Natural Pesticides
There are a number of pesticides found in nature. Several species of plants use pesticides to ward off insects. Examples are nicotine, rotenone, pheromones, and juvenile hormones. Chemists have isolated some of these pesticides to use on insects. A type of natural pesticide that humans have used for centuries is pyrethrins. Pyrethrins were used in Napoleonic times to control body lice, and can even be found in flea products for animals today. They work by paralyzing insects, but not killing them. This field of study is known as Green Chemistry.[i] Green chemistry research has developed safer pesticides and procedures. An example if a low-toxicity pesticide created by Green Chemistry is hexaflumuron. This insecticide is used against termites, and interrupts their molting process.[1] This field of Green Chemistry is quickly becoming popular as people want safe alternatives with minimal environmental impact.
[1] Baird, C. Chemistry in Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company Press: USA, 2006; pp 394-395.
[i] The science of designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.
I was aware that we were copying nature for pesticides and insecticides, but I didn’t know there was an entire field of Green Chemistry. With an increasing demand for green and safe products, I guess it was just a matter of time. I think we’ll begin to see a lot more research put into this field, and hopefully a lot more eco-safe products. I was also a little surprised to see that insecticides were used all the way back in the Napoleonic era. But it makes sense for the time.
[1] Baird, C. Chemistry in Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company Press: USA, 2006; pp 394-395.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
You Need Protein in Your Diet
Caleb Cato
You Need Protein in Your Diet
Proteins are an essential part of the human diet. They are so important because without the ingestion of outside proteins, your body cannot produce its own. Every human has tens of thousands of types of proteins, each of which performs a different function; in short, proteins are essential to life as we know it. They create or breakdown essential molecules, facilitate chemical reactions needed for survival, move things in the body around, build cells, breakdown waste, and form every enzyme (catalysts within the body which control the rate of chemical reactions or make it easier for certain reactions to occur). (Baird, p. 341)
Proteins come in tens of thousands of types, but every protein is formed from the same basic structures. Human proteins are all formed from the same twenty amino acids strung together in different orders; indeed, the proteins of all living things are, with some organisms using a few additional types (Baird, p. 341). In order for the body to form every type of protein that it needs, it must have every type of amino acid available in the correct ratio. If they aren’t available in the correct amounts, not all protein types may be produced. Some amino acids may be formed by the body; these ten are called non essential amino acids. The other ten must be taken from the diet (Baird, p. 350).
The key to absorbing all of the essential amino acids is eating a varied diet. Foods such as grains have essential amino acids such as methionine, while legumes have tryptophan and lysine in abundance. Meat, seafood, poultry, meat, cheese and eggs have all kinds of essential amino acids. (Baird, p. 350)
Excess protein taken in by the body is disposed of through the urine, and so it is not so dangerous to eat to many foods rich in protein, whereas a lack of protein may be very dangerous; malnutrition is one of the least dangerous things someone who doesn’t get enough protein must worry about. (Baird, p. 351)
The article on proteins in Chemistry in your Life made it clear how important it was to have a varied diet. Without one, the body may not be able to go through all of its essential functions because it lacks the necessary proteins in high enough numbers. Vegetarians especially must worry about their protein intake, because so many of the proteins necessary are hard to find in high quantities in plants.
Proteins come in tens of thousands of types, but every protein is formed from the same basic structures. Human proteins are all formed from the same twenty amino acids strung together in different orders; indeed, the proteins of all living things are, with some organisms using a few additional types (Baird, p. 341). In order for the body to form every type of protein that it needs, it must have every type of amino acid available in the correct ratio. If they aren’t available in the correct amounts, not all protein types may be produced. Some amino acids may be formed by the body; these ten are called non essential amino acids. The other ten must be taken from the diet (Baird, p. 350).
The key to absorbing all of the essential amino acids is eating a varied diet. Foods such as grains have essential amino acids such as methionine, while legumes have tryptophan and lysine in abundance. Meat, seafood, poultry, meat, cheese and eggs have all kinds of essential amino acids. (Baird, p. 350)
Excess protein taken in by the body is disposed of through the urine, and so it is not so dangerous to eat to many foods rich in protein, whereas a lack of protein may be very dangerous; malnutrition is one of the least dangerous things someone who doesn’t get enough protein must worry about. (Baird, p. 351)
The article on proteins in Chemistry in your Life made it clear how important it was to have a varied diet. Without one, the body may not be able to go through all of its essential functions because it lacks the necessary proteins in high enough numbers. Vegetarians especially must worry about their protein intake, because so many of the proteins necessary are hard to find in high quantities in plants.
Bibliography
Baird, C. Chemistry in Your Life. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company, 2006.
The Production of Soap
Even though soap has been around for ages the same ingredients have been added for years. The main ingredient for soap is animal fat. The fat is either decomposed of heated at a high temperature in water in order to form glycerol and free fatty acid. Also fat can be broken down much quicker with a basic substance and adding heat to it. The base used to do this is a mixture of sodium and potassium carbonate. Salt is then added and the soap and glycerol is separated from each other. The glycerol is then removed from the mixture. Hard soaps mainly consist of sodium, but a soft soap such as shaving later and liquid soap mainly contains potassium. Most of the time a sort of perfume is added to the mixture to add a scent. Hard water consisting of calcium or magnesium deactivates the cleaning process of soap and builds soap scum. Many people prefer soft water to wash their hair so that the soapy residue is not left over.
Unknown terms:
-glycerol: a byproduct in the production of soap.
-hard water: water containing calcium or magnesium ions
Soap has always interested me on how it is made. I never did know the chemical properties or any of its features. I just accepted the fact that it cleaned. The fact that animal fat if the real reason for the production of soap surprises me. I never would have expected animal fat to make a substance that can clean objects. I have basically been cleaning my body with a dead animal. The process to make soap is actually not hard either. Most of the time soap could be made in someone’s home. I also didn’t know that soap can have different qualities because of the salt added to it. Next time I jump in the shower I will make sure to think of what I am rubbing on myself when I use a bar of soap.
Unknown terms:
-glycerol: a byproduct in the production of soap.
-hard water: water containing calcium or magnesium ions
Soap has always interested me on how it is made. I never did know the chemical properties or any of its features. I just accepted the fact that it cleaned. The fact that animal fat if the real reason for the production of soap surprises me. I never would have expected animal fat to make a substance that can clean objects. I have basically been cleaning my body with a dead animal. The process to make soap is actually not hard either. Most of the time soap could be made in someone’s home. I also didn’t know that soap can have different qualities because of the salt added to it. Next time I jump in the shower I will make sure to think of what I am rubbing on myself when I use a bar of soap.
Chemistry of Food
10.5 Additives are used to enhance food’s appearance, texture, and flavor
For food labels, the ingredients list goes in order of amounts. There are three main enhancers used in food, colors and bleaching agents, thickening agents and texture modifiers, and flavor enhancers. First color and bleaching agents are used to make food more appetizing and pleasing to the consumer. There have been seven food colorings that have been certified for use in the United States, and that actually are used currently. There are many natural products used to create different textures and agents. Some of those products are carrageenan, a carbohydrate extract, xanthan gum, and many other various cellulose derivatives. The most common flavor enhancer is MSG, which is used in Chinese food, such as soups. MSG is sodium salt of the naturally occurring amino acid glutamics acid. The side effects of MSG are headaches and nausea. Some enhancers are used to exaggerate the flavor of meat, and allow the manufactures to use less of the “real thing.” They are ionic compounds produced from organic acids and occur at small concentrations in some natural products. Ever wondered why food spoils? It’s when unsaturated fat molecules can decompose and produce foul-smelling, foul-tasting, that react with oxygen in the air.
Unsaturated fat+ O2ààAldehydes, acids, ketones
Unknowns
Carrageenan: extracts of carrageen seaweed, has been used as food additives for hundreds of years.
