The trick behind magic candles!!

Hey Guys!!

I found this interesting article that explains the truth behind Magic Candles used for birthday cakes! When you blow out a normal candle, you will see a thin ribbon of smoke rise up from the wick; while trick candles have fine flakes of the metal magnesium. Since it doesn't take too much heat to make magesium ignite (800° F or 430° C), but the magnesium itself burns white-hot and readily ignites the paraffin vapor, capable of being ignited by the relatively low temperature of the hot wick ember.


As I read this article, it came to my mind the last experiment that we did in our chemistri Lab class, since we also worked with Magnesium, remmembering it's bright appearance when it is heatted.

If you want to read more about this interesting article here is the link!

http://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingsworkfaqs/f/bltrickcandle.htm

Take Care!!

Nohora C. Duque

The Chemistry of Food, Part 3--Proteins and Amino Acids

this is a very interesting article, it shows how proteins are an important class of macronutrients. Our bodies use proteins for growth and to build and repair body tissues. Each protein is a large complex molecule made up of a long chain of building blocks called amino acids. when we eat food, the digestive enzymes break the protein down into shorter amino acids chain and to individual amino acids. the amino acids then enter the blood stream and travel to the cells where they are incorporated into new proteins. if you want to know more, visit the website http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/chemistry/78267

Rodrigo Monsalve

Bubbles work just as well as electronic circuits

I thought this was a very interesting article because it comments on the new technology of
bubble logic that merges chemistry with computation technology. It relates how a new technology has been developed and it has replaced traditional electrical current in our computer chips to ones that work with the flow of tiny bubbles. Interesting isn't it?
The link is http://www.physorg.com/news90167885.html

Okie,
Vivian Coolen

Test on Chapter 4

Hey, I just wanted to let you guys know my thoughts on the test. I thought that this test was not hard at all, but I have to admit that it was a little bit tricky on some questions. I was expecting the test to be harder-er than what it actually was. I think that the review or practice problems that Professor Okafor provides us are very helpful, it is an excellent review for the tests. I would like to hear opinions on the test from other people in the class. Thankyou very much.

Thanks,
Yasiel Hernandez

Do You Burn More Calories when you think Hard?

HEY PEOPLE!!!

I found a very interesting article, it says that “our brain requires a tenth of a calorie per minute”. The brain communicates with other neurons through body tissues. These neurons produce chemicals called “Transmitters” and in order to have neurotransmitters, every neuron removes 75% of glucose (available calories) and 20% of oxygen blood.

Well, this was like a short introduction for you guys, if you want to know more go check the website, they have pretty good articles also.

http://chemistry.about.com/b/a/257680.htm

Can drinking too much water lead to water intoxication?

HEy guys!!

I found this interesting article, which is related to a question that was brought up by Francia in class, of Can drinking too much water lead to water intoxication? and in some how it is also related with solutes and dilution (seein in ch. 4).

It explains that when too much water enters the body's cells, the tissues swell with the excess fluid. Your cells maintain a specific concentration gradient, so excess water outside the cells (the serum) draws sodium from within the cells out into the serum in an attempt to re-establish the necessary concentration. As more water accumulates, the serum sodium concentration drops -- a condition known as hyponatremia.

The other way cells try to regain the electrolyte balance is for water outside the cells to rush into the cells via osmosis. The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from higher to lower concentration is called osmosis. Although electrolytes are more concentrated inside the cells than outside, the water outside the cells is 'more concentrated' or 'less dilute' since it contains fewer electrolytes. Both electrolytes and water move across the cell membrane in an effort to balance concentration. Theoretically, cells could swell to the point of bursting.

BUt the truth is that , most adults need about three quarts of fluid each day. Much of that water comes from food, so 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day is a common recommended intake. You may need more water if the weather is very warm or very dry, if you are exercising, or if you are taking certain medications. The bottom line is this: it's possible to drink too much water, but unless you are running a marathon or an infant, water intoxication is a very uncommon condition.

If you want to read the complete article, this is the link http://chemistry.about.com/cs/5/f/blwaterintox.htm, Hope you enjoy it!!

Nohora C. Duque

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Hi everyone!
I found this article that I thought was interesting. You've probably all heard of carbon monoxide detectors, but this gives you important details about them. I hope it benefits someone! :-)
-Francia
http://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingswork/a/codetectors.htm