We've All Got Our Favorites!

While I enjoy writing all my articles, there are some that were either very close to my heart or that I feel turned out particularly well.  In addition, these pieces may either traverse ground seldom covered, or be particularly easy to understand by those not naturally "into" science.  Here, then, are some of my very favorites!

Why Does My Tongue Freeze to a Silver Spoon?
Something as simple as eating ice cream with a silver spoon invokes many of the principles of chemistry and physics.

The Ammonia "Flip," Quantum Tunneling, and Quantum Oscillations
Quantum mechanics explains how some phenomena occur which are not part of everyday experience. The ammonia atom can flip when ordinary logic suggests it should not be able to do so.

Make Your Own Oak Gall or Iron Gall Ink: Home School Project
Learn the significance and chemistry of oak gall or iron gall ink and include it among your list of home school projects.

Since They are both Carbon, Why are Diamond and Graphite so Different?
Diamond and graphite. They are two substances about as different as north and south. Yet, they are one and the same.

CNES' PHARAO Project - Cesium Atomic Clock to Test Einstein's Theory of Relativity
A new clock may prove or disprove Einstein's Theory of Relativity!

Degrees of Freedom of Diatomic Molecules and Energy Equipartition
What are the "degrees of freedom" of a molecule made up of two atoms, and what is the relation to energy division?

The Science of Golf Ball Dimples
Golf ball trajectories and distances traveled are inescapably associated with the science of dimple design. Here's how.

Hydrogen Sulfide Wastewater Treatment Methods
No one enjoys the smell of rotten eggs coming from a sewage treatment plant. What can be done to eliminate this problem?

Are Space Wormholes Scientific Nonsense?
Consider what quantum-tunneling and the theory of relativity seem to indicate.

Can Deuterium Increase Your Lifespan?
The Fountain of Youth! How people have dreamed they might live a longer, happier life. A Russian scientist believes you can live longer without it.

Science Puzzler: Does Ice Really Cool Warm Water?
What happens when a chunk of ice is tossed into some warm water?

Dry Ice! How Can I Make Dry Ice?
What's the secret of making dry ice?

How Doppler Laser Cooling Works
Physicists seek colder environments to study matter. Doppler Laser Cooling is one instrument at their disposal. How does it work?

According to Einstein - How Much Energy in One Atom?
Einstein tells us matter and energy may be interchanged. Then how much energy is generated by completely annihilating one hydrogen atom?

How Important is Gravity in Atomic Calculations?
Theories of the atom never seem to include reference to gravity. Should they? Gravity is extremely important in Outer Space!

Hydrogen Metal - the Holy Grail of High-Pressure Physics
Hydrogen is included with the alkali metals in the Periodic Table. Does it belong there? Is there evidence hydrogen metal exists?

What is a Hydronium Ion? How Important is It?
Add to the other amazing attributes of water, the formation of the hydronium ion.

How Much Does an Atom Weigh? Two Methods of Finding the Answer
Have you ever wondered how much an atom weighs?

Is the American Chestnut Tree Making a Comeback?
The majestic and life-sustaining American Chestnut tree is blighted by an Asian bark fungus. Will it ever grow it again? There is hope!

Metallocene Compounds - Structure and Properties
Sandwich compounds were discovered in the Twentieth Century and reinvigorated the study of Organometallic Chemistry.

Studying Planaria Regeneration to Develop Pharmaceutical Products
Amputations would cause no lasting difficulty if humans could regenerate. What can a worm teach us?

Ragweed Not Goldenrod the Real Hay Fever Culprit
Sufferers may sometimes incorrectly goldenrod as a source of hay fever. How can we say incorrectly?

Acids and Superacids - Improved Theory, Increased Strength
What even IS a superacid?

The Water Battery - Lord Kelvin's Electrostatic Generator
Electricity in the thousands of volts is easily generated using some soup cans and water. Find out how this works.

Calculating Chemical Reaction Quantities - Don't Forget Water of Crystallization!
Quantitative chemical reactions require careful calculation to avoid errors. One beginner's error is to forget water of crystallization.

Tomato Blossom End Rot and Sources of Calcium Deficiency
What causes Blossom End Rot in tomatoes, eggplants, and related plants? Not fungus. Not mold. It has to do with chemistry and ions.

Xanthan Gum Gluten Substitute Developed by Female Chemist
Gluten must be avoided by sufferers of "Celiacs." Xanthan gum, developed by a female chemist, makes an excellent substitute. But what is it?

Virginia Ecology - Yellow Wingstem and the Silvery Checkered Butterfly
Is Yellow Wingstem, which serves as food for the Silvery Checkered butterfly a weed, or a wildflower?

Muon Studies Reveal Shrinking Proton Size
Physicists at the Max Planck Institute recently discovered the proton is not as big as they once thought. What are the consequences?