid) would work, or if 100% oleic acid is needed. Would the oleic acid still react with the ammonia?
Thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
JK
7.
Kay Morrison | May 20, 2008 at 9:17 pm
I am making a smoke bomb for science class and could not find the potassium nitrate. I have potassium chlorate and would like to know how much baking soda I should add to 1.5 cups potassium chlorate and 1 cup sugar. Do you cook this recipe or is the chlorate totally different?
8.
mohamud | June 4, 2008 at 11:20 am
sister, i want to teach a chemistry can i have a cd”s of chemistry by vitual learning becouse i stay in somlia.
9.
adam | June 7, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I am a cultural anthorpologist investigating the myth of red mercury in relation to alchemy and ancient beliefs and traditions. i have been surprised finding out that its related to terrorism as well.
i need to ask you to clearify to me whether there is any ancient red mercury used in ancient alchemy and modern red mercury used for other purposes might be related to terrorism….
thank you
yours
a. el masri
10.
sara karimi | June 16, 2008 at 9:37 am
Dear Mrs. Helmenstine
hi
i need help beacause i have cancer and my mother is sick i dont have any money for visit ing doctor i dieing after3 month doctor said
i have 18 year old and i wish make crystal and get money for visitng doctor because my mom dont have money help me plz
11.
qamar | June 16, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Dear Anne,
I am very inspired from you. I am very thankful to you for news letter. I m chemistry teacher and teach classes 11th and 12th.
May you more and more success in your life.
Qamar
12.
qamar | June 16, 2008 at 1:54 pm
we have hand pump in home and EC of water is 1200ppm, which is not good for drinking. Can you suggest some ways to make it portable.
Thanx
13.
Boris korey | June 18, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Dear Anne Since i discovered your webside, i enjoyed your lessons. I am a lover of chemistry and biology. Last week i took my entrance in a private university to start my courses in a medical department.
I will always read from your lessons and use them to review and improve my knowledge in my beloved topics.
I will apply your guides to become a good scientist.Thanks so much for your motivations.
boris korey
14.
Gregory H. Robinson | June 24, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I find it disappointing that in your listing of “famous black chemists” you note Mae Jameson (who is not even a chemist, but is a “retired mediccal doctor”), and mostly deceased chemists (save for one entry). I would refer you to Dr. Joseph Francisco (Perdue University) and Dr. Isiah Warner (Louisiana State University). Drs. Francisco and Warner certainly are “famous” and are successful practicing chemists.
15.
Giovanni Danieli | June 30, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Dear Ms Anna Marie,
I am a simple teacher in upper school for chem. and biol. .
But a friend of mine asked me : ” Do You know how works the light” , I am sure, not the light, but the stick that emit flourescent light, the same You can buy at the Luna Parck.
So can You help me to give him an answer.
( I am sorry for my poor Enghlish.)
I wisch You all the best
Giovanni Danieli
ITALY
16.
sundar | July 6, 2008 at 5:52 pm
madam,
i want to make boric acid gel. at what temperature i should heat to get it. is any other method available other than heating boric acid powder?
kindly reply.
17.
elyfe | August 5, 2008 at 9:39 am
_hi.,.
_your site is a nice site to have a reference…:)
_just like to ask if you have a book or workbook that you have published or have done…may i know the title..??
_thanks very much!
_have a good day ahead…:)
18.
Mark O' Brien | August 7, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Hi, I am an Industrial Biochemistry student in Ireland, I have been getting your emails now for quite some time! They are very interesting! Thank you so much for putting the Chemistry & Biochemistry I learn into everyday perspective! I also wish to achieve Ph.D someday!
Thanks again,
Mark
19.
Rahul Bose | August 10, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Hi there!!!
I am a student from India studying in the IIT.
I was wondering if you could give me some information about p pi-p pi backbonding in Boron Triflouride(BF3).
I need the information ASAP. It would be very kind of you, if you could help.
Thanking you once again.
20.
shiva shankar h d | September 9, 2008 at 12:41 pm
respected mam
i was so inspired by your information.my spirit for doing my further study has been trippled.by your stright forward preeches.you are best advicer as well as best friend if you like.
21.
20. Deborah J./September17,2008 at 12:42 pm | September 17, 2008 at 4:46 pm
DR Helmenstine I am a nursing student and I needed help learing chemistry and how to study for exams.
22.
