ChemCafe — science, chemistry and physics made simple

What’s the Difference Between Alkali and Alkaline? Alkali is a noun referring to certain metals or their compounds, while alkaline is an adjective describing something with a basic pH above...

How Safe is Borosilicate Glass When Exposed to Direct Fire? Borosilicate glass remains safe when exposed to direct fire, and toxic components do not leach from it under such conditions....

How Does CC Cream Adapt to Skin Tone? CC cream adapts to skin tone mainly through the use of pigments that subtly shift color based on optical effects rather than...

How Often Does Rotary Vane Pump Oil Need Replaced? Rotary vane pump oil typically requires replacement every 6 months to 1 year, but this interval varies significantly depending on operating...

Is regular everyday mercury Hg or Hg2? Regular elemental mercury exists as monoatomic Hg(0), not as a diatomic molecule Hg2. It is a metal composed of individual mercury atoms rather...

Why Did My Panties Turn Blue? Your panties likely turned blue due to dye transfer from newly worn blue jeans or black clothes, washing powder residues, or, in rare cases,...

What is Devil’s Toothpaste by Mark Rober? Devil’s toothpaste is a highly vigorous chemical reaction involving concentrated hydrogen peroxide and powerful catalysts, producing rapid oxygen release and intense foam coupled...

Is Gas Just a Very Low-Density Liquid? Gas is not simply a very low-density liquid; it is a distinct state of matter with fundamental differences in physical properties, molecular arrangement,...