Chemistry of Fire

The chemical chain reaction which takes place with the evolution of heat and light is simply known as fire. Fire is an exothermic, self-sustaining chemical reaction that involves a solid, liquid, or gas-phase fuel and is typically associated with the oxidation of this fuel by atmospheric oxygen, which results in the emission of energy in the form of heat and light. In other words, a fuel and oxygen undergo a chemical reaction known as combustion that produces carbon dioxide and water. It is an exothermic reaction, which means that it generates heat. This is because the oxygen molecule's chemical connections are relatively weak, and the new bonds created are more stable, leading to a net production of energy.

Many of us had the basic combustion equation for fire drilled into us in school: fuel + oxygen = carbon dioxide + water. However, carbon dioxide is not produced in a direct chain during combustion events. As an alternative, numerous intermediary molecules are used throughout the way. These intermediate molecules can occasionally be created in extremely high amounts as a result of incomplete combustion. For instance, a flame that receives insufficient oxygen may create carbon monoxide rather than carbon dioxide.

When two gases react, creating both heat and light, a flame is created. Some flames burn hotter than others because different gases react in different ways and produce different quantities of energy. For example, a domestic candle's flame can burn at temperatures between 800 and 1000 degrees Celsius. By altering the reaction, for as by substituting pure oxygen for air, a flame can be made to burn at a greater temperature. Oxy-acetylene, which is created by burning a mixture of oxygen and acetylene, produces a flame that burns at over 3000°C and can be used to cut, melt, and weld metals.

Each stage of the process and all of the intermediate molecules involved, which naturally vary depending on the fuel, are still not entirely understood. This is one reason why we started studying fire in space; without the interference of gravity, it is simpler to investigate the more intricate aspects of combustion.

Conditions for a fire:

Oxygen in air As stated in the definition of fire, air oxygen is typically the oxidizing agent. The fact that oxygen makes up about 20% of the atmosphere, as will be detailed later, typically makes it simple to understand why it is actually present. The availability of oxygen, however, plays a crucial role in the intensity and spread of a fire.

Other oxidizing agents, such as potassium chlorate (KClO3) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3), which have oxygen in their chemical makeup, can provide oxygen to a fire under the right circumstances. Additionally, in extremely unusual circumstances, combustion can take place in an environment of carbon dioxide or another gas without oxygen.

Fuel Practically, any substance that exists in a chemical state where it may be oxidized by oxygen in the presence of a suitable ignition source can be regarded as the fuel mentioned in the definition.

In fire investigations, organic substances with considerable concentrations of carbon (often 50% and more) and hydrogen are the most frequent fuels that need to be taken into account. Natural substances like wood, cotton, and so on are among them, as are synthetic substances like plastics, paints, rubbers, and so forth, as well as refined fuels and solvents like gasoline, lighting kerosene, and methylated spirits.

Heat Energy is required to excite both the fuel and oxygen molecules to the active state essential for chemical reaction. The ignition temperature of the fuel is the lowest temperature required to start the "self-sustaining chemical reaction" mentioned in the definition of fire. Fire investigators are primarily interested in the source of ignition because this can be used to determine the cause of the fire.

Chemistry Behind Colors

 When you think about it, color is kind of strange. Think about the different colors that you see around you every day. Each one of them has its own distinct properties, and yet they all seem to share some basic similarities. There are lots of different types of colors, but they are all variations of three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. Red, yellow, and blue are also known as the primary colors because these three types of light can combine to create any other color on the spectrum.

 The result is a series of blue-green color combinations, the most common being red, yellow and green. All together these are usually referred to as 'red' or 'violet'.

It's not just about making it easier for people who want to buy organic cosmetics but more importantly because they could also benefit from this process – allowing them greater control over when their own skin gets affected by environmental pollution (including pesticides). "Most beauty products carry chemicals which make that happen," explains Professor Simon Morris, director general at British Cosmetics Association. Some have active ingredients such an insect repellent spray; others contain tiny amounts in soaps.

 These three (Red, yellow, and blue) hues are also the simplest to identify in a visual test because almost everyone can identify them as being one of those three hues. So what makes these specific colors so special? Let’s find out!

1. Blue

Blue color comes from the chemical structure of indigo. Indigo is a blue-colored dye extracted from plants of the genus Indigofera. It is produced by the oxidation of indole (a derivative of tryptamine) to indoxyl sulfate.

2. Green

 Green color comes from the chemical structures of chlorophyll and carotene. Chlorophyll is a green pigment present in all plants. Carotene is a yellowish orange pigment found in carrots and some fruits and vegetables.

