"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Galvanic Series
04/13/26
“Is there a list that sorts how likely a metal is to corrode?”
Two metals with significant enough anodic index differences will corrode. But is there a list that sorts metals based on their anodic index differences? Well, this comes in the form of the Galvanic Series. The lower on the list, the more protected against corrosion a specific metal is, and the higher the more vulnerable to corrosion.
When To Use Enthalpy Values for Heat Calculations
04/11/26
“When should we use enthalpy values for heat calculations?”
People like you and me can calculate the heat transfer between two substances in a variety of ways. When we’re faced with constant-pressure processes, phase changes, chemical reactions, or in flow volumes, we can use the change in enthalpy values for calculating heat transfer. This is When To Use Enthalpy Values for Heat Calculations.
When To Use Internal Energy Values for Heat Calculations
04/10/26
“When should we use internal energy values for heat calculations?”
People like you and me can calculate the heat transfer between two substances in a variety of ways. When we’re faced with constant volume processes, closed systems (no mass flow), bomb calorimetry, and non-constant pressure systems, we can use the change in internal energy values for calculating heat transfer. This is When To Use Internal Energy Values for Heat Calculations.
Settling (Liquids)
04/09/26
“How do particulates move to the bottom of a liquid and become sediment?”
Particulates may enter liquids by several means. Over time, the particles will move downwards in the fluid and collect into larger sediment. This Settling process is how processes like sedimentation happen.
Terminal Settling Velocity
04/08/26
“How do objects reach their maximum velocity while settling in a fluid?”
Solid objects denser than a fluid will settle in them. Just like with terminal air velocity, objects in liquid fluids will reach a Terminal Settling Velocity when the drag force opposing their motion equals their weight dragging them down.
Flamability Range
04/07/26
“How is there a range of flammability in vaporous concentrations?”
Certain vaporous substances can cause combustion. However, these will need to be present in a certain Flamability Range above a minimum value and below a maximum. Safety regulations may require buildings to implement measures to reduce substances below the flammability range.
Lower Flammability Limit
04/06/26
“What is the lowest concentration of a fuel to be present for ignition?”
Fuels can combust within a certain range of concentration. The lower end of the concentration, where there is just enough fuel, is known as the Lower Flammability Limit. The lower flammability limit is affected by the surrounding temperature and pressure.
Anodic Index
04/05/26
“How can we quantify an element’s strength against corrosion?”
Two metals in contact with each other can start a corrosion reaction if the metals are electrochemically dissimilar. Each metal will have a certain tendency to give or receive electrons in a galvanic reaction, quantified by the Anodic Index. Anodic indices are typically measured from a reference metal, such as gold. The larger an element’s anodic index is, the more likely it is to become an anode and corrode.
Supercritical Flow
04/04/26
“What are the special properties of water flow that’s fast and shallow?”
Water flow can come in all shapes, sizes, and speeds. Water flow that’s fast and shallow, and whose internal forces affect movement more than gravity, is classified as Supercritical Flow. Supercritical flow is fast and powerful and can resist downstream changes. Consequently, critical flow is more affected by upstream than downstream elements.
Isaac's Science Blog 