Chemistry For Your Life

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 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: https://youtu.be/30_QRAC6XOU https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/licensee-education/alcohol-facts/#:~:text=Alcohol%20does%20not%20require%20digestion,Therefore%2C%20food%20slows%20intoxication. https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses https://www.epa.gov/radiation/calculate-your-radiation-dose https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/doses-daily-lives https://ehs.stanford.edu/manual/radiation-protection-guidance-hospital-staff/natural-sources-radiation#:~:text=Cosmic%20radiation%20comes%20from%20the,approximately%2028%20mrem%20per%20year. 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 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#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 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es0719071 https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed077p984#:~:text=The%20presence%20of%20iodine%20in,in%20preventing%20simple%20endemic%20goiter https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ed062p1016 https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/february-2016/salt-facts.html https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-drinking-too-much-water-can-kill/ 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   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 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   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#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 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: https://books.byui.edu/plastics_materials_a/plastic_high_strain_#:~:text=The%20molecular%20interpretation%20(in%20polymers,rupture%20and%20the%20sample%20breaks. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02076https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35809116.amp https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1514626113 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ba-1993-0233.ch005 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 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

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