Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Writing in Chemistry

While most chemists spend a large part of their time dealing with data (and managing it), the ability to communicate effectively to other chemists is critical in the field of research. If you cannot communicate your ideas, no matter how brilliant you are, no one is going to bother to listen. So, effective use of the English language is a skill that must be developed. How effective a writer do you think you are? Give supporting evidence for your position.

Don't forget to tell me who you are so I know who is posting here!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Chemical Reactions in Everyday Life

We've been spending a lot of time working on problems involving chemical reactions. But, what does this really have to do with everyday life?

For example, the gasoline you put in your car is made up of a solution of different liquid hydrocarbon fuels (octane, ethanol and others). When your car engine burns these fuels for energy to make the car move, a combustion reaction occurs. Carbon dioxide and water are produced as this reaction occurs and these products are expelled through the tailpipe into the atmosphere.

For each of the other different type of chemical reactions (double replacement, single replacement, composition, decomposition), describe a real life application in a similar manner as I have done above. Be as specific as you can but remember, your writing needs to "make sense" to the general public (the rest of us who are reading your post). Yet, you need to address the science concepts we have been discussing in class.

PLEASE also be SURE to include your name on the post....I need to know who you are!