Belnick,+Andrew

Throughout 'An Invisible Fire' I recognizes a few basic chemistry concepts as well as learned some new ones. In particular I picked up on the fact that all acids have hydrogen bonds, and that hydrofluoric acid implies that the hydrogen is bonded to fluorine. I also recalled that fluorine holds onto electrons stronger than any other atom; 'High and tight in the upper right' as the saying goes. In addition to having a strong hold on them, fluorine also has a very strong attraction for the electrons. This article taught me that the acid easily passes through skin membranes due to it's neutrality. Furthermore I learned that a balance of calcium and magnesium are needed to maintain nerves and cell membranes in the body. The article made me aware that hydrofluoric acid is even more dangerous than battery acid,

Drew, Back in good form I see!! Excellent post. 5 stars. MW

The article ‘Influences of Ancient Greek on Chemical Terminology’ taught me a great deal about the origins of words we’ve been learning. One of the important points I found was that Greek is the primary basis for chemistry because most of the scientists who coined these words knew both Latin and Greek. I also recognized that the prefixes di, tri, tetra, penta, hexa, hepta, and octa are used to name molecular compounds. My third ‘VIP’ was that the series methane, ethane, propane, and butane were created before the Greek naming system was used. The most important point of this article however was that a basic understanding of Greek would greatly help any prospective chemistry student.

Drew, OK. Yes we see the far-reaching effects of the Greek and Latin languages. 5 stars. MW

I found the article //Einstein's Miraculous Year// to actually be very interesting. One of the most important points I believe was that the frequency of light, rather than the intensity, is what causes electrons to 'leave' metal. Another important point of the article was that when light interacts with matter, is should be thought of as a stream of particles instead of a wave; this was one of the many great conclusions drawn by Einstein. The last 'VIP' I found in this article involves Einstein's theory of relativity. It states that time, distance, matter and energy are all relative to one's frame of reference. The MVP of the article is the statement that summarizes all that Einstein did within the science world; he solidified the atomic theory and the existence of molecules, explained the behavior of light and the photoelectric effect, and developed the general theory of relativity.

Einstein had a good year in 1905! 5 stars. MW

Polymers in the Field and Track I found this article to be very interesting because I have had many experiences with the track (and field) at our high school. I was familiar with the fact that the field gets scorching hot in summer, but learned that this happens because the colored polymers absorb the sun's energy efficiently. It was interesting to learn from the experiment documented in the article that the difference in temperature on and off the field can be as much as 20C. This naturally made me think of our unit on thermochemistry. I also found it interesting that the lines on the field aren't spray painted on but rather colored blades of grass. One of the things I was confused about is what exactly a polymer and vulcanization are. Perhaps these subjects will be discussed later in our studies or in another course.

Drew, Good job! vulcanization is interesting - I'll be sure to mention it in class. 5 stars! MW

I found 'Salting Roads' to be both informative and extremely relevant to our coursework and current weather conditions! One of the most important points of the article was that the salt has a dual purpose, to both melt the ice that has already formed on the road as well as prevent further ice from forming. The plows may be able to get rid of the existing snow both are worthless in preventing the snow and ice from accumulating. It is also worth noting that more environmentally pleasing and more effective salts, rather than the traditional sodium chloride, are being applied to the roads such as magnesium and calcium chlorides, as well as magnesium and calcium acetates. A final important point is the fact that the salts become insignificant as the 'solution' on the roads becomes dilute and the freezing point likewise becomes higher. The most important fact of the article, which sums up most of the chemistry behind salty roads, is when a solute (salt) is added to a solvent (water) the freezing point of the solution is lowered below the normal freezing point of the pure solvent.

Drew, Excellent job! Well written and hits all the major points! 5 huge stars. MW


 * Pool Chemistry***


 * 1) Aside from chlorine, what other chemicals are used to balance the pH level in swimming pools?**
 * Chlorine is often used to kill bacteria and other harmful organisms in pool systems, but a different set of chemicals must be utilized to regulate the pH. The ideal pH for a pool is between 7.4-7.6, the point at which it is comfortable for the human eye. Sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate, both bases, can be used to raise the pH; hydrochloric or sodium bisulfate, both acids, can be used to raise the pH.**


 * 2) Do you ever have to worry about killing algae in the pool?**
 * Algae grows in a pool when the chlorine levels are not high enough and the pool is exposed to direct sunlight. Green algae, often found on the top of ponds and lakes, is the most common algae which grows and pools and can quickly consume the entire pool if left untreated. Superchlorination, a process by which the ppm of chlorine are held above a certain 'breakpoint', is often enough to kill the green algae.**


 * 3) Describe the filtration system used in the natatorium.**
 * The most common type of filter used in home and public pools involves passing the water through a barrier of sand, effectively removing most impurities and garbage. Water is pumped up above such a filter, which is then empties into a chamber of sand. The water is pulled down through the sand by gravity and then pumped back into the pool. When the sand becomes to dirty and clogged to allow water to pass through, a valve is opened with sends the water through the system backwards and empties outside of the system.**


 * Drew,**
 * Well done as usual!! 10. MW**


 * Flaking Away**
 * This article taught me some interesting things about electrochemistry as well as reinforced some of the things I already knew from our class discussions. The article defined oxidation as atoms which lose electrons and reduction as atoms which gain electrons, a fact I already knew. I also recognized that coastal regions must deal with the threat of rust more so than inland areas because the salt spray from the oceans is more conductive than pure water. A final point I recognized was that iron rarely exists in nature as pure iron, but is more commonly found as iron ore. The article taught me about research being done in the auto industry into creating paints which will reseal themselves when broken. I also learned that in todays world the term 'galvanization' refers to the protective layer of zinc or aluminum around steel or iron. A final point the article made was that zinc hydroxide, formed when zinc oxide reacts with water, reacts with carbon dioxide to form zinc carbonate, an insoluble coating which can further protect the existing zinc surface.**


 * Drew,**
 * Good reflection on the chemical reaction of zinc! 5 shiny stars! MW**