#207

Melissa and Jam explore why gasoline doesn't freeze in extremely low temperatures while water and other substances do. They delve into the concepts of intermolecular forces, polarity, and how impurities can affect the freezing and melting points of substances. The discussion includes a comparison of the behavior of different substances at varying temperatures, and a light-hearted conversation on favorite liquids that can exist in both liquid and solid states. They also hint at upcoming merchandise related to the topic.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:43 Why Gasoline Doesn't Freeze
03:10 Chemistry Behind Freezing and Melting
06:43 Intermolecular Forces Explained
15:44 Practical Implications and Fun Facts
20:46 Listener Questions and Closing Remarks

References from this episode:

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• Julie S
• Heather R
• Autoclave
• Chelsea M
• Dorien V
• Scott B
• Jessie R
• Ciara L
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette N
• Cullyn R
• Erica B
• Elizabeth P
• Sarah M
• Rachel R
• Letila
• Katrina B
• Suzanne P
• Venus R
• Lyn S
• Jacob T
• Brian K
• Emerson W
• Kristina G
• Timothy P
• Steven B
• Chris and Claire S
• Chelsea B
• Avishai B
• Hunter R

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#011 Rebroadcast

Why is honey sticky but salt isn’t? What’s the difference between things that stick and things that just feel sticky? In this episode, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry behind adhesion, cohesion, and the forces that make substances cling to surfaces (and to our fingers). They explore intermolecular forces, viscosity, and why some things are nearly impossible to separate once they’re bonded. Plus, Jam shares a hilarious mix-up of words, and Melissa breaks down why this topic turned out to be trickier than expected!

Topics Covered:

• The difference between adhesion and cohesion

• Intermolecular forces: the unseen power behind stickiness

• Why some things feel sticky while others are just stuck

• How temperature and viscosity affect our experience of stickiness

• Why hydrogen bonding plays a key role in making substances cling

• Listener-submitted answers on the “scientific word for sticky”

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Julie S
• Heather R
• Autoclave
• Chelsea M
• Dorien V
• Scott B
• Jessie R
• Ciara L
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette N
• Cullyn R
• Erica B
• Elizabeth P
• Sarah M
• Rachel R
• Letila
• Katrina B
• Suzanne P
• Venus R
• Lyn S
• Jacob T
• Brian K
• Emerson W
• Kristina G
• Timothy P
• Steven B
• Chris and Claire S
• Chelsea B
• Avishai B
• Hunter R

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#206

Melissa and Jam address a listener's question about the FDA's reliability in approving products. They discuss the intersection of chemistry, government, and society, focusing on FDA's role in regulating food and drugs. The episode includes a deep dive into the historical thalidomide tragedy, the improvements in the FDA's approval process since then, and the nuances of trusting FDA-approved products. Through personal insights, they emphasize the complexities and challenges faced by the FDA in ensuring public safety.

00:00 Introduction: What is the FDA Up To?
00:18 Listener's Question: Trusting FDA Approvals
01:11 Deep Dive: FDA's Role and Responsibilities
03:35 Case Study: Cold Medicine and Phenylephrine
04:18 Thalidomide: A Historical Lesson
10:11 The Role of Frances Kelsey
13:44 FDA's Evolution and Current Challenges
23:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

References from this episode:

1. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/biological-sciences-articles/courageous-physician-scientist-saved-the-us-from-a-birth-defects-catastrophe
2. https://www.gao.gov/assets/hrd-82-3.pdf
3. https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs
4. https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/Editorial-Fewer-risky-food-colors/102/i26

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Julie S
• Heather R
• Autoclave
• Chelsea M
• Dorien V
• Scott B
• Jessie R
• Ciara L
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette N
• Cullyn R
• Erica B
• Elizabeth P
• Sarah M
• Rachel R
• Letila
• Katrina B
• Suzanne P
• Venus R
• Lyn S
• Jacob T
• Brian K
• Emerson W
• Kristina G
• Timothy P
• Steven B
• Chris and Claire S
• Chelsea B
• Avishai B
• Hunter R

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife