149 questions and answers in this section

Natural Sciences » Chemistry

Can you explain why water runs off a waxy surface?

Can you explain why water runs off a waxy surface?

The water molecule (H₂O) is made up of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms, with a shape somewhat like a "V". This gives the...

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Explain why the touch of an ice cube on the skin burns?

Explain why the touch of an ice cube on the skin burns?

When your skin comes into contact with extreme cold, like an ice cube, your body reacts quickly to limit damage. Immediately, the surface blood vessels...

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Explain why Lise Meitner did not receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry despite her major contribution to the discovery of nuclear fission?

Explain why Lise Meitner did not receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry despite her major contribution to the discovery of nuclear fission?

During the 1930s, Lise Meitner collaborated with the chemist Otto Hahn to study nuclear reactions. She understood that when uranium is bombarded with neutrons, its...

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Explain why paper absorbs ink but not water?

Explain why paper absorbs ink but not water?

Paper is primarily made of plant fibers derived from cellulose, a very porous natural polymer that forms a network of tiny spaces and interwoven channels. Imagine a...

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Explain why does coffee grounds absorb bad odors?

Explain why does coffee grounds absorb bad odors?

Coffee grounds are mainly full of organic compounds derived from roasted beans. They primarily contain cellulose and lignin, which are plant fibers. It also contains...

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Explain why rust spreads on iron but not on aluminum?

Explain why rust spreads on iron but not on aluminum?

Iron is a metal that easily oxidizes when exposed to water and oxygen. Its surface reacts deeply to create rust, which is iron oxide, reddish-brown...

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Explain why dilution does not change the value of the equivalent volume?

Explain why dilution does not change the value of the equivalent volume?

A dilution is the act of adding solvent (usually water) to a solution to decrease its concentration, without changing the actual amount of dissolved substance. In other...

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Explain why does oil float on water?

Explain why does oil float on water?

Density is simply what determines whether a substance sinks or floats on another. Each liquid has a different mass for the same volume; that's what...

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Explain why ice cubes float in water.

Explain why ice cubes float in water.

The Archimedes' principle is simply the upward force that a liquid exerts on any object submerged in it. Essentially, every object we immerse, like an...

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Explain why salt melts ice?

Explain why salt melts ice?

Pure water normally freezes at 0°C. But when you add salt, you disrupt this process: your salted water will have to drop below 0°C to...

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