Physical Science

The sulfur atom lies below oxygen in the periodic table. It has an electronic configuration [Ne]3s2-3p4, which is similar to that of oxygen. Oxygen can form a maximum of two bonds with an additional 2 lone pairs. In contrast, sulfur,…
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Scientific experimentation on means for using scorpion venom in agriculture could lead to products that would be more environmentally friendly than current fungicidal chemicals. Scientists have already been searching for one or more catalysts that would enable them to produce…
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Man has known of the yellow non-metallic element sulfur since antiquity. Found in its native state around volcanic vents one of its early uses was as an insecticide.  The Greek poet Homer mentioned the insecticidal properties of sulfur in his…
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Type la supernovae, also labelled as “zombie stars,” are a group of special neutron stars that explode as they die and then revive themselves by consuming the energy of nearby stars.  They are called “zombies” because they are dead but…
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The power needed to create controlled fusion is incredible, so scientists have developed an incredible laser array capable of igniting a miniature star on Earth. The fusion laser system is so powerful that its 411 trillion watts of peak power…
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Despite the rumors out there, understanding acids, bases and pH is about as easy as, well, using a seesaw. Most people know what a seesaw is, right? A plank of wood balanced on a fulcrum, some pivoting point. A perfect…
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Neptune’s atmosphere, like those of the other gas giants, is composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium. However, it also contains smaller amounts of methane, ammonia and water ice, has extremely frigid temperatures because of its great distance from the…
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Iodine was discovered by accident in 1811 by the French chemist Bernard Courtois. It is one of the better known elements among the general public, due to the very valuable property that it kills germs, mainly bacteria. Iodine (also known…
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A comet is a solar system body composed of small particles of ice and dust. Comets have high eccentric orbits around the Sun and as they approach the sun, some of their material is vaporized, forming a coma and a…
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The comet ISON is coming this year and it promises to put on the greatest sky show in the history of the human race. If you haven’t heard about this spectacular celestial visitor, you will in the coming months. Due…
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