Chemistry Facts

Radioactive Radon

Radon is a gas produced by the radioactive decay of the element radium. Radioactive decay is a natural, spontaneous process in which an atom of one element decays or breaks down to form another ... Continue reading

Radon gas, a radioactive product of uranium, can reach high levels in some houses, depending on the local geology and house construction.

Knocking the NOx Out of Coal

Nitrogen is the most common part of the air we breathe. In fact, about 80% of the air is nitrogen. Normally, nitrogen atoms float around joined to each other like chemical couples. But when air is ... Continue reading

Air is mostly nitrogen molecules (green in the above diagram) and oxygen molecules (purple). When heated hot enough (around 3000 degrees F), the molecules break apart and oxygen atoms link with the nitrogen atoms to form NOx, an air pollutant.

What is Oxidation?

The term 'oxidation' derives from the ancient observation of rust (oxide) formation. Early chemists could determine an increase in the weight of a metal as it apparently captured something from the ... Continue reading

SO2: What is it? Where does it come from?

Sulfur dioxide, or SO2, belongs to the family of sulfur oxide gases (SOx). These gases dissolve easily in water. Sulfur is prevalent in all raw materials, including crude oil, coal, and ore that ... Continue reading

People with asthma are particularly affected by peak levels of SO2.

More Chemistry Facts

Atmospheric Chemistry:

Chemical Composition:

Liquid Glass Is All Wet

Chemical Properties:

Chemical Reactions:

Elements and Compounds:

Food:

Medicine:

Take Two And Call Me In The Morning

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