Chemistry For Your Life

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

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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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#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.

#018 Rebroadcast

This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of aluminum foil. Why doesn’t it feel hot when we take it out of the oven? How does it cool down so quickly? We harken back to a previous episode about specific heat a few times in this episode, listen to that one by clicking here.

Support this podcast on Patreon

Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

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References from this episode

1. http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=703


2. Dr. Weber PhD in Physical Chemistry, University of North Texas


3. Chemistry, Edition 1 - Julia Burdge


4. Melissa's Previous Knowledge

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Amanda Raymond


• Emily Morrison


• Kyle McCray


• Justine


• Emily Hardy


• Ash


• Vince W


• Julie S.


• Heather Ragusa


• Autoclave


• Chelsea Morelos


• 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.

#225

Melissa and Jam take a break from traditional chemistry topics to delve into chemistry-related stories from Reddit. They discuss a funny sunscreen mishap, give advice to a student struggling in chemistry, and navigate complex interpersonal situations involving TA duties and friend dynamics. Throughout the episode, they provide insightful commentary and useful advice, all while keeping the conversation light and engaging. They also promote their new 'chemist Tree' holiday sweater and remind listeners of the importance of supporting their show.

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Sweater Promotion

01:57 Reddit Stories: Chemists and Academia

04:23 Reddit Story: Sunscreen Mishap

10:14 Reddit Story: Office Hours Tips

14:29 Reddit Story: Organic Chemistry Lab Etiquette

15:58 The Backpack Incident

16:25 Student's Mental Struggles

17:01 Lab Safety and Regulations

17:52 Handling Student Complaints

19:07 Empathy and Support for Students

23:00 Navigating Negative Feedback

23:48 Sharing Notes and Tutoring Ethics

32:37 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

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


• Chelsea Morelos


• 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.

Question and Response 72

Melissa and Jam tackle a variety of listener questions about chemistry-related topics. They discuss the differences between conductors, semiconductors, and superconductors, and delve into why minty things feel cold and spicy things feel hot. The duo also addresses the safety of silica gel packets, the potency of skunk spray, and the phenomenon of microplastics. They answer questions from their Patreon community and Instagram followers, touching on the unique properties of Helium-3 and providing tips on polishing silver jewelry. The episode features a blend of informative discussions and humorous anecdotes, making chemistry accessible and entertaining for everyone.

00:00 Introduction and Questions Overview

01:54 Diving into Semiconductors and Superconductors

04:46 Silica Gel and Safety Concerns

09:54 The Science Behind Minty Cool and Spicy Hot

13:40 Addressing Unfinished Business

13:55 Instagram Questions: Skunks and Their Potent Smell

15:47 Instagram Questions: Microplastics and Forensics

17:39 Instagram Questions: Helium-3 and Its Uses

19:55 Instagram Questions: Polishing Silver Jewelry

21:28 Email Question: Sourdough Bread Making Tips

25:32 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:

1. 
   
   
   
   1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11856799/#B9-jcm-14-01345
   
   
   2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/hydrocolloid
   
   
   3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5788207/
   
   
   
   

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Amanda Raymond


• Emily Morrison


• Kyle McCray


• Justine


• Emily Hardy


• Ash


• Vince W


• Julie S.


• Heather Ragusa


• Autoclave


• Chelsea Morelos


• 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.