There are More than Four States of Matter Fact
The classical states of matter observable in every day life are solid, liquid, gas, and plasma, but there are many other known states of matter.
Elements
The elements of the periodic table are arranged by atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus), each new element simply has 1 more proton than the last.
This is to say, that atoms, which are formed from the elementary particles and their interactions, differ by proton number. Protons (formed from quarks) attract electrons (leptons). The number of electrons and the charge of electrons dictates which other elements atoms can bind with and thus what geometric patterns elements can form.
All matter in the universe can be understood through chemistry, the particle physics that it’s built on, and the physical laws that govern the interactions. At its core, chemistry is physics.
FACT: Before the modern elements were known, the classical elements of earth, wind, water, and fire were studied under “element theory” and chemistry was called alchemy. Thus, this section also contains outdated element theories that, despite their historic interest, are best classified as pseudoscience.
Factoids tagged with "Elements"
We Drink the Same Water that Socrates, Jesus, and Buddha Drank Fact
Water is continuously mixed and recycled, so the odds are in favor of us sharing at least some molecules of it with Socrates, Jesus, Buddha, or anyone from past eras.
A Fluid is Any Substance That Flows Fact
A fluid is any substance that flows, including liquids, gasses, plasmas, and to some extent, even plastic solids like Silly Putty.
At Its Core, Chemistry is Physics Fact
On a fundamental level, chemistry can be explained by physics. The atoms that make up the periodic table elements are themselves made of quantum particles.
The Bohr Model is the Most Accurate Model of an Atom Myth
The Bohr model of the atom (1913), the one that looks like a solar system, has been replaced by the more accurate Quantum Model of the atom since 1927.
Fluoride is Bad For You Myth
Fluoride is a name for several fluorine compounds. Fluoride is good for oral hygiene in small doses, but extremely dangerous and toxic in large doses.
Hot Water Can Freeze Faster than Cold Water Fact
Hot water can freeze faster than cold water, but it does not always do so. This “Mpemba effect” may be related to “supercooling”, but that hasn’t been proven yet.
Astrology is Based on Science Fact
Aspects of astrology are rooted in the science of astronomy and the academic tradition, but today astrology is considered a pseudoscience.
The Standard Model Shows How Elementary Particles Interact Fact
The standard model of particle physics shows how the elementary particles interact via the four forces to create the physical universe.
Everything is Made of “Star Stuff” Fact
As Carl Sagan correctly stated, “we are made from star stuff”. The elements in our body, and everywhere else were transformed by nucleosynthesis in stars.
There are Elements We Don’t Know About Myth
There are elements we haven’t observed occurring (naturally or in a lab), but we can predict the location and properties of “undiscovered” elements.
Blog Posts tagged with "Elements"
The Spheres of Human Understanding
All knowledge, all human understanding, can be said to be of four types: physical (empirical), logical (reason), ethical (philosophy in-action), and metaphysical (pure philosophy).
Separation of Powers Metaphor
The four “elements” (or “powers”) that form the foundation of government can roughly be expressed as: citizens, executive, legislative, and judicial.
Vices and Virtues Explained
We present a list of vices and virtues and look at vices and virtues as understood by philosophers like Aristotle and Aquinas.
Western Classical Element Theory as a Metaphor
Western Classical Element Theory can be seen as a metaphor the human condition where fire is will and action, air is reason, water is the passions and spirit, and earth is the physical.
The Secret Life of Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton produced many well-known works in math, astronomy, and physics, but he produced about as many unpublished works which dealt with theology, alchemy, and the occult.
The Standard Model (of Particle Physics) Explained
We explain the standard model of particle physics in simple terms for non-experts using videos, facts, and bullet points.
Book Reviews tagged with "Elements"
Plato’s Republic Explained
Plato’s Republic attempts to define “justice”, show why we should be just, and relate this to an ideal form of government which best fosters justice in the State and Soul.