Isomers are compounds with the same molecular, but different structural formulas. Isobutane is an isomer of butane. It belongs to a class of compounds called alkanes, which are chains of carbon atoms where each carbon atom is attached to as many hydrogen atoms as possible.  Its chemical formula is C4H10. Butane consists of four carbon atoms. With four such atoms, it is possible to link the atoms in two completely different ways. The first way, where all the four atoms are linked in a row, is referred to as Butane. Read More

Photoelectron spectroscopy is the study of energy and how it relates to matter in terms of absorption and production. Photoelectron spectroscopy observes both wavelengths and frequencies and is used to view the physical composition of chemicals and solids. It is used in both analytical and physical chemistry and astronomy in order to study an object’s physical properties and velocity by measuring the amount of energy being transferred to and from the object. Specifically, photoelectron spectroscopy measures how the absorption of electromagnetic radiation affects the electrons it produced. How does Photoelectron Read More

Phosphorescence is an effect in which some chemicals re-emit light that they absorb. It is similar to fluorescence, except that the chemical reactions within phosphorescent materials happen less often, thus they take longer to emit light. Phosphorescent materials can be recharged by being exposed to light and may store light for several hours before it is re-emitted. Phosphorescence and fluorescence make up the vast majority of glow-in-the-dark products, with fluorescence generally being used in situations that involve a steady power source and phosphorescence being used in situations that do not. Read More

The Brookfield Viscometer makes it possible to measure viscosity by employing techniques in viscometry. Viscometers (which can also be called viscosimeters) can measure viscosity through the varying flow conditions of the sample material being tested. They employ a spindle on a shaft that is designed to be dipped or immersed into a liquid that is then rotated. The rotation causes the fluid to produce a drag, which is then measured with the applied torque on the liquid’s viscosity. They are not designed to measure multiple flow conditions, but are possible Read More

Acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame K or Ace K, where “K” is the elemental symbol for potassium) is commonly used as an artificial sweetener or flavor enhancer. It is used in low calorie food products as it replaces sugar and other natural sweeteners that commonly add large amounts of calories. Acesulfame potassium’s trade names include “Sunett” and “Sweet One” and has the additive code E950 in the European Union. It looks like a white crystalline powder when pure. Acesulfame potassium’s chemical formula is C4H4KNO4S and is technically a potassium salt. Why is Read More

Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) silicone is a rubber polymer used to create molds, prototypes, and sealant. It is extremely flexible and quite tear resistant. It is made up of two separate components: a base and a curative. RTV silicone can be poured, sprayed, brushed, or pumped onto a surface. Either moisture or heat dries it, depending on the specific product. How RTV Silicone is Made RTV silicone is made through a process known as vulcanization. This process involves mixing rubber polymers with additives such as sulfur in order to make Read More

Potassium alum is also known as potash alum, tawas, and alum (its common name). The specific compound is the hydrated potassium aluminum sulfate and it is commonly found in deodorant, aftershave treatments, fireproof textiles, baking powder, and used in leather tanning and water purification. It is soluble and liquefies when heated. Potassium alum is colorless in crystal form and is completely translucent when 100% pure, making it popular amongst those who collect minerals in the wild. Potassium Alum’s Characteristics Potassium alum is very soluble in water and becomes a porous, Read More

An adhesive remover is a chemical that can break the chemical bonds of adhesives. There is a wide variety of adhesive removers because there are many different types of adhesives. Each adhesive on the market has a slightly different formula/chemical structure. Therefore, an adhesive remover must be specifically formulated to break down each adhesive. Adhesive removers can either be toxic or nontoxic and can range in texture depending on the type of adhesive it was made to remove. Toxic Adhesive Removers Solvent-based Solvent-based adhesive removers are the most toxic but Read More

Superfluidity is the phase in which a fluid exhibits frictionless flow. The fluid’s viscosity vanishes and the thermal conductivity becomes infinite during this phase. This is possible because some liquids overcome friction when interacting with surfaces when the fluid’s viscosity is zero. Zero viscosity makes it possible for a fluid to have a very unique motion, which is yet to be fully understood or exploited. Properties of Superfluids Superfluidity allows matter to be in a state where a two fluid model can exist. This means that mass can be transferred Read More

Luminol is a substance that has a blue or green glow when it comes in contact with blood, certain metals, or other oxidizing agents. It is made from hydrazine and hydrogen peroxide and exhibits chemiluminescence, the process by which light is emitted from a chemical reaction. Luminol has many uses, but is most widely used for crime scene investigation and forensic science. This is because trace amounts of iron found in hemoglobin, a substance found in blood that is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, activates luminol. How Luminol Read More