Xanthan gum: is a polysaccharide used as a food additive and rheology modifier.
Glutamics acid: is the protonated form of glutamate (the anion). Glutamate is one of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids. It is not among the essential amino acids. Its codons are GAA and GAG.
Aldehyde: An aldehyde is an organic compound containing a terminal carbonyl group. This functional group, which consists of a carbon atom which is bonded to a hydrogen atom and double-bonded to an oxygen atom (chemical formula O=CH-), is called the aldehyde group.
In society, most people don’t have a clue of what is in their food, or what at all they may be eating. By informing the public would bring much satisfaction to the world. People would be more cautious, aware, and healthier. Less problems and consequences would arrive in light of this new information. Next time, it wouldn’t hurt to look and see what your food contains and maybe choose a healthier route!
Baird, C. Chemistry in Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company Press: USA, 2006; pp 380-386
For food labels, the ingredients list goes in order of amounts. There are three main enhancers used in food, colors and bleaching agents, thickening agents and texture modifiers, and flavor enhancers. First color and bleaching agents are used to make food more appetizing and pleasing to the consumer. There have been seven food colorings that have been certified for use in the United States, and that actually are used currently. There are many natural products used to create different textures and agents. Some of those products are carrageenan, a carbohydrate extract, xanthan gum, and many other various cellulose derivatives. The most common flavor enhancer is MSG, which is used in Chinese food, such as soups. MSG is sodium salt of the naturally occurring amino acid glutamics acid. The side effects of MSG are headaches and nausea. Some enhancers are used to exaggerate the flavor of meat, and allow the manufactures to use less of the “real thing.” They are ionic compounds produced from organic acids and occur at small concentrations in some natural products. Ever wondered why food spoils? It’s when unsaturated fat molecules can decompose and produce foul-smelling, foul-tasting, that react with oxygen in the air.
Unsaturated fat+ O2ààAldehydes, acids, ketones
Unknowns
Carrageenan: extracts of carrageen seaweed, has been used as food additives for hundreds of years.
Xanthan gum: is a polysaccharide used as a food additive and rheology modifier.
Glutamics acid: is the protonated form of glutamate (the anion). Glutamate is one of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids. It is not among the essential amino acids. Its codons are GAA and GAG.
Aldehyde: An aldehyde is an organic compound containing a terminal carbonyl group. This functional group, which consists of a carbon atom which is bonded to a hydrogen atom and double-bonded to an oxygen atom (chemical formula O=CH-), is called the aldehyde group.
In society, most people don’t have a clue of what is in their food, or what at all they may be eating. By informing the public would bring much satisfaction to the world. People would be more cautious, aware, and healthier. Less problems and consequences would arrive in light of this new information. Next time, it wouldn’t hurt to look and see what your food contains and maybe choose a healthier route!
Baird, C. Chemistry in Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company Press: USA, 2006; pp 380-386
Gastric juice
The fluid in your stomach contains a very low pH level. In fact it is normally about a one or two. This level is ten times the hydrogen concentration of lemon juice. Very acidic. The acidity comes from the strong hydrochloric acid. This is produced by the cells in your stomach walls and makes up about 0.5% of gastric juice. The acid restricts the growth of bacteria and makes it possible to digest food. However, the stomach lining is not destroyed by the acidity because of the mucous membranes that line it. The lining lets bicarbonate ions react with the acid. The amount of acid depends on the amount of acid and the nature of the food it is in. Too much acid can cause heartburn and acid indigestion. But the way to fix this problem is to take a substance that will react with the hydrogen ions, therefore; reducing their concentration in the stomach. The antacids are calcium or magnesium carbonate, which are insoluble in water, but will dissolve in acidic solutions. The antacids make you burp with is the release of carbon dioxide gas from your stomach. Some people who suffer from these acid problems take Zantc and Pepcid AC to decrease the amount of acid that is secreted into the stomach, which prevents the buildup of excess acidity.
I think this is kind of ironic because who knew that someone so acid could be inside your stomach. I think food companies should limit the amount of acid that is put into their products, therefore reducing the risk of people getting heartburn and acid indigestion.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. “Gastric juice has a very low pH.” W.H. Freeman and Company. New York. 2006. Pages 432-433
I think this is kind of ironic because who knew that someone so acid could be inside your stomach. I think food companies should limit the amount of acid that is put into their products, therefore reducing the risk of people getting heartburn and acid indigestion.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. “Gastric juice has a very low pH.” W.H. Freeman and Company. New York. 2006. Pages 432-433
Advantages of disinfecting drinking water
Tim Hoesterey
FYS Chemistry and Your Future
The Advantages of Disinfecting Drinking Water
Clean drinking water has been a priority for human survival for as long as mankind has been on this earth. Much of the way humans have developed this earth is based on accessibility to fresh water. There are many ways that water can be disinfected, but some of them are: chlorination, ozonation, ultraviolet treatment, osmosis, and distillation. Chlorination is the easiest and cheapest, and it is the most commonly used method for purifying drinking water in America. However, many people are concerned of the health risks that could come with drinking chlorinated water, but the good of chlorination greatly outweighs the bad. Since the use of chlorination typhoid and cholera have virtually been eradicated in Europe and North America.
Chlorination: is the process of adding the element chlorine to water as a method of water purification.
Cryptosporidium: a deadly parasite that is resistant to standard disinfection methods, and is small enough to pass through standard filters.
I find water treatment interesting partly because I have taken care of my pool chemicals since I was old enough to know how to do it, and because I am thankful that I don’t have to wake up every morning and worry about being thirst. Many times I take fresh water for granted, and I believe that it is very good to know the work that goes into disinfecting our water so that we can have a high standard of living.
Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. By: Colin Baird. Pg. 498-502
FYS Chemistry and Your Future
The Advantages of Disinfecting Drinking Water
Clean drinking water has been a priority for human survival for as long as mankind has been on this earth. Much of the way humans have developed this earth is based on accessibility to fresh water. There are many ways that water can be disinfected, but some of them are: chlorination, ozonation, ultraviolet treatment, osmosis, and distillation. Chlorination is the easiest and cheapest, and it is the most commonly used method for purifying drinking water in America. However, many people are concerned of the health risks that could come with drinking chlorinated water, but the good of chlorination greatly outweighs the bad. Since the use of chlorination typhoid and cholera have virtually been eradicated in Europe and North America.
Chlorination: is the process of adding the element chlorine to water as a method of water purification.
Cryptosporidium: a deadly parasite that is resistant to standard disinfection methods, and is small enough to pass through standard filters.
I find water treatment interesting partly because I have taken care of my pool chemicals since I was old enough to know how to do it, and because I am thankful that I don’t have to wake up every morning and worry about being thirst. Many times I take fresh water for granted, and I believe that it is very good to know the work that goes into disinfecting our water so that we can have a high standard of living.
Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. By: Colin Baird. Pg. 498-502
PCBs
Sonny Morin
PCBs Have a Long-lasting Effect on the Environment
PCBs were originally an electrical insulators because they do not easily react chemically. They were commonly used in power transformers and capacitors as coolant. In 1977 it was discovered that PCBs were starting to become widespread in the environment and its use production was halted. PCBs are very impervious to decomposition by organic agents. Therefore they quickly accumulate and circulate through the environment. PCBs are not soluble in water and on bodies of water, tend to float on top and evaporate into the atmosphere. This then turns into rain water and is deposited on land. This is especially harmful when it deposits on crops. Although use of the biphenyl has ceased, it is expected that the circulation of PCBs will continue for decades.
Unknown Terms: biphenyl, PCB
· Biphenyl is an organic compound that is yellow in color and is an aromatic hydrocarbon.