Wolaz | September 23, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Hello mrs,
23.
locoliam | September 23, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Hi Dr. Helmenstine,
I saw your article “How To Make Resin Papier Mache Paste” on About.com. I’ve checked a number of sites and am confused as to where I would get the powdered resin glue. Craft stores do not seem to have the powdered version, and hardware stores have “polyester” or “plastic” resin glue in huge containers. Are they the same thing you refer to in your article?
While I’m bugging you with questions, can you tell me if the resin glue is non-toxic or biodegradable? I’m looking at a craft for second graders and they might drink from the waterproofed paper mache vases we’re looking to make. I don’t want anyone getting sick.
Thank you, in advance, for your time.
LK – monokatya@yahoo.com
24.
Ryan | September 25, 2008 at 1:56 am
Dr. Helmenstine – I followed your instructions for a storm glass and it works to perfection.I wanted to ask you a question. All my friends want storm glasses now and I want to make them. However, I’m having trouble purchasing the amount of ethanol that I need. Could I substitute 95% pure grain alcohol – the kind purhcased in liquor stores? Thank you so much. I can be contacted at cabocrazed@hotmail.com
Thanks again.
25.
Frankie | October 24, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Oh, how I wish your site were around 30 years ago. I tried to create so many of your experiments myself without any resources as a child and it was always so frustrating. It is very satisfying to read about them all now as an adult. Thanks for your kind sharing of knowledge and humour.
26.
david mcclellan | October 28, 2008 at 6:32 pm
In reply to a post on smoke pigments,
I am attempting to make smoke bombs I have followed these instructions http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryhowtoguide/a/coloredsmoke.htm except I did not add the dye, just the potassium sugar and baking soda. The concoction is not a smoke bomb, it is more of a flaming smoker thing. I am wondering is the dye an essential ingredient for the bomb to create smoke with out the flames? The other thing is when I add the baking soda to the mixture it poufs up, is this suppose to happen?
27.
mohammad jalalian | October 31, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Dear prof.Helmenstine,I am a doctoral student in vienna,I would like contaction with you or your group,and I like known better you
28.
Carlos Javier | November 4, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Hi Dr. Helmenstine, I’m an actual student of Biological and Chemical Scienes in the Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas UANL, in México.
I just wanted to congratulate you for your articles wich I found very interesting, specially the “Turning Lead into Gold” transmutation article, wich I found very informative, and your “home” chemistry experiments.
Hope to read news from you.
29.
mathew | November 20, 2008 at 6:00 am
hmm… i was wondering about the reactions in storm glass… These are the importants facts that i am going to present in my class….. Do you have any idea of it?? Or else, can you tell me more about camphor so that i will know the storm glass better…. Please help me ….
30.
PRIYANSHU | November 28, 2008 at 1:42 pm
your project ’storm glass’ was very helpful to us.
thankfuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuullllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
to yoooooooooooooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
31.
Eddy Harris | December 7, 2008 at 2:23 am
Does any one knows how to make crispy tempura? What should I add to the mix to make it crispy? I tried baking soda but it did not make it crispy at all
Thank you
32.
Judy G | December 15, 2008 at 2:08 am
Hi Dr. Helmenstine,
I read your experiments and want to do them with my class, but I have no fume hood. I never see any reference to using a fume hood, but I still worry about fumes from some experiments. For example the dancing gummi bear. I’d love to try it but it appears to be releaseing copious amounts of “something” into the air. Is it safe without a fume hood? Are all your experiments safe without a fume hood since they do not specify this safety requirement?
Do you think you will ever release a book with all these interesting experiments in it?
Thaks for your help,
Judy G.
33.
Richard | December 28, 2008 at 4:27 am
Hi there, can you tell me: when you light a safety match, what is it you smell, burning phosphorus or burning sulfur?
Many thanks!
Richard
34.
satalkar uday | January 2, 2009 at 4:31 am
Anne actually i also not known the exact full name of you but although i read your newsletter and i am very thankful to you that there is some person who inspiring me for doing me career in chemistry so thank you. your further motivation will help us in achieving the goal in chemistry.
35.
Ray Lundin | January 11, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Dear Dr. Helmenstine,
I’m a gemologist and writing an article on gold. One part explains the gold in gold jewelry. Your article on gold alloys is the best I could find on the net. I would like your permission to print your chart on gold alloy composition in my article. The article is for the Rock & Gem Magazine. Thank you,
Ray Lundin
36.
