Compound Interest: chemistry

“Why Does Asparagus Make Your Wee Smell?”: Now Available in Paperback, and in French!

November 22, 2016 0Comments 0Likes 191Views

The Christmas holidays are approaching, and with eerily good timing, “Why Does Asparagus Make Your Wee Smell?” is now out in paperback in the UK! And even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, it still makes a for a pretty good impromptu present for any food-obsessed family members, or even just for yourself. It’s got something for everyone; whether you want to know why some people hate Brussels sprouts, how to stop avocados turning brown, or if carrots can really help you see in the dark, you can grab a copy here.

What is 2,4-DNPH and Why Are Schools Carrying Out Controlled Explosions?

November 7, 2016 1Comment 0Likes 248Views

In the UK, school chemistry departments found themselves unexpectedly hitting the headlines last week due to a chemical used in A level chemistry practicals. The chemical involved was 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH) – so what is it and why the sudden spate of concern? This post and graphic takes a look at the chemical facts behind the stories.

The History of the Atom – Theories and Models

October 13, 2016 9Comments 42Likes 705Views

An infographic history of the atom. Dalton identified that atoms of a particular element differ from those of other elements. Thomson discovered the electron and described the 'plum pudding' model of the atom: electrons scattered throughout a cloud of positive charge. Rutherford identified that the positive charge was concentrated in the nucleus of the atom. Bohr modified Rutherford's model by stating that electrons move in orbits of fixed sizes and energies. Schrödinger stated that electrons do not move in paths around the nucleus but in waves. — Click to enlarge

All matter is made up of atoms. This is something we now take as a given and one of the things you learn right back at the beginning of high school or secondary school chemistry classes. Despite this, our ideas about what an atom is are surprisingly recent: as little as one hundred years ago, scientists were still debating what exactly an atom looked like. This graphic takes a look at the key models proposed for the atom, and how they changed over time.

The Chemistry of Dentistry – In C&EN

June 13, 2016 1Comment 1Like 250Views

In this month’s Periodic Graphics in Chemistry & Engineering News magazine, we’re looking at the chemistry dentists use to keep your pearly…

The Periodic Table - Element Name Origins

The Periodic Table of Elements: Element Name Origins

June 9, 2016 5Comments 4Likes 362Views

[Click here to view a larger version of this table]

With yesterday’s announcement of the proposed names for the periodic table’s four newest members, the periodic table of elements will soon have a completed seventh period. This graphic, featured in The Conversation, and produced in collaboration with Professor Mark Lorch of the University of Hull, takes a look at the origins of the names of all 118 elements!

Proposed New Element Names Announced!

June 8, 2016 3Comments 1Like 256Views

IUPAC have announced the proposed names for the new elements in the periodic table, whose discoveries were confirmed at the turn of…