· PCB – polychlorinated biphenyl
This article reminded me of the talk of DDTs and how they were also found throughout the environment through their use. I read an article once that talked about the increase of beached Orca whales in the northwest. Tests were done on the beached Orca whales and high levels of PCBs and DDTs were found and were thought to be the cause of death. I would think that the Orcas are exposed when they play or feed at the surface of the water.
Baird, C. Chemistry in Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company Press: USA, 2006; pp 399-400.
PCBs Have a Long-lasting Effect on the Environment
PCBs were originally an electrical insulators because they do not easily react chemically. They were commonly used in power transformers and capacitors as coolant. In 1977 it was discovered that PCBs were starting to become widespread in the environment and its use production was halted. PCBs are very impervious to decomposition by organic agents. Therefore they quickly accumulate and circulate through the environment. PCBs are not soluble in water and on bodies of water, tend to float on top and evaporate into the atmosphere. This then turns into rain water and is deposited on land. This is especially harmful when it deposits on crops. Although use of the biphenyl has ceased, it is expected that the circulation of PCBs will continue for decades.
Unknown Terms: biphenyl, PCB
· Biphenyl is an organic compound that is yellow in color and is an aromatic hydrocarbon.
· PCB – polychlorinated biphenyl
This article reminded me of the talk of DDTs and how they were also found throughout the environment through their use. I read an article once that talked about the increase of beached Orca whales in the northwest. Tests were done on the beached Orca whales and high levels of PCBs and DDTs were found and were thought to be the cause of death. I would think that the Orcas are exposed when they play or feed at the surface of the water.
Baird, C. Chemistry in Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company Press: USA, 2006; pp 399-400.
Additives are used to enhance food's appearance, texture, and flavor
On most packaged food items there's a label on the back which gives you a list of the ingredients used in the product. Some of the main ingredients like sugar, flour, water, and oil have chemical names listed after them. Some of these added chemicals can contain non-food additives. Some of these additives are: colors, bleaching agents, thickening agents, texture modifiers, and flavor enhancers.
Colors and bleaching agents of course just act to change the food or beverage to whatever color the consumers are expecting. Some food colors were found to be carcinogenic and have been banned, but there are still 7 certified colors used in the United States. Thickening agents are used in products such as bread and ice cream, while texture modifiers are used more in candy and cakes. Flavor enhancers such as MSG are used in lots of Chinese foods and soups. "MSG is the sodium salt of the naturally occuring amino acid glutamic acid" (386). Some people experience headaches after consuming food containing MSG. Some other food enhancers are used to enhance the flavor of meat, for example, allowing the producer to use less meat, or lower quality meat, without losing flavor.
Unknown Terms: cellulose derivatives, MSG
Baird, Colin. Chemistry In Your Life 2nd Edition. New York: W. H. Freeman and Co., 2006. (p 385-386)
Colors and bleaching agents of course just act to change the food or beverage to whatever color the consumers are expecting. Some food colors were found to be carcinogenic and have been banned, but there are still 7 certified colors used in the United States. Thickening agents are used in products such as bread and ice cream, while texture modifiers are used more in candy and cakes. Flavor enhancers such as MSG are used in lots of Chinese foods and soups. "MSG is the sodium salt of the naturally occuring amino acid glutamic acid" (386). Some people experience headaches after consuming food containing MSG. Some other food enhancers are used to enhance the flavor of meat, for example, allowing the producer to use less meat, or lower quality meat, without losing flavor.
Unknown Terms: cellulose derivatives, MSG
Baird, Colin. Chemistry In Your Life 2nd Edition. New York: W. H. Freeman and Co., 2006. (p 385-386)
Nitrate has potential health effects
Nitrate, an inorganic contaminant of groundwater, is potentially harmful to babies and adults that lack certain enzymes. The nitrate ion is especially found in rural ground water and is a major concern due to the excess levels that exceed the EPA's 10ppm limit of drinking water. One major source for excess nitrate ions is the runoff from agricultural sites that go into rivers and streams. Nitrate removal is normally expensive, so groundwater that contain high levels of nitrate ions are not used for human consumption. If it does happen to be consumed, it will result in "blue baby syndrome," or methemoglobinemia. Nitrate ion is converted to nitrite ion when there is an excess amount of bacteria in baby bottles or in the baby's stomach. This is extremely harmful to babies, because they tend to suffer from respiratory faliure, once the nitrite combines with hemoglobin in blood, preventing the oxygen absorption and tranfer in cells. This problem is also linked to bladder cancer, especially among women who intake high levels of nitrate in drinking water. Problems concerning nitrate or nitrite is especially found in developing countries.
I found this article quite alarming, especially after reading recent studies among women in Iowa who were at high risk with being diagnosed with bladder cancer after drinking water containing high levels of nitrate. What also caught my attention was the fact that bacteria lurking in baby bottles or in their very own stomachs convert nitrate ions into nitrite ions, resulting in the suffocation of babies.
Baird, Colin, "Chemistry in Your Life." pp 504. 2nd Edition. New York, W.H. Freedman and Co.
I found this article quite alarming, especially after reading recent studies among women in Iowa who were at high risk with being diagnosed with bladder cancer after drinking water containing high levels of nitrate. What also caught my attention was the fact that bacteria lurking in baby bottles or in their very own stomachs convert nitrate ions into nitrite ions, resulting in the suffocation of babies.
Baird, Colin, "Chemistry in Your Life." pp 504. 2nd Edition. New York, W.H. Freedman and Co.
Paul Byrd takes HGH
Paul Byrd admitted to taking performance enhancing drugs, specifically human growth hormone, from 2002 to 2005. HGH was put on the banned substances list of major league baseball in 2005. Byrd says that he took HGH under doctors care due to a tumor on his pituitary gland. Byrd had little success in major league baseball until 2002 but he contributes his success to a change in his windup. He began to swing his arms before he pitched, much like the pitchers of old, because he recognized that he did not have good enough velocity to make it in baseball. Byrd says, “Hitters said they didn't like it at all; they couldn't pick up the ball. I thought, 'Maybe I'm onto something here.'” (Priestle).
This scenario brings up an interesting question about performance enhancing drugs in sports. The question is when is it alright for a person to take performance enhancing drugs, and who decides this? I don’t know if it was right for Paul Byrd to take HGH, but he needed it to live. Did it help his baseball career? Probably, but who knows what would have happened to him if he did not take HGH. The other interesting point about this article is that it was not illegal for him to take HGH when he did. He stopped taking it once it became a banned substance. I think in today’s society people are so caught up with steroids and these terrible athletes who will do anything to win, that they jump to conclusions about stories like this were maybe there is a simple explanation. Unfortunately I believe people decide on their own whether or not someone is guilty of cheating and it is just an unavoidable product of the times we live in.
Priestle, Scott. “Indians' Byrd admits taking human growth hormone.” Knight Ridder Tribune Business News. 21 Oct. 2007http://0
Nitrogen Fertilizers Cause Serious Pollution
The most commonly used elements in fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are essential nutrients taken in by plants through their roots. Both potassium and phosphorus are common in soil, but nitrogen is added to the soil using fertilizer. One of these types of fertilizer is ammonia, or NH3, which can easily contaminate the water table underground. Nitrogen-heavy fertilizers are usually used for lawns, like at a golf course, because nitrogen specifically promotes healthy leaf growth. The heaviest areas of nitrate contamination occur in rural well water, which is drawn somewhat close to the ground surface. Unfortunately, nitrate removal is very expensive and so it is easier for the time being to use water from very deep aquifers rather than spend time and energy removing the nitrate from the contaminated water supply.
aquifer- water-containing rock or soil.
water table- a level below which the ground is saturated with water (water source underground.)
This article made me think about how wasteful golf courses are, because of the level of water and and fertilizer that they need.
Colin Baird, "Chemistry in Your Life." pp 502-3. 2nd Edition. New York, W.H. Freeman and Company.
aquifer- water-containing rock or soil.
water table- a level below which the ground is saturated with water (water source underground.)