Carol V | January 14, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Dr Helmenstine, I found your info on a google as I am trying to find a chemist who may be interested in finding the new article concerning melamine only causing kidney stones in humans (unlike what we pet owners were told in 2007 that cyanuric acid was also necessary for kidney crystals/stones…there is a recent journal article which I have been unable to find…even an abstract…did not know if you had any advice as to how to find this…the article may reference to “how much” melamine alone is considered safe and was based on studying the children affected by the melamine milk nightmare in China…here is the journal that is referenced “International Journal of Clinical Chemistry and Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine” and here is the link to the Reuters news article..thanks..
http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNewsMolt/idUKTRE50C2W320090113
37.
mike | January 31, 2009 at 4:02 am
Great site! Always fun to refresh some chemistry concepts. The new economy presents much opportunity for those w basic scientific knowledge-especially cognitive reasoning skills for problem solving. Just look at alternative fuels(ethanol,fermentation processes,microbiology-just to mention one)Chemistry is import. to everyday life.
38.
dony | January 31, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Hello mam…i m dony doing Ph.D…in chemistry…….i m a teacher in a institute and want to make the working models on chemistry, physics and biology topics so plz suggest the method and materials and the thorough procedure …as soon as possible bcoz the the last date of practicals of my students is 07 feb 2009… i m waiting.
39.
vince | February 1, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I am a wrestling coach and am looking for better ways to disenfect my wrestling mats. I currently use bleach but was told it would be better to add vinegar. I know that mixing acid with bleach will produce chlorine gas. My question is at what quantities is this harmful. I currently use 2-3 oz. of bleach/gal of water to mop the mats. Would it hurt to add a small amount of vinegar?
Thanks for the help.
40.
andrew kim | February 24, 2009 at 2:04 am
Hi, my name is Andrew Kim, and I attened to Harbour Pointe Middle School in Mukilteo, Washington. I am 7th grade in the Middle School
Thanks For giving up your time for me.
I am conducting a science fair project on the topic of finding the amount of vitamin C in different brands of Orange juice , and am in need of some expert advice.
Would you be willing to answer a question or two for me?
My investigative question is “What evidence indicates that the different brands of orange juice affects the amount of vitamin C?”
I know that titration is used to measure the amount of vitamin c in certain content. Can you explain how the titration is exactly done, and how it is useful to the community?
Also, I am sure there is a certain measurement to measure vitamin c, such as mg or ml. However, i am not sure of what measurement vitamin c is. Could you explain the measurement for me? (additional question relating to this question: Is there any mathematical procedure to find the measurement (amount) of vitamin c?)
Finally, I understand that stoichiometry is a key thing to learn when you’re finding the chemical amount of a content. However, as I looked up in the dictionary/encyclopedia/internet journal/magazine, the definition was stated very confusing/ ambiguous for me. All I could see was some random equations and way too complicated words. Can you please explain stoichiometry in an easier term?
Do you have any tips or suggestion that will make my science fair project successful?
Thank you for your time. If you happen to live near Mukilteo, Washington, you can come and view our science fair project on Thursday, June, 4th from 7~8:30pm in the HP gym.
again, thanks!
sincerely, Andrew Kim
41.
Dr. Salam | March 2, 2009 at 11:39 am
A prof. of physics, i see that you are mastering successfully so many topics in various fields, especially in chemistry, that very old/new science. My congratulation , keep on going
Salam, from Libya.
42.
Dustin Palmer | March 6, 2009 at 4:04 am
is their any one that can perform a chemical lab test to find out if ” beryllium ” is present in my raw ore from my mine! I have conducted a home test and it show’s that beryllium is present, yet to find someone or a company that can perform a assay report on my raw earth material containing this element has me at a stand still. Any information would be greatly appriciated thanks:) DP
43.
ltreddy | March 20, 2009 at 12:28 pm
great profile,all the best
44.
Wes | April 13, 2009 at 4:26 am
I looked at the pictures of Hawaii’s Green Sand Beach and was amazed that the sand is clear like that and green! Its like… well… I’m not sure what its like! It looks like candy I suppose. I was wonder, with all that green sand, where is it wearing off from? Is it the cliff above it that someone was walking down past on the sand slope? It mentions something about using a ladder but I don’t see one in the picture. Or maybe its wearing off out in the ocean? I don’t know when I’d ever be able to go to Hawaii but that beach sounds really interesting! I have gone to a garnet mine in New York state where there were millions of little tiny red garnets mixed in with black sand. That has been The Most Interesting Sand I have ever seen so far! I know its kinda dorky but I think its interesting! XP
45.