3. Red

 Red color comes from the chemical compounds of anthocyanin. Anthocyanins are red pigments found in many flowers, berries, and roots.

4. Yellow

 Yellow color comes from the chemical compound of flavonoids. Flavonoids are yellow pigments found in many foods including apples, citrus fruits, onions, and chrysanthemums.

5. Orange

 Orange color comes from the chemical composition of lycopene. Lycopene is a reddish orange pigment found in tomatoes, watermelons, and guavas.

6. Purple

 Purple color comes from the chemical components of betalains. Betalains are purple pigments found in beetroot, amaranth, and pansies.

7. Brown

 Brown color comes from the chemical compositions of tannins. Tannins are brown colored pigments found in tea, wine, and oak trees.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2022: Click Chemistry

On 5 October 2022, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2022 to Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Morten Meldal and K. Barry Sharpless “for the development of click chemistry and bioorthogonal chemistry”.

 

In Click chemistry, the molecules are connected together with the simple command of "click." Making complicated processes simpler is the focus of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. A functional branch of chemistry known as "click chemistry," in which molecular building pieces fit together rapidly and precisely, was established by Barry Sharpless and Morten Meldal. Click chemistry has been expanded by Carolyn Bertozzi, who has begun applying it to living things. For a very long time, chemists have been motivated by the ambition to create ever-more complex compounds. This has frequently involved generating artificial versions of natural compounds with therapeutic qualities in pharmaceutical research. This has produced numerous admirable molecular constructs, but they are typically time- and money-consuming to make.

The theme of this year's Chemistry Prize is working with what is straightforward and uncomplicated rather than overcomplicating things. Even by following a simple path, functional molecules can be created, according to Johan Qvist, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry. The initiative was established by Barry Sharpless, who is currently receiving his second Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He developed the idea of "click chemistry" around the year 2000, which is a type of straightforward chemistry in which reactions take place rapidly and unintended byproducts are avoided. Shortly after, independently of one another, Morten Meldal and Barry Sharpless presented the azide-alkyne cycloaddition, which is generally regarded as the pinnacle of click chemistry.
Now used frequently, this chemical reaction is both beautiful and effective. It is used, among many other things, to map DNA, produce medications, and make materials that are better suited for their intended application. Carolyn Bertozzi raised the bar for click chemistry. She created click reactions that function inside living beings in order to map crucial but elusive proteins called glycans that are found on the surface of cells. Her bioorthogonal processes happen without interfering with the cell's regular chemistry. Today, people all over the world employ these reactions to investigate cells and monitor biological processes. Researchers have enhanced the targeting of cancer medications using bioorthogonal processes, which are currently being examined in clinical studies.

Chemistry has entered the functionalism age thanks to click chemistry and bioorthogonal reactions. The greatest benefit to humanity is being provided by this. Illustrations Use of the illustrations for non-commercial uses is free. " Johan Jarnestad/The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences" should be credited.

Illustrations

Illustration: Nobel prize in Chemistry

Illustration: The click reaction that changed chemistry 

Illustration: Bioorthogonal chemistry illuminates the cell

Brief Info about the Winners

Carolyn R. Bertozzi, born 1966 in USA. PhD 1993 from UC Berkeley, CA, USA. Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor at Stanford University, CA, USA.

Morten Meldal, born 1954 in Denmark. PhD 1986 from Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark. Professor at University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

K. Barry Sharpless, born 1941 in Philadelphia, PA, USA. PhD 1968 from Stanford University, CA, USA. W. M. Keck Professor at Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.

 

Prize amount: 10 million Swedish kronor, to be shared equally between the Laureates.

The Chemistry Behind Your Phone: What You Need to Know

The average American checks their phone 150 times a week, and they don’t even have an iPhone. It’s not just the way we communicate that has changed; phones themselves are something very different from what they used to be. Smartphones today have many functions beyond making calls, sending texts, and checking email. In fact, most of us use our phones to take photos, stream music, access social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, play games, record video and much more. This article takes a look at all the amazing things your smartphone can do thanks to chemistry. We explore the role of science in your phone’s camera, microphone, speakers, battery and other features – along with how manufacturers achieve those results at an affordable price point – so you can geek out about it over happy hour with friends or family members.

The Camera: What’s Behind the Brightness, Colour and Resolution?