This article made me think about how wasteful golf courses are, because of the level of water and and fertilizer that they need.
Colin Baird, "Chemistry in Your Life." pp 502-3. 2nd Edition. New York, W.H. Freeman and Company.
Fluroride in water can help prevent tooth decay
Fluoride in water can help prevent tooth decay
Many years ago studies showed that people who lived in communities in which the water had naturally higher levels of the fluoride ion (F-) had in general fewer cavities and other forms of tooth decay than in those that had a lower concentration. Further studies proved that when fluoride concentration was artificially increased the number of tooth problems was decreased. With that proof scientists decided it would be a good idea to find ways to introduce more fluoride into people’s daily lives, since it was quite obvious that people wouldn’t do anything on their own to increase the amount of fluoride that they came into contact with.
Some solutions (all still in effect) are introducing fluoride into the water supply so that people get fluoride into their mouth anytime that they drink (which should be quite often). Another method used in Germany, Mexico, and France is to add fluoride’s salt form, NaF, into ordinary table salt, which is another outlet that is encountered quite frequently in one’s daily life. The last method of introducing fluoride to the general public is to put it into toothpaste, which obviously gets applied to all the teeth.
The way that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay is that it takes the place of OH- in the mineral apatite, Ca5(PO4)3, which strengthens it further against acids. Apatite breaks down much quicker in acids than fluorapatite, which is why it is a better than just regular apatite. Fluorapatite also prevents the decomposition of carbohydrates into carboxylic acids, providing further protection.
I found this article interesting mainly because I never knew exactly how fluoride helped protect teeth. I always figured it was just something that coated teeth; I didn’t know it actually changed the chemical composition of enamel.
I also found it interesting to find out how fluoride was introduced elsewhere. I knew about the water supply and toothpaste, but I had never heard of introducing it into table salt, although I guess it makes sense. As for people who are opposed to the mandatory induction of fluoride, I think if you are serious about that and are going to be doing that much more, you probably have the resources to find out what is being introduced into your community and should base your habits off of what you can’t control. If it’s not available, then that would be my suggestion for a compromise: make that information readily available for those who need it.
WORKS CITED
Baird, C. Chemistry in Your Future. W.H. Freeman and Company. New York. 2006.pp 421-422.
Many years ago studies showed that people who lived in communities in which the water had naturally higher levels of the fluoride ion (F-) had in general fewer cavities and other forms of tooth decay than in those that had a lower concentration. Further studies proved that when fluoride concentration was artificially increased the number of tooth problems was decreased. With that proof scientists decided it would be a good idea to find ways to introduce more fluoride into people’s daily lives, since it was quite obvious that people wouldn’t do anything on their own to increase the amount of fluoride that they came into contact with.
Some solutions (all still in effect) are introducing fluoride into the water supply so that people get fluoride into their mouth anytime that they drink (which should be quite often). Another method used in Germany, Mexico, and France is to add fluoride’s salt form, NaF, into ordinary table salt, which is another outlet that is encountered quite frequently in one’s daily life. The last method of introducing fluoride to the general public is to put it into toothpaste, which obviously gets applied to all the teeth.
The way that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay is that it takes the place of OH- in the mineral apatite, Ca5(PO4)3, which strengthens it further against acids. Apatite breaks down much quicker in acids than fluorapatite, which is why it is a better than just regular apatite. Fluorapatite also prevents the decomposition of carbohydrates into carboxylic acids, providing further protection.
I found this article interesting mainly because I never knew exactly how fluoride helped protect teeth. I always figured it was just something that coated teeth; I didn’t know it actually changed the chemical composition of enamel.
I also found it interesting to find out how fluoride was introduced elsewhere. I knew about the water supply and toothpaste, but I had never heard of introducing it into table salt, although I guess it makes sense. As for people who are opposed to the mandatory induction of fluoride, I think if you are serious about that and are going to be doing that much more, you probably have the resources to find out what is being introduced into your community and should base your habits off of what you can’t control. If it’s not available, then that would be my suggestion for a compromise: make that information readily available for those who need it.
WORKS CITED
Baird, C. Chemistry in Your Future. W.H. Freeman and Company. New York. 2006.pp 421-422.
“Cocaine is a Highly Addictive Amine”
Cocaine is a powerful nitrogen-containing compound that acts both as a stimulant, making a person temporarily increase alertness and awareness, increasing the activity of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) or the Central Nervous System (CNS) or both. Cocaine also acts as a depressant, a chemical agent that diminishes the function or activity of a specific part of the body, regarding the central nervous system.
Cocaine is obtained from the Erythroxyium coco plant, extracting the cocaine from the leaves with aqueous hydrochloric acid. It is said that “the extraction of the cocaine converts the amine B, which is not very soluble, into its ionic hydrochloride from BH+Cl -, which is high soluble and is therefore transferred efficiently from the leaves into the watery acid. Excess water is then evaporated from the solution which then forms a solid, white residue that remains which is the salt cocaine hydrochloride.
As cocaine is formed either as a powder or as solid rocks, the power substance can be snorted as a powder and the white solid rocks are put in water to dissolve and injected. By snorting cocaine, it begins to dissolve on the water mucous membranes of the nose and enters the bloodstream and conveyed into the brain. When injected, the cocaine enters the bloodstream directly with a faster and stronger effect because the concentration in increased. Cocaine hydrochloride cannot be smoked because it is an ionic solid with a high melting point, therefore it does not evaporate much when heated. However, “crack cocaine” can be smoked as it consists of the “free-base” of cocaine rather that its hydrochloride salt. The base producing the salt is produced by reacting it with a substance called sodium bicarbonate (Na+ HCO3-) or ammonia (NH3), which extracts the H+ ions. This is why cocaine appears in a white for, however crack cocaine can be of a yellowish, brown substance.
Cocaine is highly addictive as it “operates biochemically by affecting the level of the neurotransmitter Dopamine which is produced in the brain. Dopamine helps to regulate the movement, attention and blood in our body. When cocaine enters the body, it can affect a person within 20 minutes, causing hyperactivity, restlessness, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, increases personal confidence and euphoria. If cocaine is taken in an excessive dosage, it can produce itching, Tachycardia, hallucinations, paranoia and delusions. Severe consequences can lead to respiratory failure, a stroke, cerebral hemorrhage and even can cause heart failure. This usually occurs when the cocaine wears off causing severe depression since Dopamine production drops due to the abundance of the substance in the brain. This then causes the drug user to crave for another dose due to the addiction. This is because the continuing presence of the Dopamine molecules in the synapse region allows the molecules to gradually destroy the enzymes in the body.
Cocaine blocks the reabsorbtion of Dopamine onto sites as its original transmission nerve fiber, thereby increasing the Dopamine concentration in the synapse region. This then leads to the attachment of Dopamine onto its receptor sites causing their stimulation, which is what gives the drug user a “high” sensation.
Cocaine has had a long and controversial history. In previous years, the South American Indians used to achieve the same result by using lime and combining it with the coca leaves which they then used to chew and eat. Native people in Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador traditionally used to chew the leaves for mystical experiences and religious reasons, as well as to obtain its stimulant effects. It also used to be used as a local anesthetic during and after nasal and eye surgery, not only by indigenous people, but even by dentists in developed countries during the 19th century. During the day, Sigmund Freud, a scientist and doctor, used Cocaine to treat his patients with depression.
I think that is very clever how they produced cocaine from natural plants, rather than some drugs being created and made artificially. It goes to show how a natural plant grown in native countries can cause the risk of so many lives. My personal opinion is that, more so, the younger generation experiment with cocaine more than adults because they are curious in the drugs. This then leads to many younger people to be addicted to the cocaine, especially if influenced by peer-pressure.
Euphoria - a feeling of happiness, confidence, or well-being sometimes exaggerated in pathological states as mania.