ALI RAZA | April 20, 2009 at 7:15 am
send me some information about chemistry.
46.
Ted Burrett | April 22, 2009 at 7:03 am
If you ever want to see a reader’s feedback
, I rate this post for 4/5. Detailed info, but I just have to go to that damn yahoo to find the missed bits. Thanks, anyway!
47.
casey | April 28, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I have been working with the fire coloring compounds that you have listed on your fire coloring tutorial. Cupric chloride is absolutely beautiful, and makes for some safe elaborations for different effects uses around the fire.
I had some simple questions that you may be able to help me with. With potassium Chloride -purple(I have in granular form), strontium chloride- red(lump form that I ground to a powder), and cupric sulfate – green(lump form that i pulverized), i don’t get very dramatic reactions, and haven’t really seen noticeable color. I am putting up to 1 cup into the fire at a time, giving ample time for the last to burn off before hand. I am not sure what the problem may be.
I am working with a standard sized campfire that is established and quite hot. Could it be that i may need to supply some kind of oxidizer or chloride to my compounds to enhance the reaction?
Any suggestions you can offer will help. Your information on this site has brought smiles to many many faces. Thanks.
48.
BigPoiDog | May 5, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I’ve been meaning to thank you for posting information on the Kids Science Challenge (you tweeted this several months back) — I probably would not have known about it otherwise.
My son Gabriel (3rd grade) was a finalist in the competition (under the SETI topic) and won some really cool prizes. He’s been inspired by his success and has announced to the family that he will be scientist when he grows up — as well as a businessman and musician…ahem.
In any case, you may have set off a butterfly effect that will lead to…who knows where…
Thanks again!
49.
BigPoiDog | May 5, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I went out and got my stump remover over the weekend…
Did I miss the follow up on ideas for home made pyrotechnics for the 4th of July?
Curiosity is killing this cat…
50.
Mark Pitkin | June 29, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Dear Dr. Helmenstine,
I would like to make a reference in my paper to your article on “Rigor mortis”: http://chemistry.about.com/cs/biochemistry/a/aa061903a.htm.
Please advise, how the reference should look like.
Thank you in advance,
Mark Pitkin, Ph.D.
51.
surabhi sumant. | July 10, 2009 at 10:05 am
Hello Mam,
I’m an eleventh grader frm india.I wanted more info on empiricals formula and i found it on about.com….thnx 4 u’r info….i also checked out u’r article on how to make crystals n loved it…i’ll b soon trying them….can u tell me how to make resin papier mache paste i missed that article n curiously want to know….thnx 4 u’r help!!!!Kindly reply……Bye n Take Care!!!!!!!!!!
52.
Maria Pontiero | July 13, 2009 at 2:11 am
What are the implications of every reaction having an equilibrium controlled by kinetics?
Thanks
53.
ace | September 3, 2009 at 7:43 am
Lots of work for PhD students.
More seriously, the result in my experience is preferential reactions – two different reaction pathways might be possible, and you might think you know which is the more likely pathway/product because you’ve looked at the activation energies, but then the kinetics of that reaction might be much slower so you end up with the other… thereby leaving you with completely the wrong product.
Although the real answer is that not every reaction is controlled by kinetics, and there are arguments going on especially for nanoscale reactions as to whether you get kinetic or diffusion-controlled reactions. Fun stuff.
54.
Global | July 27, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I love your projects
55.
Michael Stuart | August 4, 2009 at 4:50 am
I’m a science teacher preparing for a science fair on 8/11/09.
I finally found stump remover in order to make the smoke bomb according to your instructions. Could you please let me know the chemical equation of this reaction?
KNO3 + C12H22O11 + O2? –> ???
Thanks!
56.
Michael Stuart | August 9, 2009 at 1:17 am
I have 2 more reaction questions:
1. I learned of a reaction of vinegar with the Ca carbonate in eggshell. Is this the correct reaction?
CaCO3(s) + CH3COOH –> Ca2+(ion) + OH-(ion) + CO2(g) + CH3COO- (acetate ion)
2. We cooked sucrose until it left a black residue. Is this the reaction? C12H22O11 –> C(s) + H2O(g) ?
57.
