Physical Science

The essential difference between organic and inorganic compounds is, quite simply, that organic compounds contain carbon. More specifically, it refers to complex molecules based on carbon’s unique ability to form up to four chemical bonds per atom; certain chemical compounds…
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Over the years a number of schemes have been suggested to identify, or facilitate contact with, intelligent extraterrestrials. Among the most famous is the SETI project (the search for extraterrestrial intelligence) promoted by astronomer Frank Drake. And then, just last…
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Modern chemistry recognizes many compounds and mixtures that result from the bonding of atoms. This basic idea is the heart around which all chemistry is structured. However, it wasn’t until the late 1700’s that these important building blocks of chemistry…
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Today, Italian scientist Galileo Galilei is mainly remembered for his perfection of the telescope and discovery of the four largest moons of Jupiter. However, in his astronomical observations, Galileo also made an important contribution to the development of deductive reasoning…
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Diamonds may not only be a girl’s best friend – they may also be an extraterrestrial’s closest companion. This is because new research suggests that the sparkly stones could possibly tumble from the skies of the planetary gas giants, Jupiter…
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It’s no secret that the universe is expanding.  Astronomers wonder if, at some distant point in the future, the universe will cease to expand and begin contracting.  The problem is that there isn’t enough matter in the universe to prevent…
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Units are used to help quantify and define physical measurements. Some units are very easy to convert while others are a bit more complicated. In the case of GPM (gallons per minute), you sometimes need to convert this into flow…
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The planet Venus has the highest albedo in the solar system, yet the moon appears brighter to people on earth because it is so much closer than Venus. Albedo refers to the reflected brightness of a surface, or planetary body,…
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Russian experts are trying to blame the United States for its recent failed launch of a space probe. Rather than blaming its scientists and manufacturers for producing a flawed design, investigators now point their fingers at interference from a U.S….
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Yosemite on the moon? That’s just what Representatives Donna Edwards (D-MD) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) are proposing, according to USA Today. With their House bill (HR 2617), they hope to create a national historic park on the moon. While…
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