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Chemistry Facts

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.

Why does popcorn pop?

Popcorn is the most amazing food! It all starts with a kernel only several millimeters in diameter which explodes into a 40-50 times bigger fluffy, tasty, white wonder. The kernel is made of three ... Continue reading

The evolution of the popcorn kernel as it is exploding. Compare the sizes before and after it has popped.

Hydrogen Reaction Experiment Reaps a Surprise

Scientists got a surprise recently when a team of physical chemists at Stanford University studied a common hydrogen reaction. Scientists got a surprise recently when a team of physical chemists at ... Continue reading

Table Salt - It's All In The Ions

All elements are defined by their individual atoms, which are in turn identified by the number of protons in the nucleus of each atom. Since protons are carriers of positive electrical charge, there ... Continue reading