Prior to advances in x-ray scattering technology, creativity and mathematics were the tools used to estimate the size of atoms. As it turns out, the accuracy of such estimates was best when information about solids was used in calculations. Since solids and liquids can only be compressed to a negligible extent, we are at libertyContinue reading “SOLIDS: The Size of Atoms”
Tag Archives: mole
ENERGY AND MOMENTUM: The Joule
The International System of Units ( SI ) uses seven base units to describe seven fundamental quantities that can be measured by scientists: Symbol Name Base quantity second ( s ) time meter ( m ) length kilogram ( kg ) mass ampere ( A ) electric current kelvin (Continue reading “ENERGY AND MOMENTUM: The Joule”
CHEMISTRY: A Review of Molarity ( M ), Balanced Chemical Reactions, Limiting Reagents, and Quantitative Analysis
Balanced chemical reactions ( RXN ) represent reactions in which perfect ratios of reactants and products react. Let’s consider a photosynthetic RXN where glucose reacts with molecular oxygen to form carbon dioxide, water, and energy: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy In the subatomic world, a single molecule of glucose reacts withContinue reading “CHEMISTRY: A Review of Molarity ( M ), Balanced Chemical Reactions, Limiting Reagents, and Quantitative Analysis”
STOICHIOMETRY: Balancing Chemical Reactions
Stoichiometry is founded upon the law of the conservation of mass. A chemical reaction’s ( RXN ) reactants and products must be balanced in such a way that a rearrangement of atoms ( or molecules ) occurs, but the total mass of atoms involved in the RXN is conserved. Let’s begin with an examination ofContinue reading “STOICHIOMETRY: Balancing Chemical Reactions”
CHEMISTRY: What Quantity Does a Mole Describe?
CHEMISTRY 101: WHAT IS A ” MOLE “? HOW DOES THE QUANTITY DESCRIBED AS BEING A ” MOLAR ” QUANTITY CONNECT THE INVISIBLE SUBATOMIC WORLD TO THE VISIBLE WORLD? A balanced chemical equation is representative of a chemical reaction ( RXN ). For example, water is known to be made of two hydrogen ions +Continue reading “CHEMISTRY: What Quantity Does a Mole Describe?”
RENAISSANCE PHYSICS 