Chemistry is one of the most extensive areas about objects of nature, phenomena and processes. Also the science of many substances, their composition, properties. Chemistry considers everything at the level of atoms and molecules. She has many connections with physics and biology. Therefore, if you decide to study this subject, without knowledge of these components, it is simply impossible. Very often, some more math knowledge is added to this list.
Word "chemistry" translates as "black earth". Presumably arose from the Egyptian word. It is worth noting that this science plays a big role in the life of every person.
In this article we will consider 10 interesting facts about chemistry and chemical elements.
10. The beginnings of chemistry have arisen since the advent of man
In fact, chemistry arose even before the appearance of man on Earth. But the very first experiments that he set up were making fire, tanning animal skins, cooking. Soon, knowledge began to accumulate.
Initially, a person did not know how to make paints, poisons or medicines. At first, he simply used various processes that took place in nature: fermentation, decay.
After the appearance of fire, it was already possible to do such processes as burning, sintering and many others.
Many crafts (pottery, dyeing, cosmetics) reached their development even before the beginning of the Common Era. For example, if you take the composition of the glass from which the bottles were made, then you can see that it is practically no different from that used in 4000 BC.
Many chemical knowledge was hidden from humans. But, nevertheless, they still passed to other cities. Chemistry as a science came to the Arabs after they captured Spain in 711. But then they called it "alchemy."
And also in 3000 BC in Egypt could already receive such elements as copper, silver. Gradually, the production of bronze and iron developed.
9. Ernest Rutherford first received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Ernest Rutherford is a world-famous English physicist who was born in New Zealand. Of great importance in his life were college teachers who taught physics and chemistry.
Once he received a bachelor's degree in natural sciences. In that college, in which he studied, there was one tradition from year to year. A student who received a master's degree here should have done any research in order to obtain a bachelor's degree.
Ernest became the founder of nuclear physics, which in 1908 received the Nobel Prize in chemistry. Surprisingly, no one could have expected this. The only unusual transformation that Rutherford had to experience in his entire life was the transformation from a physicist to a world-famous chemist.
8. Every living organism on the planet contains protein
Not many people know that on our planet every living organism contains protein, only in different proportions. It is believed that it is contained in half the dry weight of absolutely any living creature.
You can give a simple example. If we take viruses - living things, then their protein is 50% of 95. It is worth noting that it is also one of the four components of living matter.
7. Granite is considered the best conductor of sound.
Sound is certain mechanical vibrations that occur in different environments. It can also be perceived by our auditory organ. More recently, scientists have come to the conclusion that granite conducts sound 10 times better than the air we breathe. At the same time, not only the speed of sound transmission increases, but also the range to which this sound can be transmitted.
What is the secret? In fact, everything is simple. Granite is considered one of the most durable materials that can be found on our Earth. That is why in granite the speed of sound can be much higher.
We give a simple example. If someone makes repairs in the panel house, then the sound of the drill can be heard through the entire staircase.
6. Hydrogen - the most common chemical element in the world.
Hydrogen or simply “H” is a chemical element that is in the periodic table.
Hydrogen is considered the most common element in the world.. At ordinary standard temperature, hydrogen has no color or smell at all. It is worth noting that it also plays a large role in various reactions.
5. Soap bubble - the thinnest matter that can be seen with the naked eye
A soap bubble is a film that consists of plain soapy water. They exist basically just a few seconds, and then burst. Everyone can do it.
But not many people know that soap bubbles, which are usually inflated by young children, are considered the thinnest matter. It is possible to see it only with the naked eye. For example, imagine papyrus paper, which will be several times thicker.
4. Mercury remains liquid at room temperature
Mercury is one of the known elements that is in the periodic table. Under normal conditions, it can only be in a liquid state.
It is known that mercury appeared in ancient times. Very often it was found on some rocks. But in most cases, received due to firing.
The Greeks and Romans used this element to refine gold. This is currently a fairly rare metal. In small quantities, it can be found in Spain, Dagestan, Slovenia, and Kyrgyzstan.
But it is worth noting that mercury is the only metal that has a liquid state at room temperature. At a temperature, for example, at -39, it becomes very solid, and if heated to 360 degrees, it is converted to steam.
3. Silver has bactericidal properties
Silver appeared on Earth a very long time ago. It played a rather large role in the cultural traditions of different peoples. For example, in Assyria it was considered sacred metal.
A certain amount of silver can be found in the earth's crust. In its pure form, the metal is quite heavy. Over time, it constantly fades.
Currently, its use is actively used in many industries. For example, in medicine. For a very long time, scientists wrote about the bactericidal action. Many drugs are silver hydrosols.
It is worth noting that even 4 thousand years ago, it was used in the fight against various infections. The ancient Egyptians used silver plates to apply to wounds. Thus, they healed faster and passed.
Many also use silver to purify water. It is able to kill all microorganisms and bacteria..
2. It is impossible to meet pure water (H2O) in nature
Water is the most important resource on our Earth. Without it it is impossible to live a single day. But really, pure H2O does not exist in nature.
Water is considered the best solvent. It dissolves even in itself and everything that occurs in its path.
1. In the human brain, approximately 100 thousand chemical reactions occur every second
Chemistry surrounds us everywhere. We may not notice this, but the way it is. Even in the human brain, about a hundred thousand different chemical reactions occur every second..
That is why it is worth affirming that science is not only around, but also inside each of us.