149 questions and answers in this section

Natural Sciences » Chemistry

Explain why gas bubbles rise to the surface of a glass of soda.

Explain why gas bubbles rise to the surface of a glass of soda.

Gas bubbles rise simply because they are filled with a gas, usually carbon dioxide, which is much less dense than the liquid surrounding it. Yet, soda is...

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Explain why were the alchemists so obsessed with the search for the Philosopher's Stone?

Explain why were the alchemists so obsessed with the search for the Philosopher's Stone?

The philosopher's stone is one of the most fascinating and intriguing objects in the entire history of alchemy. Supposed to possess incredible powers, it was...

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Explain why vinegar dissolves limestone?

Explain why vinegar dissolves limestone?

Vinegar is essentially a diluted solution of acetic acid in water. Most commercial vinegars contain about 5 to 8% of this acid. You can easily...

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Explain why some liquids are fluorescent?

Explain why some liquids are fluorescent?

Fluorescence is when a substance absorbs light and then almost immediately re-emits it with a different color. Basically, a liquid receives light (often UV) and...

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Explain why Mentos makes cola explode?

Explain why Mentos makes cola explode?

Cola is a sweet carbonated beverage, primarily made up of water, sugar (or sweeteners), carbon dioxide (which creates the bubbles), phosphoric acid (for a slightly...

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Explain why fizzy candies create a tingling sensation on the tongue.

Explain why fizzy candies create a tingling sensation on the tongue.

The secret of fizzy candies lies in the chemical duo of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. When these substances encounter the moisture in your mouth, they react...

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Explain why aluminum does not rust like iron?

Explain why aluminum does not rust like iron?

When aluminum is exposed to air, it quickly reacts with the oxygen present, forming a thin layer of aluminum oxide. This protective layer is ultra-thin, transparent, and...

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Explain why chimney fires smoke?

Explain why chimney fires smoke?

When you light a fire in your fireplace, the wood heats up, releasing gases from its combustion. These gases normally burn when they reach a...

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Explain why soap bubbles are round.

Explain why soap bubbles are round.

The molecules in a liquid attract each other and prefer to stay close to their neighbors rather than wander in the open air. This attraction, called surface...

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Explain why water freezes more quickly when salt is added to it?

Explain why water freezes more quickly when salt is added to it?

When you add salt to water, you disturb the way it freezes. Salt alters the organization of water molecules, which lowers their freezing temperature. Essentially, instead of...

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