#230

Winter has us longing for warmer weather. BUT when it's a hot day how do fans keep us cool? Do fans actually lower the air temperature? What role does evaporative cooling play? Find out how the movement of air molecules around your body is the key to feeling cooler. Plus, discover some fascinating insights into energy distribution, the impact of fans on air conditioning, and even some fun personal anecdotes about staying cool in the Texas heat.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:44 The Science Behind Cooling with Fans
01:27 Egg Analogy: Understanding Heat Transfer
03:39 How Fans Actually Work
10:47 The Role of Air Conditioners
12:31 Understanding Air Cooling Mechanisms
13:11 Insights from a Power Company
13:45 The Science Behind Fans and Energy Efficiency
16:28 Evaporative Cooling and Its Benefits
17:21 Explaining the Concept Back
21:37 Personal Experiences with Cooling
24:12 Supporting the Show and Community
27:08 A Funny Camp Counselor Story

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References from the Episode:

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#037 Rebroadcast

It's the lesson we've all had to learn the hard way. The pain our mouths feel when we take a treacherous swig of the post-brush poison. This week, Melissa and Jam delve into all of our childhoods to figure out the chemistry of this infamous mixture. Why does it taste so bad? Who's fault is it, the toothpaste or the orange juice? Also while we're at it, why is it called toothpaste? Nevermind, I'm not sure we'll be able to get to the bottom of that part.

References from this episode

1. Why Does Toothpaste Make Orange Juice Taste Bad? - American Chemical Society
2. Why Does Orange Juice Taste So Bad After Brushing? - South Springs Dental Group

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#229

What makes wool an essential fabric for many people? Is lanolin truly antimicrobial, or is wool itself responsible for its famed properties? Join us as we unravel the complexities of wool and lanolin, diving into its chemical structure, historical anecdotes, and surprising anti-odor capabilities. Does wool really keep the bacteria at bay, or is there more to the story? Tune in and explore the chemistry behind this wonder fabric!

00:00 Listener's Request: The Mystery of Lanolin
01:08 Introduction to Chemistry for Your Life
04:08 The Complex Chemistry of Wool
11:33 Exploring Lanolin: Properties and Uses
19:51 Exploring Lanolin in Wool
19:59 Investigating Wool's Antimicrobial Properties
20:54 Odor Reduction in Wool
21:57 Scientific Explanations and Hypotheses
24:46 Hydrophobic Properties of Wool
26:46 Wool's Interaction with Bacteria
31:04 Complexities of Wool Processing
35:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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References from the Episode:

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Question and Response #74

Melissa and Jam dive into a series of fascinating chemistry questions submitted by listeners. They explore how food affects the absorption rate of alcohol in the blood, the science behind shelf-stable milk turning solid after opening, and why dogs' feet might smell like Fritos. The duo also answers an intriguing question about the risks of dental X-rays versus ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Additionally, they discuss a fun science experiment involving dissolving candy canes in different liquids, providing a perfect activity for kids to learn about the world of chemistry. Special thanks to the community members and listeners whose questions keep the show engaging and informative.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
02:23 How Food Affects Alcohol Absorption
06:42 Shelf-Stable Protein Shakes
10:26 Why Do Dogs' Feet Smell Like Fritos?
14:49 The Risks of X-Rays
17:56 Understanding Dental X-Ray Radiation
18:39 Annual Radiation Dose and Safety
19:32 Comparing Risks: Dental Issues vs. X-Rays
20:12 Why X-Ray Technicians Use Shields
20:59 Explaining Radiation Risks to the Public
22:55 Fun Science Experiments for Kids
25:31 Explaining Polarity and Dissolution to Kids
30:47 Encouraging Scientific Curiosity in Children
34:41 Supporting the Show and Community Shoutouts

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References from the Episode:

1. https://youtu.be/30_QRAC6XOU
2. https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/licensee-education/alcohol-facts/#:~:text=Alcohol%20does%20not%20require%20digestion,Therefore%2C%20food%20slows%20intoxication.
3. https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses
4. https://www.epa.gov/radiation/calculate-your-radiation-dose
5. https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/doses-daily-lives
6. https://ehs.stanford.edu/manual/radiation-protection-guidance-hospital-staff/natural-sources-radiation#:~:text=Cosmic%20radiation%20comes%20from%20the,approximately%2028%20mrem%20per%20year.

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#077

Who's doing what to our salt? What's iodine, do we need it, why, and how do they get it in there? This week Melissa and Jam dive head first into figurative iodized salt dunes. Let's take a closer look at the chemistry of something so everyday, we hardly even think about it.

