What is a Mole?

Moles are used to measure elements. A moles is equal to the atomic mass of the molecule and is represented by the number 6.02 X 10^23. This mass is measured in grams. The mole was discovered by Amadeo Avogardo, an Italian physics professor, in 1811. Fifty years later an Italian scientiest used Avogardo's hypothesis to develop a set of atomic eights for the known elements. Then an Australian high school teacher calculated the size of a molecule of air. This developed an estimate for the number of molecules in a given volume of air. Moles are important in chemistry because they allow us the find the mass of any given element or compound.

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http://www.moleday.org/

Earth's Biogeochemical Cycles

Biogeochemical cycles are pathways in which a chemical or compound moves through Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. These reservoirs are all interconnected. In the biosphere, when water evaporates the water moves into the atmosphere in a gas form. Then when it rains that same gas is turned back into water and is put back into the biosphere, where it then ends up in the hydrosphere. Studying cycles together is more important than studying them seperatly is important because by looking at how they converge there is a deeper understanding of the unity between the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.

Bonds give materials distinctive chararistis. Strain makes a difference in how bonds form.

Dry Ice

Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide. It is used as a cooling agent and for preserving food. To create dry ice two oxygen atoms are bonded with a single atom of carbon. Dry ice smokes because of the condensation of the carbon dioxide and warm air. The smoke is actually fog though.

Alloys

Alloys are mixtures composed of two or more elements of which at least one of these elements is a metal.
Sterling silver is an example of a alloy. It is composed of copper and sterling silver. This alloy is harder and more durable than regular silver. However, it is still soft enough to be made into jewelry. Another alloy is bronze. Bronze is composed of copper and tin. It is harder than copper and more easily cast. It is used to make coins.

What Birds See!

• Birds are attracted to different colors.


• The changing of the color of ambient light can trigger early breading and alter fertility rates in birds.


• Humans are trichromats and birds have photo-pigment. This means that birds can see up to two more wavelegnths than humans can.


• How birds see and percieve color can effect migration and how the birds interact socially and sexually.


• One of the greatest advantages of birds being able to use ultraviolet vision is their ability to spot left overs from prey. This can inculde urine and feces.

Naming Elements

Elements are usally named by the creators of the element. They can be named after the scientist themself such as einstienium or copernicium. However, they are usally just named by the scientist who discovered the element. The most recently created elements are 114 And 116. These elements are yet to be named. They are not named yet because element names must be approved by an international group of scientists before they are finalised. The only guidelines the two elements must follow is that they end in "ium". This is a common ending for elements. "ium" is a latin noun. It means to indicate a metal element and to indicate groups formed by positive ions.