Chemistry Facts

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.

Carbon Dating

As isotopes break down, or decay they give off radiation. Materials that decompose in this way are said to have a 'half-life'. As the quantity of material present decreases, so does the actual rate at ... Continue reading

Scientists date fossils by measuring carbon.

Why Doesn't Glue Get Hard In The Plastic Bottle?

Glue, in its many different forms, is a very simple-to-apply sort of thing that represents a surprisingly complex amount of chemistry and physics. On the face of it, what could be simpler? Put on the ... Continue reading

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.

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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