Dopamine - Biochemistry. a catecholamine neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, retina, and sympathetic ganglia, acting within the brain to help regulate movement and emotion: its depletion may cause Parkinson's disease.
Tachycardia - A rapid heart rate, especially one above 100 beats per minute in an adult.
Cerebral Hemorrhage - hemorrhage from a blood vessel into the cerebrum, often followed by neurologic damage; a type of stroke.
[1] Braid. Chemistry in Your Life. 2nd ed. New York, USA: W.H.Freeman and Company; 2006. pp 303-305
Cocaine is obtained from the Erythroxyium coco plant, extracting the cocaine from the leaves with aqueous hydrochloric acid. It is said that “the extraction of the cocaine converts the amine B, which is not very soluble, into its ionic hydrochloride from BH+Cl -, which is high soluble and is therefore transferred efficiently from the leaves into the watery acid. Excess water is then evaporated from the solution which then forms a solid, white residue that remains which is the salt cocaine hydrochloride.
As cocaine is formed either as a powder or as solid rocks, the power substance can be snorted as a powder and the white solid rocks are put in water to dissolve and injected. By snorting cocaine, it begins to dissolve on the water mucous membranes of the nose and enters the bloodstream and conveyed into the brain. When injected, the cocaine enters the bloodstream directly with a faster and stronger effect because the concentration in increased. Cocaine hydrochloride cannot be smoked because it is an ionic solid with a high melting point, therefore it does not evaporate much when heated. However, “crack cocaine” can be smoked as it consists of the “free-base” of cocaine rather that its hydrochloride salt. The base producing the salt is produced by reacting it with a substance called sodium bicarbonate (Na+ HCO3-) or ammonia (NH3), which extracts the H+ ions. This is why cocaine appears in a white for, however crack cocaine can be of a yellowish, brown substance.
Cocaine is highly addictive as it “operates biochemically by affecting the level of the neurotransmitter Dopamine which is produced in the brain. Dopamine helps to regulate the movement, attention and blood in our body. When cocaine enters the body, it can affect a person within 20 minutes, causing hyperactivity, restlessness, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, increases personal confidence and euphoria. If cocaine is taken in an excessive dosage, it can produce itching, Tachycardia, hallucinations, paranoia and delusions. Severe consequences can lead to respiratory failure, a stroke, cerebral hemorrhage and even can cause heart failure. This usually occurs when the cocaine wears off causing severe depression since Dopamine production drops due to the abundance of the substance in the brain. This then causes the drug user to crave for another dose due to the addiction. This is because the continuing presence of the Dopamine molecules in the synapse region allows the molecules to gradually destroy the enzymes in the body.
Cocaine blocks the reabsorbtion of Dopamine onto sites as its original transmission nerve fiber, thereby increasing the Dopamine concentration in the synapse region. This then leads to the attachment of Dopamine onto its receptor sites causing their stimulation, which is what gives the drug user a “high” sensation.
Cocaine has had a long and controversial history. In previous years, the South American Indians used to achieve the same result by using lime and combining it with the coca leaves which they then used to chew and eat. Native people in Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador traditionally used to chew the leaves for mystical experiences and religious reasons, as well as to obtain its stimulant effects. It also used to be used as a local anesthetic during and after nasal and eye surgery, not only by indigenous people, but even by dentists in developed countries during the 19th century. During the day, Sigmund Freud, a scientist and doctor, used Cocaine to treat his patients with depression.
I think that is very clever how they produced cocaine from natural plants, rather than some drugs being created and made artificially. It goes to show how a natural plant grown in native countries can cause the risk of so many lives. My personal opinion is that, more so, the younger generation experiment with cocaine more than adults because they are curious in the drugs. This then leads to many younger people to be addicted to the cocaine, especially if influenced by peer-pressure.
Euphoria - a feeling of happiness, confidence, or well-being sometimes exaggerated in pathological states as mania.
Dopamine - Biochemistry. a catecholamine neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, retina, and sympathetic ganglia, acting within the brain to help regulate movement and emotion: its depletion may cause Parkinson's disease.
Tachycardia - A rapid heart rate, especially one above 100 beats per minute in an adult.
Cerebral Hemorrhage - hemorrhage from a blood vessel into the cerebrum, often followed by neurologic damage; a type of stroke.
[1] Braid. Chemistry in Your Life. 2nd ed. New York, USA: W.H.Freeman and Company; 2006. pp 303-305
Feeling down: It's called a hangover.
Feeling down: it’s called a hangover.
Getting intoxicated is a world tradition, be it for a celebration or simply to forget about life for a while. However even this tradition has a down side. The well-known and feared “hangover”, common signs are light sensitivity, massively throbbing headaches and thirst. So what cause this crappy feeling after a night of fun, the cause is aldehydes. Aldehydes are a group of organic compounds with a carbonyl group attached. Compounds from this group are formed when the liver converts ethanol to acetaldehyde. So in reality the hangover is the body trying to cope with the aldehydes that are flooding the bloodstream. Methanol is also present in alcoholic drinks, in a very small amount. Methanol produces formaldehyde which is the chemical used to preserve dead things, so its pretty obvious its not good for you. In the end it’s when the liver starts to metabolize the ethanol or methanol that causes a hang over.
Hangovers are a dreaded thing. From experience I can say that it differs from each beverage. Some beverages contain more of one alcohol than the other. For example tequila is made from agaves so it has a lot more methanol present, making the hang over worse than for example vodka.
There where no terms I didn’t understand.
Baird C. Chemistry in your life “6.16 Hangovers are produced by aldehydes” Pg. 239-240 W.H. Freeman and Company: New York, NY, 2006.
Getting intoxicated is a world tradition, be it for a celebration or simply to forget about life for a while. However even this tradition has a down side. The well-known and feared “hangover”, common signs are light sensitivity, massively throbbing headaches and thirst. So what cause this crappy feeling after a night of fun, the cause is aldehydes. Aldehydes are a group of organic compounds with a carbonyl group attached. Compounds from this group are formed when the liver converts ethanol to acetaldehyde. So in reality the hangover is the body trying to cope with the aldehydes that are flooding the bloodstream. Methanol is also present in alcoholic drinks, in a very small amount. Methanol produces formaldehyde which is the chemical used to preserve dead things, so its pretty obvious its not good for you. In the end it’s when the liver starts to metabolize the ethanol or methanol that causes a hang over.
Hangovers are a dreaded thing. From experience I can say that it differs from each beverage. Some beverages contain more of one alcohol than the other. For example tequila is made from agaves so it has a lot more methanol present, making the hang over worse than for example vodka.
There where no terms I didn’t understand.
Baird C. Chemistry in your life “6.16 Hangovers are produced by aldehydes” Pg. 239-240 W.H. Freeman and Company: New York, NY, 2006.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sunita, "The Formation and Color of Diamonds"
Diamonds, formed by the element, carbon, are the most valuable gemstone that has been created naturally due to its beauty, rarity, and great resistance to destruction or corrosion. Diamond is the hardest natural material, being able to cut glass, and therefore is very useful for jewelry. Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although some have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. They are insoluble in water, oil and other solvents and are unreactive. However, under certain conditions they can be ignited and then burn to form carbon dioxide. The diamonds are found deep under the earth’s mantle due to their stability of high temperatures and in high pressures in a molten metal such as iron or nickel. Diamonds are bonded carbon atoms which have been crystallized, inside the molten metal, into the face centered cubic diamond lattice structure. Even though graphite is also made out of carbon, it is not hard because it is not stable enough under high temperatures and high pressures, allowing it to become a very soft material. Therefore, both the diamonds and graphite do not easily interconvert because they both contain strong bonds that must first be broken in order for the transition to occur.
