1

Chemistry / Re: Is it possible to turn Sodium Silicate in to Silica?

« on: 21/06/2018 09:55:39 »

May I also add a foot note. I would be interested in an expansion of the chemical process also if it is possible.

2

Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / Re: Does colour affect how fast plastics degrade in the sun?

« on: 02/04/2018 08:43:53 »

I use a PVC that is heavy on carbon black and Titanium dioxide? It has a very long lifespan.

3

Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / Re: Does colour affect how fast plastics degrade in the sun?

« on: 02/04/2018 08:42:24 »

If I have a red and a black plastic in the sun, the red fails a lot earlier. Red seems to have this issue in other outdoor things.

4

Chemistry / Re: How can I remove the cloudy deposits on the insides of my sealed pane windows?

« on: 10/02/2018 01:02:49 »

Most likely caused by silicone sealants used during manufacture and not enough time allowed for curing before assembly. If they are a quality product, the manufacturer will know about the issue and if reputable, replace or rectify them. Your local laws may also require them to do so.

5

Chemistry / Re: Is homemade wine safe?

« on: 10/02/2018 00:59:33 »

Brewing beer teaches you so much science. It is far more complex than distilling or wine making.

6

Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / Re: Does water on another planet or moon indicate life?

« on: 21/01/2018 04:20:25 »

Water may be toxic to most other forms of life. Maybe searching for water first is a negative. Maybe they should be looking for a water free planet.

7

Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Re: Why do insects waste energy buzzing about in swarms?

« on: 09/01/2018 09:47:59 »

mating.

8

Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / Re: What's the best survival tactic in a desert without water?

« on: 09/01/2018 09:40:54 »

Go to the pub. 12 hours is nothing to go with out water at night. If however, it is in the heat of the day, go 24 hours with out drinking what little fluid you have. This causes your kidneys to shut down. Then drink your water in decent amounts, not just little sips. This way more gets in to your blood. If a body has been trained, it is possible to survive on a cupful of water in a hot desert per day.

9

General Science / Re: How do you measure the strength of a magnifying glass?

« on: 16/10/2017 11:16:56 »

I find the burning ant example offensive.

10

General Science / Re: Why are brushless DC motors not used more widely?

« on: 16/10/2017 11:07:28 »

They are becoming more common in cordless power tools. My guess is they are generally more expensive to make.

11

Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology / Re: What methods can we use to detect underground water?

« on: 21/09/2017 12:13:46 »

Geology and then drilling.

12

Question of the Week / Re: QotW - 17.09.10 - How intelligent is a pet dog compared to other animals?

« on: 19/09/2017 08:44:59 »

I believe there was a Kelpie in the UK that had an IQ of a 2 yo child.
I once heard someone explain that a cat has a higher IQ than a dog on average. A dog will do what you teach it. A cat will do what it wants to do. Not sure if that is intelligence or not.

13

Chemistry / Re: What is a mineral?

« on: 16/09/2017 00:36:05 »

So, science doesn't have rules, just guidelines? I guess this would allow for more flexible thinking which is necessary for progress.

14

Chemistry / Re: What is a mineral?

« on: 15/09/2017 13:27:25 »

I find it interesting that most things in science seem to require accuracy. Yet, when it comes to basic definitions, they are merely guidelines and left to one's personal interpretation.
Why should a mineral need to be solid in it's natural state? If we include solidified H2O, then why not also include solidified Co2 or solidified methane etc. They exist as a solid in their natural state on some planets. Are minerals only minerals once they are on Earth?

15

Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Re: What is the definition of a species and are there different species of human?

« on: 01/09/2017 01:09:56 »

I always thought Ligers were infertile. I found this an interesting read on the subject.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/quora/when-a-lion-and-tiger-mat_b_2001932.html

I have come to the conclusion that when someone names a new species, they need to justify it is a new species rather than prove it. Would that be correct?

16

Question of the Week / Re: QotW - 17.08.20 - Why does washing dry even if the air's below 100 degrees C?

« on: 31/08/2017 12:14:11 »

Julius Sumner Miller posed a similar question. Why did his mother's his washing still dry in sub zero temperatures?

17

Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Re: What is the definition of a species and are there different species of human?

« on: 30/08/2017 12:25:19 »

So, when a new plant or animal is discovered, someone must make a decision is it a new species or a variation on an existing species.

18

Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Re: What is the definition of a species and are there different species of human?

« on: 30/08/2017 11:02:09 »

Thanks. All very informative.

19

Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology / Re: Which rocks contain metallic flakes resembling silver and gold?

« on: 27/08/2017 08:49:46 »

Could they be mica flakes?

20

General Science / Re: Who baked the first known bread?

« on: 26/08/2017 11:49:20 »

Thank you heaps. I went searching for more info on what you both said. Seems like Egyptians invented fermented bread but Australian aborigines were actually the first known bakers. Recent finds have indicated baking 45000 years ago. Also the earliest bit of jewellery was found at the same site. So, I guess that makes them the first trendy bakers. When I bake bread I eat it on day one and tile the roof with it on day two. Sounds like I need more chemicals.