Matthew Wilson | August 20, 2009 at 4:05 am
I am a Bingo Manager for an Indian casino in California located about 1/2 mile from the Sacramento River and tons of farm land. My bingo hall seats close to 1000 people and has relatively easy access to the outdoors. Traffic in and out of the hall is abundant.
Naturally, this mean LOTS of mosquitos and flies. Although the flies are a nuisance, the mosquitos are the biggest problem. They are hardest to control. As we serve food in the hall, typical means of controlling these pests cannot be used (i.e. DEET sprays). However, after reading your article on “natural repellants,” I was curious if you have had any success in large rooms or auditoriums.
My thinking is that little candle dishes can be placed on the tables and various oils can be added to “repel” the mosquitos away from the guests.
Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you very much
58.
azareal | August 20, 2009 at 1:10 pm
A lot of people use citronella candles as an insect repellent. However, some people are sensitive to the natural oils even as some are sensitive to the synthetic repellents.
Another option would be to use positive air pressure. Grocery stores and restaurants with outdoor seating use these blowers with great success. I don’t believe they are terribly expensive.
59.
Brian Dolezal | September 1, 2009 at 7:13 pm
When doing calculaitons is it best to round significant figures with each step or to just round at the end of the problem?
60.
ace | September 3, 2009 at 7:36 am
Always at the end of the problem. That’s the way I was taught, and if you work through a problem you will see that the more often you round, the more errors you introduce into each step. Keep as many figures in as you are able until the end of the calculations, and then ensure that the final answer is rounded to the appropriate number of significant figures.
61.
ace | September 3, 2009 at 7:34 am
I tutor both secondary and tertiary chemistry. I spend hours working through lecture notes coming up with question sheets for my students. Your question sheets and worked examples for things such as C14 dating really help to spark a bit of interest! Thank you so much.
62.
Alice | September 5, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I looked up your article about substituting for Baking Soda and I am thoroughly confused. What you said makes no sense-if I triple the amount of baking soda I am not getting rid of the baking soda but that’s what you said. Also what is tdp – is that supposed to stand for tsp? All I need is a substitute for baking soda -
63.
Alice | September 5, 2009 at 7:52 pm
I forgot to check the notify me box – please notify me via e-mail
64.
Annie | September 30, 2009 at 3:01 am
hello, Azareal!
how can chemistry related to preventing the flood?
65.
khazunghu paul | October 2, 2009 at 10:23 pm
i need to thank you with my open heart because you support us on your site God be with u.i am rwandese in cental africa with 25years iam student in natinal university of rwanda, sciences faculity and departement of chemistry that why i like chemistry very well i need to become proffessor like u; in general i use your site in laboratory rapport,to consulte your project ,and so on please be with God in your work to support you
66.
E.MAHESH BABU | October 3, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Dear Madam,
Iam pursuing chemistry.Iam very thankful to give information and I INSPIRED from you
67.
hooban | October 10, 2009 at 8:47 am
dear regard
im work HSE in OIL & GAS com
i neeeeeeed to safety signs (type ,size ,colour
68.
bakhshi arash | October 21, 2009 at 10:14 am
plz help
i want making cristal meth(bad)
69.
Jasmine | October 28, 2009 at 2:28 am
i am using your experiment about changing the color of fire as my science fair experiment. It is very fun and I thankk you for providing me with enough information. I have one dilema though. Some of the colorants listed are not where you say they are. I would appreciate your help finding those colorants.
70.
Jasmine | October 28, 2009 at 2:30 am
I am not doing the same exact experiment, but one similiar to it.
71.
John Phillips | November 7, 2009 at 2:20 am
On two occasions I have seen a stalagmite form in the cat’s dish at temps of about -2C or close to. The first time the stalagmite was almost as large in diameter as a AAA cell and a bit longer. The second time the stalagmite was a needle shape about 3″ long and tapered. Both times the stalagmite leaned about 10 degrees from the vertical. The water was bottled water as bought in a Carboy for home consumption.
I have pix of both.
Comments ?
72.
mehdi | November 16, 2009 at 10:44 am
I’m one of your bigest fan and almost any time you have send me an E -mail, I have been every happy and thankfull when I have read that. I am industrial hyginist and my back ground is Geology. I’ll be more than happy to talk about chemistry in these fields of science to gether .
thank you and sincerely yours.
Dr Pourmoghani