All of the major smartphone manufacturers use cameras made by a company called Sony. Those companies include Apple, Samsung, LG, Huawei, and even Google, which makes its own Pixel phones. Sony makes the sensors inside these cameras and the image processing software, too. Sony was an early pioneer in the use of these image sensors and the production of CMOS sensors. CMOS stands for complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor and it is used in most digital cameras today to capture and store an image, just like film in older cameras did. The sensors in these cameras get their brightness and colour by using an RGB filter, which is an approach that was introduced decades ago. The RGB colours represent the three primary colours needed to create the full spectrum of colour that our eyes can see. What makes these RGB filters special is that all three filters are made from a single piece of material. The colour filter is made from silicon, which is the main component in sand. The silicon is treated in different ways to produce either red, green or blue filters as needed.

Screen: How do they work?

The most important part of any smartphone is the screen. Without a screen, a phone isn’t much more than a brick. Fortunately, we have advanced technology that allows us to have large, bright screens in a tiny device. How do they work? A smartphone screen is made up of millions of tiny pixels. Each pixel is made up of two tiny red, green or blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs). When a pixel needs to be red, electricity travels through the LED and turns it on. This makes the pixel red. When electricity flows through the LED again, it turns off the pixel. This allows the pixel to be any colour in between red and black. The chemicals inside this LED are critical to its effectiveness. When electricity flows through the LED, it causes chemicals inside to travel between two electrodes. This releases photons (light particles) that are visible to the human eye. When the electricity stops flowing, the electrons go back to their original position, which stops the photons from being released. This process is repeated millions of times per second.

The Microphone: Why Are They So Good At Recording Audio?

Although audio is a secondary feature for most people when it comes to a smartphone, it’s still an important function for those who want to record concerts and sporting events, podcast, or even use the microphone as a voice-activated remote control for their TV. The primary mic in smartphones is usually the one used for answering and placing calls and it’s a basic MEMS or piezoelectric microphone. MEMS microphones have been around for decades and have very low noise compared to standard condenser microphones. They are also very small and they are used in smartphones, smart speakers, and almost all other audio devices, like Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Apple Homepod.

The Speakers: How Do They Sound So Good?

The speakers in smartphones are usually MEMS speakers, too, the same ones used in the microphones. Although smartphones have speakers on the front and back of the device, most people use the front speakers. That’s because the sound coming from the back speakers is reflected off of whatever surface the phone is resting on, creating a sound that is very muffled, and not nearly as loud as the sound from the front speaker. The speakers in a smartphone are both very tiny and very close together. It’s a design challenge that manufacturers work hard to overcome. Engineers use several different approaches to deal with this problem. One common technique is called “cascading,” where sound coming out of one speaker is used to drive the other speaker. Another approach is something called “acoustical coupling,” where the speakers are placed right next to each other so the sound is coupled together and travels through the air as one sound wave.

The Battery: Why Are Smartphone Batteries So Small?

While battery technology has evolved over the years, it hasn’t kept pace with the increase in power consumption of smartphones. The lithium-ion batteries used in smartphones are fairly recent. They have many advantages that have made them the battery of choice, including their light weight and ability to be recharged relatively easily. That said, lithium-ion batteries are not a perfect technology. They are still susceptible to catching fire if they are overcharged, used improperly, or are damaged in some way. All of the major smartphone manufacturers make their batteries in-house and have their own labs. In fact, many manufacturers have more than one lab because batteries are such a complicated part. It’s an incredibly difficult process to get the battery right and meet the standards set by international regulators. Each manufacturer has its own proprietary formula for the chemistry in its batteries, which is why they don’t all last the same amount of time.

Other Features: Fingerprint Scanners, Practice Software and More

Many smartphones have fingerprint scanners that are used for security and unlocking the phone, but they are also great for accessing certain apps. The fingerprint scanner that is used in Apple and Samsung phones is different than the fingerprint scanners that are used for authentication by law enforcement. It’s a capacitive sensor that uses a small electrical charge to determine if there’s a fingerprint there. Practice software can be installed on smartphones to help you improve your skills in many different areas. There are apps to help with foreign language skills, music skills, and even apps that help you practice mental exercises, like improving your memory or skills at critical thinking.

Final Thoughts

Phones have changed so much since the days of the rotary phone, but they are also very much the same, too. They are still a way for people to communicate with one another, they are just much faster, have better clarity and have the ability to go beyond just one conversation at a time. The phone has become so much more than that in today’s world, and it’s exciting to see what the future holds for them.