Diamonds are purely colorless. If there are any colors in the diamonds, it is due to the impurities that were trapped inside the crystal when it was forming. 1 For Example, a diamond may have a yellowish tinge if it contains some iron oxide as an impurity which can be seen when light strikes certain angles of the diamond. A fact is that a diamond surface reflects about one sixth of the light that hits it whereas glass reflects 4% of the light that hits it. To test the reality of a diamond, an expert can conclude which diamond is real and which is fake by placing their tongue on the diamond. A real diamond would feel cool, like a metal, because diamonds are very good heat conductors as they conduct heat away from your fingers as you touch them. However, diamonds do not conduct electricity well.
I think that this article was very interesting because you would not expect jewelry to be produced from elements that have been formed under the ground. The hardness of the diamond is extraordinary as they can cut through glass whereas the same element, carbon, is used to produce graphite which is very soft and dominantly used in pencils.
Braid. Chemistry in Your Life. 2nd ed. New York, USA: W.H.Freeman and Company; 2006. pp 195-196.
Diamonds are purely colorless. If there are any colors in the diamonds, it is due to the impurities that were trapped inside the crystal when it was forming. 1 For Example, a diamond may have a yellowish tinge if it contains some iron oxide as an impurity which can be seen when light strikes certain angles of the diamond. A fact is that a diamond surface reflects about one sixth of the light that hits it whereas glass reflects 4% of the light that hits it. To test the reality of a diamond, an expert can conclude which diamond is real and which is fake by placing their tongue on the diamond. A real diamond would feel cool, like a metal, because diamonds are very good heat conductors as they conduct heat away from your fingers as you touch them. However, diamonds do not conduct electricity well.
I think that this article was very interesting because you would not expect jewelry to be produced from elements that have been formed under the ground. The hardness of the diamond is extraordinary as they can cut through glass whereas the same element, carbon, is used to produce graphite which is very soft and dominantly used in pencils.
Braid. Chemistry in Your Life. 2nd ed. New York, USA: W.H.Freeman and Company; 2006. pp 195-196.
Chris, "Asbestos and Your Health"
Asbestos comes in two forms: Chrysotile and Crocidolite. Chrysotile is a white colored, long strand-like form of asbestos, whereas crocidolite is made up of shorter strands. Crocidolite has been a known carcinogen for quite a while ergo has never really been used in buildings. Chrysotile, however, was not discovered until more recently to be carcinogenic, and had already been used in many buildings as insulation. The question now is whether or not to remove the asbestos from the structures. On one hand it would remove a dangerous substance from a place filled with people. On the other hand it has an extremely high risk of loosening airborne asbestos, which is also very dangerous and hard to avoid.
Since this was from the textbook, all the words were defined. But until I read this I did not know the meaning of ‘synergistically’, which means the combined effects of two substances are greater than each individual substance.
I was hoping this article would give a little more insight as to how asbestos causes mesothelioma, but it spoke more about how it came into place and the issue of how to remove it. I was interested in the different types of asbestos; I did not previously know that there were two types, much less that they were discovered to be carcinogenic at different times. I find it odd that once crocidolite was found to be carcinogenic that research was not put in to find out if Chrysotile was also a risk factor.
Personally I don’t know which side I would choose on whether or not to remove asbestos. Both pro and con have strong arguments. I think it might depend on the building. A residence home you might leave it in because it’s easier to monitor, whereas a larger building would be more difficult to manage and could affect a lot more people. I think in that case the extra work and precaution would be worth it.
Works Cited
Baird C. Chemistry in Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company. New York. 2006. Pp 545-546
Since this was from the textbook, all the words were defined. But until I read this I did not know the meaning of ‘synergistically’, which means the combined effects of two substances are greater than each individual substance.
I was hoping this article would give a little more insight as to how asbestos causes mesothelioma, but it spoke more about how it came into place and the issue of how to remove it. I was interested in the different types of asbestos; I did not previously know that there were two types, much less that they were discovered to be carcinogenic at different times. I find it odd that once crocidolite was found to be carcinogenic that research was not put in to find out if Chrysotile was also a risk factor.
Personally I don’t know which side I would choose on whether or not to remove asbestos. Both pro and con have strong arguments. I think it might depend on the building. A residence home you might leave it in because it’s easier to monitor, whereas a larger building would be more difficult to manage and could affect a lot more people. I think in that case the extra work and precaution would be worth it.
Works Cited
Baird C. Chemistry in Your Life. W.H. Freeman and Company. New York. 2006. Pp 545-546
Jack, "Stomach Acid"
If one were to look at a pH scale one would find water to be about seven which is neutral, acid rain is about 4, and grapefruit juice is three. Surprisingly the fluid in your stomach is about one to two. The acid in your stomach contains ten times the amount of hydrogen ions than lemon juice. The reason for this is that the cells on the stomach wall excrete hydrogen chloride which is used to prevent the growth of bacteria and to initiate the digestion of food. The reason that the stomach doesn’t digest itself is because it is lined with bicarbonate ions that instantly react with the hydrogen chloride and form safe bicarbonates. Although if you eat too much food at one time you may produce too much hydrogen chloride which is the cause for heartburn. Antacids can be ingested in order to reduce heartburn. In this process carbon dioxide is produced which is the reason why you may burp. There are other types of heart burn medication such as Zantac or Pepcid AC that will not neutralize the hydrogen chloride, but limit the output of it.
Bicarbonate: a substance created in the process of digestions
The fact that our body produces a substance that can break down substances that are used in metals is unfathomable to me. The body ceases to amaze me. Each and every function has a purpose. Even if it is as small as a receptor on a fingertip or the medulla oblongata controlling involuntary actions. The body’s complexities range further that the human mind may ever imagine. The stomach is just one of the many functions that amazes me in the fact that it operates without our knowledge.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry in Your Life, 2nd Edition. W.H. Freeman & Co. New York, NY, 2006
Bicarbonate: a substance created in the process of digestions
The fact that our body produces a substance that can break down substances that are used in metals is unfathomable to me. The body ceases to amaze me. Each and every function has a purpose. Even if it is as small as a receptor on a fingertip or the medulla oblongata controlling involuntary actions. The body’s complexities range further that the human mind may ever imagine. The stomach is just one of the many functions that amazes me in the fact that it operates without our knowledge.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry in Your Life, 2nd Edition. W.H. Freeman & Co. New York, NY, 2006
Tim, "Natural and Green Pesticides"
Recently pesticides have been a pretty big topic for the government, the media, and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Pesticides are both good and bad, and regulators and users constantly struggle to find a compromise between health, economy, and comfort. But what many people might not realize is that some pesticides occur naturally in the environment, for example: nicotine, rotenone, the pheromones, and juvenile hormones. Some of these natural pesticides are actually produced by plants to kill or disable predatory insects. Chemists also sometimes use and isolate these naturally occurring pesticides to control the effects of unwanted insects. The EPA has also approved of green chemistry research to control insects. The goal of this research was to develop ways to make and use pesticides that are safer for humans and other animals.
Green Chemistry: the science of designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.
One reason why I chose to do research on pesticides is because over the summer I set sticky traps on citrus trees with a pheromone attached to them. The insect that I was trying to catch was called California Red Scale, and the sent was that of the female and it attracted the male. I feel that pesticides increase our standard of living, but at the same time we shouldn’t mindlessly use them. It should be encouraged to always try and find new and better ways of doing things, and insecticides and pesticides should not be an exception.
Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. By: Colin Baird. Pg. 394-396
Green Chemistry: the science of designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.
One reason why I chose to do research on pesticides is because over the summer I set sticky traps on citrus trees with a pheromone attached to them. The insect that I was trying to catch was called California Red Scale, and the sent was that of the female and it attracted the male. I feel that pesticides increase our standard of living, but at the same time we shouldn’t mindlessly use them. It should be encouraged to always try and find new and better ways of doing things, and insecticides and pesticides should not be an exception.
Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. By: Colin Baird. Pg. 394-396
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Fossil Fuels: reserves and projected use of petroleum
Baird, "Chemistry and Your Future", Freeman, NY, 2006, Ch. 4.
Lillian, "Fuel Cells have Great Potential"
The growing energy crisis has the world worrying about alternative fuels for the future, many car companies have begun to experiment with, and produce electrically run cars. Currently, most electric cars are powered by batteries, it is projected that future cars will turn to using fuel cells. Basically what a fuel cell is, is an electrochemical cell where the reactants (or chemical components) are replenished while the unit delivers electrical power so that it never runs out of energy. This is a highly efficient process in that their greenhouse emissions are very small, and any waste that is produced by a fuel cell can be recycled and used. The process by which the byproducts are reused is cogeneration. Fuel cells are looking good for the future because efficiency at getting energy from different fuels, and because they do not produce much carbon dioxide. Also, despite being expensive, fuels cells are very easy to repair. In order to recharge batteries that operate in this fashion, a process called electrolysis is employed. Electrolysis, involves passing electrical currents through a material to facilitate a chemical reaction. What that means is that in order to recharge batteries electricity is required and it is to be run through a material in order to force a redox reaction. [1]
Things I didn’t understand: I didn’t know what a fuel cell was so I read the chapter before this one and found out that fuel cell was simply a process where a chemical is constantly recycled while the unit delivers electrical power. The process involves the circulation of H+.
I found this short chapter to be interesting since we are currently in an energy crisis that must be faced and dealt with. I think one of the largest challenges that America is going to face through the battle to conserve energy, and reduce global warming, is the transition from gas guzzling SUV’s to low pollutant, energy/fuel efficient electrical cars. Right now the main problem is that Americans don’t want to give up their big cars for smaller more eco-friendly ones. America has become a consumer nation and so it is natural that to suddenly change from that would be difficult because wasting energy, and polluting the earth has become somewhat of a life style unfortunately. Of course though, global warming is going to be a struggle for other countries to tackle too, but it will be hardest for the US because we use the most energy, and fuels, and we emit the most greenhouse gas. But soon enough the nation will begin taking larger steps to act against global warming and its causes.
[1] Baird, Colin; 12.7 Fuel cells have great potential; Chemistry in Your Life second edition; W.H. Freeman and Company, 2006. Page 463
Things I didn’t understand: I didn’t know what a fuel cell was so I read the chapter before this one and found out that fuel cell was simply a process where a chemical is constantly recycled while the unit delivers electrical power. The process involves the circulation of H+.
I found this short chapter to be interesting since we are currently in an energy crisis that must be faced and dealt with. I think one of the largest challenges that America is going to face through the battle to conserve energy, and reduce global warming, is the transition from gas guzzling SUV’s to low pollutant, energy/fuel efficient electrical cars. Right now the main problem is that Americans don’t want to give up their big cars for smaller more eco-friendly ones. America has become a consumer nation and so it is natural that to suddenly change from that would be difficult because wasting energy, and polluting the earth has become somewhat of a life style unfortunately. Of course though, global warming is going to be a struggle for other countries to tackle too, but it will be hardest for the US because we use the most energy, and fuels, and we emit the most greenhouse gas. But soon enough the nation will begin taking larger steps to act against global warming and its causes.
[1] Baird, Colin; 12.7 Fuel cells have great potential; Chemistry in Your Life second edition; W.H. Freeman and Company, 2006. Page 463
Taylor, "Fossil Fuels Burning Low"
Our supplies of current energy sources are depleting rapidly. It took the earth over a half a billion years to create the world’s supply and we have extinguished it in a little over 200 years. If we are to continue using these supplies at this rate we will be out of coal in 200 years, petroleum in 30-40 years and natural gas in 60 years. There are ways to extend this period of use but it requires lots of money and better technology.
I find this information to be expected yet astonishing. If there are only 30-40 years of petroleum left I believe we should be doing everything we can to help find different ways to use energy and elaborate on different methods. There are many more ways to get energy including solar, hydro, nuclear, wind, and more. If we do not exceed our current pursuit for other energy sources or the advancement of the ones we already know we will find ourselves in a lot of trouble in the next century.
Procrastination is something we all wish to major in, however when it comes to crisis like these we must take initiative and continue our searches for more energy-efficient or different energy using devices.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry In Your Life: Second Edition. University of Western Ontario. New York. Pages 145-147.
I find this information to be expected yet astonishing. If there are only 30-40 years of petroleum left I believe we should be doing everything we can to help find different ways to use energy and elaborate on different methods. There are many more ways to get energy including solar, hydro, nuclear, wind, and more. If we do not exceed our current pursuit for other energy sources or the advancement of the ones we already know we will find ourselves in a lot of trouble in the next century.
Procrastination is something we all wish to major in, however when it comes to crisis like these we must take initiative and continue our searches for more energy-efficient or different energy using devices.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry In Your Life: Second Edition. University of Western Ontario. New York. Pages 145-147.
Jamie, "Global Warming and Your Health"
Some scientists are now finding out that global warming might affect human health. The number of hot days in the temperate zones is suspected to double, which will cause problems to the very young and the very old. People with chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease or high blood pressure are said to be affected by the heat as well. Poor people with no access to air conditioning may have problems with their health too. Not only are people’s health at risk, an increase in domestic violence and civil disturbances are possible; this tends to occur in the hot weather. However there is a positive side to this. The milder winters could cause a decrease in cold-related illnesses; therefore, reducing the winter mortality rate.
The amount of insects carrying certain diseases might increase too. The warming climate allows mosquitoes to reproduce faster and bite more often which would allow the disease to spread. Not only do mosquitoes pose a threat, so do the cholera rates. The warming of the ocean surface water causes an increase in coastal blooms of algae. The algae are breeding grounds for cholera.
I think that global warming needs to be taken more seriously since people health is at risk. If people know they are at risk they should take the necessary precautions. No one can control the weather, but you can control yourself.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. “Changes in climate may affect human health.” W.H. Freeman and Company. New York. 2006. Pages 608-609
The amount of insects carrying certain diseases might increase too. The warming climate allows mosquitoes to reproduce faster and bite more often which would allow the disease to spread. Not only do mosquitoes pose a threat, so do the cholera rates. The warming of the ocean surface water causes an increase in coastal blooms of algae. The algae are breeding grounds for cholera.
I think that global warming needs to be taken more seriously since people health is at risk. If people know they are at risk they should take the necessary precautions. No one can control the weather, but you can control yourself.
Baird, Colin. Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. “Changes in climate may affect human health.” W.H. Freeman and Company. New York. 2006. Pages 608-609
Friday, October 5, 2007
world temps --past 100 yrs,
from Baird, "Chemistry and your Life", 2nd ed., Freeman, NY, 2006, p. 584.
Corbett, "Go Green"
In Margaret Roosevelt’s article, “To go green, live closer to work” she brings up the point that global warming can be combated by people simply living closer to where they work. She notes that transportation is a major cause of the emission of greenhouse gases, and says that “The U.S. Department of Energy projects that between 2005 and 2030, driving will increase 59%, far outpacing an estimated national population growth of 23%” (Roosevelt). She sees this as an easily fixable problem, and all that needs to be done is housing needs to be built near business so people have to travel less.
While this idea seems well thought out, and easy to enact it runs into two major problems. The first of which is that in some places in California, for example silicon valley, living expenses close to where people work are way more than an hour’s drive away. People constantly choose Fremont over San Francisco because the cost of living is much left, and they can handle driving for an extra hour each morning. So while it sounds good for people to move where they work, often times they cannot afford it and other times they simply don’t want to. This brings up the other main obstacle stopping this idea from working. People simply don’t want to. James Burling said it best at the end of the article, “So long as people ardently desire to live and raise children in detached homes with a bit of lawn, there is virtually nothing that government bureaucrats can do that will thwart that” (Roosevelt). There is a reason suburbs exist away from big industrialized cities, because people want to live there, and unfortunately nothing is going to change that so a different solution to global warming must be arrived at.
