Sulfur is a yellow, odorless element found near volcanic regions and hot springs. It has many industrial and biological uses, and exists in different forms depending on temperature. Sulfur combines with other compounds to form minerals, and is required for all living cells. It is used in rubber vulcanization, as a fungicide, and in the […]
Zinc has physical properties similar to iron, is moderately reactive chemically, and is important for metabolism. It is brittle, less dense than iron, and forms a protective layer of zinc carbonate when exposed to the atmosphere. Zinc is used to make brass, which is germ-killing and used in hospitals and musical instruments. Zinc deficiency can […]
Copper is a ductile and conductive metallic element with an orange-like color. It reacts with air to create a thin layer of oxidation, giving it a unique color. Copper is malleable and can exist in a liquid or gaseous state. It matches silver and gold to make up group 11 on the periodic table and […]
Ethanol is a clear liquid with 95% alcohol and 5% water. Commercial ethanol contains ethene and is mixed with vapor, while food-grade ethanol is created through fermentation. Ethanol has a mild odor, a boiling point of 1436°F, and can be converted into different forms. It is used in alcoholic beverages, alternative fuel, and various products […]
Light is electromagnetic radiation that can be visible or not. It has properties like speed, reflection, and wave-like behavior, and can be classified by wavelength, frequency, intensity, and polarization. The speed of light is constant and important in physics. Light behaves as both a wave and a particle, with the smallest physical quantity being a […]
Viruses are extremely small and cannot survive on their own, relying on living cells to reproduce. They are not considered true living beings and are often referred to as “organisms on the edge of life.” They are bits of genetic material covered in a protein shell and reproduce by infiltrating cells and using their protein […]
Polyethylene properties vary based on the grade of virgin material and synthesis method. Low-density polyethylene is less dense and cheaper, while high-density polyethylene is more durable. Catalysts can produce ultra-high and high molecular weight polyethylene with high durability. Other factors affecting performance include impact strength, shear rate, and sag strength. Recycled polymer resins can also […]
Zero is a unique number with properties that mathematicians have struggled to define. It was first used as a placeholder by Babylonian mathematicians, but Indian mathematicians are credited with the idea of zero as a number. Zero is neither positive nor negative, but it is considered even. It has properties related to addition, subtraction, and […]
Sodium is a soft, reactive, and malleable metal that is the sixth most abundant element on Earth. It has various uses, including as a coolant for nuclear reactors, a component in sodium vapor lamps, and a nutrient for humans, animals, and plants. It is also used to produce organic materials, disinfectants, and metal alloys. Sodium […]
Gas is a state of matter with unique properties such as expansion to fill any space, ease of compression, and little resistance to objects passing through it. When transformed from a liquid or solid, the volume of the substance changes drastically. A gas is one of the four states of matter and has properties that […]
Minerals are identified by properties such as color, hardness, luster, streak, crystal structure, and cleavage. Some minerals are similar and require other properties to distinguish them. Color, luster, and hardness are easily tested, while crystal structure describes the composition and shape of the mineral. Other properties include transparency and specific gravity, and some methods require […]
Nickel has various chemical properties and is used in many common objects worldwide. Its density is 8.9 g.cm-3, melting point is 1453°C, and boiling point is 2913°C. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat, dissolves slowly in dilute acids, and absorbs hydrogen. It is used in manufacturing metals and alloys, batteries, plating, catalysts, […]
Potassium is a light, silver element with 24 isotopes and is highly reactive with oxygen, water, halogens, and sulfuric acid. It acts as an electrolyte in the human body and is important for heart and muscle contractions. Potash is used as an agricultural fertilizer, and potassium nitrate is used in gunpowder and glass strengthening. Canada […]
Venus has a dense atmosphere of 96.5% carbon dioxide and 3.5% nitrogen, causing extreme global warming with an average surface temperature of 461.85°C. Balloons filled with breathable air could float at 50-65 km above the surface, making it the most habitable region in the solar system outside of Earth. Venus lacks its own magnetic field […]
Thermodynamic properties describe physical systems, including temperature and pressure, and are used by engineers to design efficient machines. They measure the factors that influence heat exchange and energy transfer, and can classify a system as open or closed. Thermodynamic temperature is important for calculating absolute temperature, and engineers use these properties to maximize efficient use […]
Investors who own rental properties can use investment property tax deductions to reduce their taxable income, including mortgage interest payments, property tax costs, homeowners insurance premiums, and renovation expenses. They should consult with tax advisers and keep records of deductions to avoid penalties. People who own rental properties can use investment property tax deductions to […]
Different materials have varying mechanical properties such as strength, hardness, and ductility. These properties are measured by the amount of stress or force required to break or tear a material. There are various types of stress and strength, including strain, compression, tensile strength, and flexural strength. Toughness and strength are different properties, with toughness measuring […]
Iron is a strong, malleable, and ductile metal that is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. It has a grayish color, is eight times denser than water, and requires high temperatures to melt, boil, and evaporate. Iron is widely used in building machines and infrastructure due to its strength and effectiveness. It also has […]
Silver is a versatile and prized metal, known for its use in decorative objects and alloys. It is chemically inactive and responds to sulfuric compounds and ozone over time. Its physical properties, including malleability and ductility, make it ideal for detailed metalwork and coinage. Sterling silver is a common alloy used for jewelry, while silver […]
Calcium is a metal with properties including limestone, marble, and gypsum. It belongs to the alkaline earth metals family and is used in various industries. It is also found in the human body and was first isolated by chemist Humphry Davey using electrolysis. Calcium is considered a metal. The general properties of calcium include limestone, […]
