Chemistry For Your Life

#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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Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Amanda Raymond


• Emily Morrison


• Kyle McCray


• Justine


• Emily Hardy


• Ash


• Vince W


• Julie S.


• Heather Ragusa


• Autoclave


• Dorien VD


• Scott Beyer


• Jessie Reder


• J0HNTR0Y


• Jeannette Napoleon


• Cullyn R


• Erica Bee


• Elizabeth P


• Rachel Reina


• Letila


• Katrina Barnum-Huckins


• Suzanne Phillips


• Venus Rebholz


• Jacob Taber


• Brian Kimball


• Kristina Gotfredsen


• Timothy Parker


• Steven Boyles


• Chris Skupien


• Chelsea B


• Avishai Barnoy


• Hunter Reardon

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

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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

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Amanda Raymond


• Emily Morrison


• Kyle McCray


• Justine


• Emily Hardy


• Ash


• Vince W


• Julie S.


• Heather Ragusa


• Autoclave


• Dorien VD


• Scott Beyer


• Jessie Reder


• J0HNTR0Y


• Jeannette Napoleon


• Cullyn R


• Erica Bee


• Elizabeth P


• Rachel Reina


• Letila


• Katrina Barnum-Huckins


• Suzanne Phillips


• Venus Rebholz


• Jacob Taber


• Brian Kimball


• Kristina Gotfredsen


• Timothy Parker


• Steven Boyles


• Chris Skupien


• Chelsea B


• Avishai Barnoy


• Hunter Reardon

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

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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

Support this podcast on Patreon

Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

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References from the Episode:

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Amanda Raymond


• Emily Morrison


• Kyle McCray


• Justine


• Emily Hardy


• Ash


• Vince W


• Julie S.


• Heather Ragusa


• Autoclave


• Dorien VD


• Scott Beyer


• Jessie Reder


• J0HNTR0Y


• Jeannette Napoleon


• Cullyn R


• Erica Bee


• Elizabeth P


• Rachel Reina


• Letila


• Katrina Barnum-Huckins


• Suzanne Phillips


• Venus Rebholz


• Jacob Taber


• Brian Kimball


• Kristina Gotfredsen


• Timothy Parker


• Steven Boyles


• Chris Skupien


• Chelsea B


• Avishai Barnoy


• Hunter Reardon

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

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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

Support this podcast on Patreon

Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

References from the Episode:

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Amanda Raymond


• Emily Morrison


• Kyle McCray


• Justine


• Emily Hardy


• Ash


• Vince W


• Julie S.


• Heather Ragusa


• Autoclave


• Dorien VD


• Scott Beyer


• Jessie Reder


• J0HNTR0Y


• Jeannette Napoleon


• Cullyn R


• Erica Bee


• Elizabeth P


• Rachel Reina


• Letila


• Katrina Barnum-Huckins


• Suzanne Phillips


• Venus Rebholz


• Jacob Taber


• Brian Kimball


• Kristina Gotfredsen


• Timothy Parker


• Steven Boyles


• Chris Skupien


• Chelsea B


• Avishai Barnoy


• Hunter Reardon

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#226

Melissa and Jam delve into the intriguing world of X-rays. They start with relatable stories from the dentist's office and transition into a deep dive into how X-rays work. Key topics include the electromagnetic spectrum, how X-rays are generated, why some materials allow X-rays to pass through while others don't, and the potential risks associated with repeated exposure. They also share personal anecdotes about broken bones and medical X-ray experiences, as well as shout out to community members who support the show. Join Melissa and Jam as they unravel the chemistry behind X-rays and their impact on our daily lives.

00:00 A Trip to the Dentist

01:00 Shoutouts and Inspirations

01:32 Introduction to X-Rays

04:04 Understanding the Electromagnetic Spectrum

05:38 How X-Rays Work

09:40 The Science Behind X-Ray Imaging

14:52 Generating X-Rays

17:23 Energy Waves and Electrons

19:57 Understanding X-rays and Their Risks

20:55 Comparing X-ray Exposure to Sunlight

21:35 Family Concerns About X-rays

22:33 Technological Advances in X-ray Safety

22:49 Summarizing X-ray Risks and Benefits

26:31 Personal Stories of X-rays and Broken Bones

39:26 Supporting the Show and Community

Support this podcast on Patreon

Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

References from the Episode:

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Amanda Raymond


• Emily Morrison


• Kyle McCray


• Justine


• Emily Hardy


• Ash


• Vince W


• Julie S.


• Heather Ragusa


• Autoclave


• Dorien VD


• Scott Beyer


• Jessie Reder


• J0HNTR0Y


• Jeannette Napoleon


• Cullyn R


• Erica Bee


• Elizabeth P


• Rachel Reina


• Letila


• Katrina Barnum-Huckins


• Suzanne Phillips


• Venus Rebholz


• Jacob Taber


• Brian Kimball


• Kristina Gotfredsen


• Timothy Parker


• Steven Boyles


• Chris Skupien


• Chelsea B


• Avishai Barnoy


• Hunter Reardon

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.