Roosevelt, Margot. “To Go Green, Live Closer to Work.” Los Angeles Times 21 Sep. 2007: B1
While this idea seems well thought out, and easy to enact it runs into two major problems. The first of which is that in some places in California, for example silicon valley, living expenses close to where people work are way more than an hour’s drive away. People constantly choose Fremont over San Francisco because the cost of living is much left, and they can handle driving for an extra hour each morning. So while it sounds good for people to move where they work, often times they cannot afford it and other times they simply don’t want to. This brings up the other main obstacle stopping this idea from working. People simply don’t want to. James Burling said it best at the end of the article, “So long as people ardently desire to live and raise children in detached homes with a bit of lawn, there is virtually nothing that government bureaucrats can do that will thwart that” (Roosevelt). There is a reason suburbs exist away from big industrialized cities, because people want to live there, and unfortunately nothing is going to change that so a different solution to global warming must be arrived at.
Roosevelt, Margot. “To Go Green, Live Closer to Work.” Los Angeles Times 21 Sep. 2007: B1
Jorge, "Save Some Green by Going Green"
10/03/07
Jorge, Save Some Green by Going Green
Americans drive every where. From home to work from work to the gym and the gym back home. So what can be done to reduce all this driving? A new study shows “the number of miles Americans drive has risen three times faster than the population”, this shows that on average Americans are driving farther and farther each year. The proposal to fix this carbon emissions problem is to build neighborhoods, that are intermixed. This meaning that within each neighborhood there be businesses, also the neighborhoods would have to be walk able. The federal government is giving a 300- billion dollar grant to encourage people to ride the public transportation, yet this sponsors people living farther away from home and taking the bus to work. There is people asking for this grant to instead promote people living closer to work.
To me it seems that this is a huge contrevarsy. If the federal government keeps pumping cash into transportation and other organizations to promote living green, then its simply pulling money out of the economy. Its taking from one section and giving to another. Yet in the end America is still simply digging itself in a bigger hole. Also walk able neighbor hoods, will simply increase the darkened alley’s and creepy parks, which simply spawn crime.
Some terms that I didn’t understand where.
Ardently- intensely devoted.
Roosevelt, M. “To go green, live closer to work”. LA times. September 21, 2007. Pg B1 & B7.
Jorge, Save Some Green by Going Green
Americans drive every where. From home to work from work to the gym and the gym back home. So what can be done to reduce all this driving? A new study shows “the number of miles Americans drive has risen three times faster than the population”, this shows that on average Americans are driving farther and farther each year. The proposal to fix this carbon emissions problem is to build neighborhoods, that are intermixed. This meaning that within each neighborhood there be businesses, also the neighborhoods would have to be walk able. The federal government is giving a 300- billion dollar grant to encourage people to ride the public transportation, yet this sponsors people living farther away from home and taking the bus to work. There is people asking for this grant to instead promote people living closer to work.
To me it seems that this is a huge contrevarsy. If the federal government keeps pumping cash into transportation and other organizations to promote living green, then its simply pulling money out of the economy. Its taking from one section and giving to another. Yet in the end America is still simply digging itself in a bigger hole. Also walk able neighbor hoods, will simply increase the darkened alley’s and creepy parks, which simply spawn crime.
Some terms that I didn’t understand where.
Ardently- intensely devoted.
Roosevelt, M. “To go green, live closer to work”. LA times. September 21, 2007. Pg B1 & B7.
Sonny, "Living Closer to Work for a More Sustainable World"
Sonny
Living Closer to Work for a More Sustainable World
In California, there has been recent political hype as to how to address the 2006 global warming law which requires California to lower greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Many have looked to producing cleaner fuels, and more fuel-efficient cars. Today, politicians are taking a closer look at urban planning. A report done by Urban Land Institute, determined that with suburbs continuing to flourish, gas emissions may worsen by the influx of commuters. The Urban Land Institute has suggested that neighborhoods be planned to accommodate walking, reducing the need for vehicles. Compact growth neighborhoods would comprise of homes, and businesses which employ the local homeowners, in a close proximity. This has raised much debate in the political sector as many bills are now being proposed to limit the amount of funding to roads that are greatly traveled such as highways, and putting that money into rewarding compact growth neighborhoods.
There are many easy adjustments that we can do today to help create a better more sustainable world. This starts in our current homes. The EPA recommends using fluorescent Energy Star bulbs in all fixtures, this in itself if done in every American home drastically prevents greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA also recommends purchasing Energy Star appliances and electronics which are inspected to ensure they are energy efficient. They also encourage home owners to heat and cool their homes wisely, as to not waste electricity when it comes to air conditioning or natural gas when it comes to heating. As always they continue to preach the three “r’s” reduce, reuse, recycle. Students too away from college can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA urges students to get involved in their school’s energy use by advocating cleaner ways of obtaining electricity for example solar panels.
Unknown terms: There weren’t any that I was familiar with.
I personally feel that it’s to late to successfully plan compact neighborhoods. I’d like to see an increase in public transportation availability with fuel-efficient buses, and electric subways or even the new magnetically run trains (mag-lev) in place of electric subway. I think compact neighborhoods would lead to greater social divide, for example all the high-end jobs and neighborhoods would be grouped as one, and those who have lower-end jobs would be subject to lower-end neighborhoods. This could potentially increase crime rates.
Roosevelt, Margot; “To go green, live closer to work,” Los Angeles Times California Inland Empire Edition; Friday, September 21, 2007.
U.S Environmental Protection Agency, "Climate Change, What You Can Do," 4 October, 2007.http://epa.gov/climatechange/index
Living Closer to Work for a More Sustainable World
In California, there has been recent political hype as to how to address the 2006 global warming law which requires California to lower greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Many have looked to producing cleaner fuels, and more fuel-efficient cars. Today, politicians are taking a closer look at urban planning. A report done by Urban Land Institute, determined that with suburbs continuing to flourish, gas emissions may worsen by the influx of commuters. The Urban Land Institute has suggested that neighborhoods be planned to accommodate walking, reducing the need for vehicles. Compact growth neighborhoods would comprise of homes, and businesses which employ the local homeowners, in a close proximity. This has raised much debate in the political sector as many bills are now being proposed to limit the amount of funding to roads that are greatly traveled such as highways, and putting that money into rewarding compact growth neighborhoods.
There are many easy adjustments that we can do today to help create a better more sustainable world. This starts in our current homes. The EPA recommends using fluorescent Energy Star bulbs in all fixtures, this in itself if done in every American home drastically prevents greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA also recommends purchasing Energy Star appliances and electronics which are inspected to ensure they are energy efficient. They also encourage home owners to heat and cool their homes wisely, as to not waste electricity when it comes to air conditioning or natural gas when it comes to heating. As always they continue to preach the three “r’s” reduce, reuse, recycle. Students too away from college can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA urges students to get involved in their school’s energy use by advocating cleaner ways of obtaining electricity for example solar panels.
Unknown terms: There weren’t any that I was familiar with.
I personally feel that it’s to late to successfully plan compact neighborhoods. I’d like to see an increase in public transportation availability with fuel-efficient buses, and electric subways or even the new magnetically run trains (mag-lev) in place of electric subway. I think compact neighborhoods would lead to greater social divide, for example all the high-end jobs and neighborhoods would be grouped as one, and those who have lower-end jobs would be subject to lower-end neighborhoods. This could potentially increase crime rates.
Roosevelt, Margot; “To go green, live closer to work,” Los Angeles Times California Inland Empire Edition; Friday, September 21, 2007.
U.S Environmental Protection Agency, "Climate Change, What You Can Do," 4 October, 2007.http://epa.gov/climatechange/index
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