Month: October 2016

Quantized energy

Quantized energy

Quantized energy

10/04/16

“How does energy work on the quantum scale?”
Energy is a most bewildering phenomena. It is the very thing that literally drives the physical universe, yet we have no complete understanding of it. I fact, our understanding of energy breaks down even further when we go into the quantum world. On this scale, energy is not a continuous but a discrete phenomena! This means that energy comes in chunks instead of being “On a scale”. Let me elaborate using a metaphor. on the human scope, energy is measured like the volume of a liquid, it’s size can occupy a whole range of values, going into myriads of different decimals places, while on the quantum magnitude, energy is measured like drops of the liquid, being indivisible (for example, you can’t have half a drop of water). Energy in the quantum world through waves of light in units called quanta, Which are equal to a measurement called Planck’s constant (numerically equivalent to 6.63*10^-34 joules seconds) times the wavelength of the light. This relationship can be symbolically represented as E=h*lambda, with E being energy h being Plank’s constant, and lambda being the wavelength of light.

Hydrophobic substances

Hydrophobic substances

Hydrophobic substances

10/03/16

“Are there substances that are repelled by water?”
You are probably familiar with water. I mean, it’s the basic principle of all life on this planet! And this importance derives from the fact that water can form bonds with nearly all sets of compounds. However, are there substances that are not only insoluble by water but actively repel it? Well, let’s think about how such a substance could exist. The first thing we should analyze is what makes water so bondable, and that comes as a consequence of the polar nature it’s structure. So logically speaking, shouldn’t nonpolar elements have difficulty bonding with water? This is the operating principle behind hydrophobic substances. Examples of hyrophobic molecules include alkanes, oils, and fats.

Boron carbide

Boron carbide

Boron carbide

10/02/16

“Why is bullet proof armor bullet proof?”
We are all probably familiar with bullet proof vests. These amazing pieces of technology have saved countless of lives through their simple yet intuitive design. However, what makes these vests so durable? Well, the answer lies in it’s composition, specifically, the fact that it’s made out of a very special compound called Boron carbide. A single molecule of Boron carbide is derived from four boron atoms and one carbon atom. But this is not just what makes boron carbide special. What makes this molecule special is it’s extreme durability. Namely, the fact that it is the third hardest substance known to humanity behind diamond and cubic boron nitrade. And out of these three substances, it is the only one that can be easily mass-produced! Because of this, Boron carbide is the number one choice for application in military necessities such as ballistic armor, tank covering, and even nuclear plating! Boron carbide also has non-military applications found in high pressure jet cutter nozzles, padlocks, and for control rods in nuclear power generation.

Lipids

Lipids

Lipids

Isaac Gendler

“What is your fat made out of?”
Everyone has fat on their bodies, but have you ever wondered what it is made out of? Well, it turns out that body fat is composed of an interesting class of molecules called lipids. Lipids are molecules that contain hydrocarbons and are insoluble in water due to their non-polar structure. This composition also makes them hydrophobic. These liquids form an essential part of a creature’s biology. In fact, we can obtain a reasonable amount of lipids by consuming the fat of other animals.