References from this episode

1. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es0719071
2. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed077p984#:~:text=The%20presence%20of%20iodine%20in,in%20preventing%20simple%20endemic%20goiter
3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ed062p1016
4. https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/february-2016/salt-facts.html
5. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-drinking-too-much-water-can-kill/

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#228

In this festive episode, Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating science behind why ribbons curl when pressed against a blade. The discussion covers polymers, their molecular structures, and the forces at play during this process. With a blend of personal holiday memories and a detailed analogy involving crocheted yarn, the duo makes complex chemistry accessible and fun for all listeners. They also share their favorite holiday traditions and movies, making this episode a blend of heartwarming stories and educational content.

00:00 Guess the Sound Game
01:37 Introducing the Topic: Curly Ribbon Science
03:51 Chemistry Behind Curly Ribbon
04:20 Polymers and Their Properties
05:59 Crochet Analogy for Polymers
12:23 Molecular Mechanics of Ribbon Curling
15:34 Practical Tips for Perfect Ribbon Curls
19:36 Holiday Reflections and Chemistry Recap
22:37 Understanding Polymer Behavior
24:28 Molecular Forces and Rearrangement
28:02 Holiday Traditions and Memories
36:33 Favorite Christmas Movies
40:37 Wrapping Up and Listener Shoutouts

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References from the Episode:

1. https://books.byui.edu/plastics_materials_a/plastic_high_strain_#:~:text=The%20molecular%20interpretation%20(in%20polymers,rupture%20and%20the%20sample%20breaks.
2. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02076https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35809116.amp
3. https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1514626113
4. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ba-1993-0233.ch005
5. https://courses.ems.psu.edu/matse81/node/2109

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#227

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind firecrackers and Christmas crackers. They discuss the key component, silver fulminate, explaining its unstable nature and how it reacts to create the explosive effects. The discussion also touches on the octet rule, formal charges, and isomers. Along with sharing personal experiences and pranks involving firecrackers, they also recount historical debates between chemists over the discovery of isomers and their eventual agreement. The episode highlights the importance of chemistry in understanding everyday phenomena and ensuring safety.

00:00 Introduction and Firecracker Anecdotes
00:58 Chemistry of Firecrackers
04:53 Explosive Chemistry Explained
19:55 Historical Discoveries and Isomers
24:20 The Origins of a Scientific Discovery
24:48 Friendship and Scientific Collaboration
25:24 Understanding Isotopes and Isomers
27:20 Chemistry Behind Christmas Crackers
30:26 Fireworks and Safety Concerns
35:52 Fire Alarms and Home Safety
42:33 Supporting the Show and Community Shoutouts

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References from the Episode:

1. https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/festive-fuels/8016.article
2. https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/silver-fulminate-and-cyanate/3005952.article
3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c03027
4. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rspa/article/139/839/576/3351/Thermal-decomposition-and-detonation-of-mercury
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0040603181801852
6. https://cen.acs.org/articles/85/web/2007/08/Mercury-Fulminate-Revealed.html
7. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c03027

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Ask a Chemist #73

Melissa and Jam tackle a range of listener questions covering a wide array of chemistry-related topics. They discuss the properties of polymers found in diapers, the science behind bubbles, the controversy surrounding cast iron vs. Teflon cookware, and the fascinating world of superconducting magnets. The episode also underscores the importance of ventilating your kitchen, the peculiarities of cling film, and the quirks of silicone products. Along the way, Melissa shares personal anecdotes, and they even address some humorous and intriguing comments from listeners. Tune in for a mix of chemistry insights and light-hearted banter.

00:00 Introduction and Funny Classroom Anecdote
01:44 Chemistry for Your Life Podcast Introduction
04:17 Listener Questions: Diapers and Polymers
07:30 Listener Questions: The Science of Bubbles
10:05 Listener Questions: Balloons and Static Electricity
12:11 Listener Questions: Cast Iron and Teflon
14:45 Listener Questions: Chapstick and Moisturizers
15:48 Nostalgic Memories and Copyright Concerns
16:23 Sweater Talk and Community References
16:57 Superconducting Magnets Explained
18:46 Cling Film Mysteries and Silicone Solutions
22:13 Silicone and Broth Storage Solutions
26:11 Listener Comments and Feedback
31:40 Wrapping Up and Community Shoutouts

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References from the Episode:

1. https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/whatischemistry/adventuresinchemistry/secretscience/bubbles/sss-bubbles.pdf

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