149 questions and answers in this section

Natural Sciences » Chemistry

Explain why bleach is a powerful disinfectant?

Explain why bleach is a powerful disinfectant?

Bleach is mainly made up of a molecule called sodium hypochlorite, obtained by mixing chlorine into a solution of caustic soda. It has a very...

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Explain why vinegar can clean certain surfaces.

Explain why vinegar can clean certain surfaces.

Vinegar primarily contains acetic acid, a mild yet effective acid. Its acidity allows it to break down or dissolve many types of dirt and deposits. For example,...

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Explain why oxygen is necessary for combustion?

Explain why oxygen is necessary for combustion?

Oxygen acts somewhat like the chemical key that allows combustion to take place. Specifically, combustion is a vigorous chemical reaction where a fuel (often composed...

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Explain why fire burns and forms a flame.

Explain why fire burns and forms a flame.

Fire is a chemical reaction where a fuel (a material capable of burning, such as wood, paper, or gasoline) reacts with an oxidizer — most...

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Explain why does milk go bad when left at room temperature?

Explain why does milk go bad when left at room temperature?

Milk spoils due to the natural action of bacteria, which are present from the start in the milk. These microorganisms feed on the sugar contained...

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Explain why does water freeze into forming crystals?

Explain why does water freeze into forming crystals?

Water is made up of molecules composed of oxygen and hydrogen (H₂O), which cling to each other through special bonds called hydrogen bonds. This type...

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Explain why vinegar removes stains?

Explain why vinegar removes stains?

Vinegar owes its cleaning properties to its content of acetic acid. This mild acid has the unique ability to react with substances that form stains. Due to...

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Explain why paper crumples more easily in one direction only?

Explain why paper crumples more easily in one direction only?

Paper, even though it seems ordinary, has an interesting characteristic: it is anisotropic, which means it does not react the same way depending on the...

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Explain why soap helps clean dirt?

Explain why soap helps clean dirt?

Soap is made up of a long chain primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms (called a hydrocarbon chain) that loves grease, and an end...

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Explain why metal rusts when exposed to moisture.

Explain why metal rusts when exposed to moisture.

When metal, particularly iron, comes into contact with oxygen in the presence of water, it simply starts a chemical reaction called oxidation. Basically, iron likes...

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