 

10 Reasons Why You Should Study Chemistry

Image Source: FreeImages

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Chemistry has a reputation for being dry, complex and difficult. In truth, it can be any of these things. But chemistry also has many hidden depths and some amazing applications in your everyday life. If you’re reading this article, you probably aren’t sure if studying chemistry is the right choice for you. We understand that it can feel like every other subject gives you more bang for your academic buck — after all, statistics is cool, geography will guarantee you a job one day and sociology might help you understand the world around you. In this blog post, we’ll give you 10 good reasons why studying chemistry is worthwhile. With so much information available online about different subjects or areas of study (known as ‘counselling’), it can be difficult to cut through the noise and decide what’s best for you. If reading this article makes you want to study chemistry even more than before, then great! Read on to discover why…

Chemistry can be valuable for your future career.

Chemistry is a very broad subject, with applications in many other fields. You might be studying it because you’re genuinely interested in it and want to know more about it. And that’s fine — it’s great to choose a subject that you enjoy. But if you want to study chemistry to improve your employability in the future, there are lots of ways that you can do that. There are thousands of careers that use chemistry as a core skill, from forensics to pharmaceuticals to forensic science. If you’re interested in a particular area, but not sure how chemistry will help you in that area, then a good course of action is to speak to an expert in that field. You can often find industry professionals giving talks at universities, as well as on social media. Simply reach out and ask them how they use chemistry in their work.

Chemistry can be fun.

Let’s get this out of the way: there’s no right or wrong reason to study a subject. If you’re reading this article because you’re not sure if chemistry is for you, you might be drawn to it because you think you’ll enjoy it or want to be able to say it’s cool. That’s perfectly fine! We’re not here to try and change your mind or convince you that you should study chemistry. But if you’re reading this article because you’re not sure if chemistry is for you, and the idea of studying chemistry makes you anxious or you’re not sure if it’s for you, then hopefully we can change your mind. Chemistry is an amazing subject that can help you understand the world around you, give you a glimpse into the future and help you land a job.

You’ll learn how things work in the world around you.

By studying chemistry, you can learn how things work in the world around you. You can discover how your body reacts to certain chemicals, how carbon emissions are changing our planet, what chemicals are in your food and what they do to your body and how plants use sunlight to create energy. Chemicals play a huge part in our daily lives, whether we realize it or not. That’s partly because they are incredibly useful, but also partly because they are incredibly common. You are made up of billions of tiny chemical reactions — from how you digest food to how your brain produces thoughts and feelings. By studying chemistry, you can learn how these reactions work and what chemicals are involved in them. You can also learn how other chemicals interact with other chemicals (which are called reactions) to create new chemicals. This is where chemistry gets really interesting and exciting.

Studying chemistry is good preparation for other sciences.

Chemistry is often considered the gateway to other sciences. By studying chemistry, you’ll gain an understanding of the scientific method in general and how to conduct experiments. This makes chemistry a great subject to study if you want to go on to study another science, like biology or physics. Chemistry is also a great subject if you want to go into medicine but need to take the chemistry-based entrance exams. There are lots of other opportunities to get involved in a lab and experiment with different chemicals, so if you enjoy that aspect of chemistry, then you have lots of opportunities to pursue more of those kinds of activities in other subjects.

Chemistry is a gateway to better paying jobs.

There are a wide variety of industries that use chemistry regularly, even if you’re not studying chemistry to go on to become a chemist. There are also a variety of different jobs that use chemistry as a core skill. You don’t have to become a chemist to use your chemistry degree. You can become an accountant, a lawyer or a politician, for example. The skills that you learn in chemistry — logical thought, problem-solving, communicating complex ideas and conducting experiments — are applicable in all sorts of careers. The average salary for a chemist is £36,000, but there are plenty of other jobs that use chemistry regularly where the average salary is much higher. You can become a financial analyst, for example, and earn an average of £64,000. You can become a lawyer and earn an average salary of £68,000. There are also plenty of jobs that use chemistry regularly where the average salary is lower, but still well above the average wage.

By studying chemistry, you’ll become a more well-rounded person.

Studying any subject allows you to become a more well-rounded person, but studying chemistry is particularly good at developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By studying chemistry, you’ll be asked to examine the world around you in a very detailed way. You’ll need to break down complex problems into smaller elements and try to understand them better. This way of thinking and analyzing can be applied to almost anything in life. You might find that chemistry makes you a little more cynical, but this ability to scrutinize everything around you and analyze it closely is incredibly useful in life. It’s a skill that can be applied across all sorts of careers outside of chemistry, improving your employability and earning potential in the process.

You’ll have access to an enormous network of like-minded professionals.

