Proper disposal of chemical waste is important to avoid harm to the environment and human and animal health. Guidelines vary globally, but in the US, the EPA maintains lists of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste collection programs are available to ensure safe disposal. Containers should be compatible with waste, labeled, and rinsed before disposal. Special consideration […]
Chemical resin is a synthetic material that hardens, similar to natural resin. Types include plastic, acrylic, polypropylene, and melamine resin. Plastic is used for packaging, acrylic for hard products, polypropylene for food containers, and melamine for tableware and laminates. Chemical resin is a term used to describe synthetic resins. Natural resin is produced by most […]
Chemical raw materials are divided into three categories: raw compounds obtained from nature, industrial minerals, and inorganic compounds. Cellulose and lignin are commonly harvested from nature and used in various products. Popular industrial raw materials include quartz, petroleum, and minerals containing metals. Industrial chemicals are the most refined and include compounds such as ethylene and […]
Chemical engineering involves using chemistry principles to convert raw materials into marketable products, but also involves developing new technologies and finding practical solutions. It encompasses several disciplines and offers various job opportunities, including in biotechnology and “green” industries. Factors that influence a career in chemical engineering include areas of interest, level of education, and language […]
Chemical food preservation has been used since ancient times to prevent spoilage caused by microorganisms. Salt, sugar, spices, and nitrates are among the oldest preservatives, while organic acids, sulfites, and bacteriocins are more modern. Some chemicals are controversial due to their potential health risks, but they are still widely used in the food industry. Chemical […]
Chemical engineers ensure products are cost-effective to manufacture without compromising quality. A resume should include a statement of purpose, educational credentials, work experience, honors/awards, and professional organizations. References available upon request. Chemical engineering combines the science of chemistry with business management principles. However, the chemical engineer’s primary responsibility is to ensure that a proposed product […]
Chemical oceanographers study the chemistry of saltwater oceans and their sea floors, including the effects of pollution and external stimuli. They research how phenomena affect the ocean’s chemical composition, including plastic accumulation and climate change. They use statistical modeling tools and conduct field research, making them valuable for marine biology projects. A chemical oceanographer usually […]
Chemical equations represent molecular interactions and the way atoms are arranged in a reaction. Chemical formulas indicate the composition of a compound. Equations must be balanced, and stoichiometry is used to calculate product amounts. Additional notation can reveal more information about the reaction. A chemical equation is a representation of molecular interactions in their relative […]
Seawater is mostly water but contains 3.5% dissolved salts, including sodium chloride. It is a different environment from freshwater, and many animals cannot adapt to living in both. Seawater contains various salts, including calcium chloride, sulfates, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and minor constituents. Extracting uranium or gold from seawater has not been economically viable. The salts […]
Chemical pulp is made from wood fiber using chemicals and heat. It produces stronger paper than mechanically derived pulp and allows for chemical recovery. Two processes, sulfate and sulfite pulping, differ in chemicals used and paper quality. Both involve cooking wood chips in a chemical liquor, with the black liquor used for chemical recovery or […]
Chemicals are elements that cannot be broken down further and combine to form compounds. They are used in daily life to create many substances, but some can have negative effects. Understanding chemical reactions is important in chemistry, which is studied by many professions. In its most basic form, a chemical is an element, as it […]
Energy is the ability to do work and can be grouped into potential or kinetic categories. Chemical energy is a form of potential energy stored in food, fuel, and batteries. Energy can be converted from one form to another, and during chemical reactions, molecules can be created or destroyed. Respiration converts chemical energy into heat […]
Chemical weathering occurs when water, air or acids cause chemical changes in minerals within rocks, dissolving or transforming them. Solution, oxidation, hydration, carbonation, and hydrolysis are examples. Chemical weathering is more prevalent in tropical environments and affects rocks with larger surface areas. Chemical weathering is a process that occurs when water, air or acids cause […]
Chemical potential energy is stored in atoms and bonds and can be released through reactions. Strong bonds require more energy to break, but release more energy when formed. Examples include burning fuel and the human body using food as fuel. Chemical reactions can be analyzed mathematically. Chemical potential energy is the energy stored in atoms […]
Chemical energy is stored and released by making and breaking bonds between atoms. It can be released by forming new bonds or rearranging molecules. Examples include photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, explosives, and batteries. Combustion, explosives, and fuels are considered chemical stores of energy. Batteries use chemical reactions to produce electricity. Chemical energy is stored and released […]
Chemical technologists have varied responsibilities depending on the industry they work in, including developing new compounds, testing their safety, and overseeing production. Jobs can be found in research and development, experimentation, quality control, and production, with opportunities in pharmaceuticals, environmental organizations, and universities. Specialization is required, and knowledge of chemical properties is essential. The responsibilities […]
Chemical bonding occurs when atoms join to form a molecule with less energy than its uncombined atoms. The three main bond types are ionic, covalent, and metallic, while hydrogen bonds are weaker. Atoms consist of a nucleus with protons and electrons, and valence electrons are involved in chemical bonds. Noble gases do not form bonds, […]
Chemical spills can be caused by accidents in laboratories, transportation, and chemical plants. Non-toxic spills are easy to handle, but toxic spills require precautions. First responders need to identify the chemical and neutralize the spill. Large spills require evacuation plans and specialized cleanup crews. Investigation into the cause is important as the cleanup can be […]
Chemical plating bonds a thin layer of metal to a workpiece without electricity. It achieves results as good as electroplating and can be used on conductive and non-conductive materials. The process involves immersing the piece in a chemical bath and using a reducing agent to attract metal ions. Chemical plating offers advantages over electroplating, including […]
Chemical process plants produce a range of chemicals and products through various unit operations. Raw materials are inputted, and output can refer to completed products or matter leaving a specific unit. Chemical engineers design and maintain these plants, taking into consideration safety and varying factors such as temperature and location. Chemical engineers are also important […]