There are many resources and networks that you can access if you study chemistry. Many of these networks will be specific to the field that you want to go into. This can be really useful if you want to find out more about your chosen industry, or if you want to network with like-minded professionals and find out how you can get involved in the field. There are many conferences, clubs and societies for chemistry students, as well as online forums that you can join and discussions that you can take part in. This can be a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, collaborate on projects and learn from others. You can also use these networks to find out about scholarships, funding opportunities and work placements. If you’re still not convinced, then read on to discover even more reasons why you should study chemistry. If you’ve already made up your mind and you’re ready to take the next step, then take a look at our article on how to choose a degree.

Chemical Pollution in China: What The Heck's Going On?

 Did you know that the Yellow River, one of China’s most famous water sources, is now almost completely useless due to pollution? Did you also know that China has some of the worst air in the world and is facing an extremely severe water crisis as a result? Non-profit environmental organization The Nature Conservancy has recently ranked China as the third worst polluted country in the world. What exactly is going on here? Let us take a look at what we know about chemical pollution in China and everything we don’t...

What is Chemical Pollution?

Chemical pollution, or pollution caused by chemicals, is a type of pollution caused by the release of chemicals into the environment. Chemicals can be released into the environment through the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. It can also come from the production of goods like paint, dyes, and fragrances.

Why is China so polluted?

China has long been plagued by pollution. We are not just talking about air pollution either. Water pollution has been a massive problem for decades. Environmental conservation has not been a strong suit for the Chinese government. When you take into account the sheer size of the country and its population, the government has done a decent job at maintaining the environment. However, there are a few things that have caused China’s pollution problem to become so severe.

What Are the Worst Forms of Chemical Pollution in China?

For starters, China leads the world in carbon dioxide emissions. The country is home to 15 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world. There has even been an “airpocalypse” before. The majority of China’s pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels, including coal. China has been burning an excessive amount of coal for decades. The government has invested heavily in this cheap source of energy. However, the country’s dependence on coal has come at the cost of its environment. Burning coal produces massive amounts of pollutants. In addition to the burning of fossil fuels, China has a significant problem with water pollution. As we mentioned earlier, the Yellow River is almost completely unusable due to pollution. Most of this pollution is caused by the mining of raw materials like coal and iron.

Image Source: Unsplash

Water Pollution in China

Because of its massive population, China has a serious issue with water pollution. The country has almost no water that is considered safe to drink. There are a few different sources of water pollution in China. First and foremost, the government has done a poor job at regulating its industries. Some industries have polluted water sources with harmful chemicals and pesticides, leading to tainted water. In addition, China has a significant problem with nutrient runoff in its waterways. Fertilizer runoff from agriculture has led to eutrophication in many of China’s rivers and lakes. This has led to many waterways being choked with algae and unable to support aquatic life.

Air Pollution in China

China’s air pollution problem is well documented and well known throughout the world. The country’s air pollution is so severe that it has become a major health concern. Air pollution has been linked to a number of different health issues, including premature death, asthma, and lung disease. The majority of China’s air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels, especially coal. In fact, the country is the world’s largest investor in coal energy. However, the Chinese government has recently announced plans to invest in renewable energy sources. They are hoping to reduce their dependence on coal.

Summary

As you can see, chemical pollution in China is a major problem. There have been some efforts to reduce this pollution, but they have had limited success. If China wishes to continue to grow as a nation, it must take action against chemical pollution and other environmental concerns. Only then will the country be able to protect and improve its environment.

The Facts

The Facts The Chinese government has not been forthcoming about the state of the environment in China. Most Chinese citizens do not even realize how bad things have gotten. This is why it is so important to get accurate information from outside sources. The only way we can fight back against pollution is if we know just how bad it has become.

The Myths

The Myths Many people believe that China’s pollution problem is largely solved. They believe the Chinese government has taken action against pollution and is now handling the issue. These people are very mistaken. China’s pollution problem is only getting worse. While the government has taken some small steps to reduce pollution, they have done very little. In fact, many groups are criticizing the government for not doing enough. China has been under fire from the rest of the world for its lack of action against pollution.

Why It All Matters?

Why It All Matters While it is easy to become desensitized to chemical pollution, it is something that mustn’t be taken lightly. These types of pollutants have been linked with a number of issues, including premature death, asthma, and lung disease. They have also been shown to have a significant impact on aquatic life in the country. This is something that will impact the entire world if it is not taken care of.

What Can We Do?

What Can We Do? There are a few things that individuals can do to protect themselves from chemical pollution in China. Firstly, we can support groups like The Nature Conservancy. They use donations to fund research into pollution around the world. We must do all that we can to help protect China’s environment from chemical pollution. Only then will the country be able to truly protect its ecosystem.