What happened to my Shampoo? I mixed two different Shampoo brands about 70/30 and liked the resultant mixture. The next time I mixed them 50/50 and overnight the mixture lost all it's "thickness" (viscosity, I guess) and still works fine, but is as thin as milk if not thinner. [more inside]
posted by Rafaelloello on Oct 23, 2009 - 6 answers

What is the most important scientific question of our time? [more inside]
posted by Demogorgon on Oct 12, 2009 - 44 answers

Please help me really grok chemistry. [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on Sep 24, 2009 - 13 answers

I don't understand physics. How do atomic orbitals work? [more inside]
posted by jeb on Sep 21, 2009 - 28 answers

What are your best study strategies for learning organic chemistry and/or anatomy? [more inside]
posted by melodykramer on Sep 15, 2009 - 19 answers

BeautyNerdFilter: Luck with homemade Vitamin C facial serums? (Chemists welcome!) [more inside]
posted by airguitar2 on Aug 12, 2009 - 5 answers

Can you think of an example of when a color could be said to have "changed the world"? [more inside]
posted by Ziggurat on Aug 10, 2009 - 32 answers

I feel like I am exerting a lot of energy towards dating without much return. I have fun while doing it, but since I rarely meet someone who lasts more than a date or two, it’s starting to feel like an exercise in futility. I have dating quantity, but how do I get quality? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 10, 2009 - 28 answers

hotdogfilter - Why do BallPark Franks plump when you cook them? [more inside]
posted by Paleoindian on Aug 6, 2009 - 22 answers

My shower (an in-stall water heater) sometimes smells like something rubber is burning. It's a strong acrid smell that I only notice while in the shower and usually only after a sweaty workout. There is no sign of smoke like you would expect with burning rubber. Is this just some sort of weird sweat and treated water chemical reaction? Anybody heard of something like this?
posted by srboisvert on Jul 24, 2009 - 11 answers

Physics/chemistry/tire tread composition filter. Why does adding silica to the rubber compound in a tire tread reduce rolling resistance? [more inside]
posted by tronec on Jul 22, 2009 - 5 answers

PeeChemistryFilter: what the hell is going on here? [more inside]
posted by elizardbits on Jul 5, 2009 - 6 answers

What combinations of colourless non-toxic substances result in something that's coloured, or at least opaque? [more inside]
posted by greatgefilte on Jul 3, 2009 - 4 answers

Is my propane grill going to work if the gas supply isn't up to U.S. standard? [more inside]
posted by phantroll on Jun 11, 2009 - 5 answers

Why does UV make things fade? [more inside]
posted by dmd on Jun 9, 2009 - 12 answers

Chocolate espresso - impossible? I want to make espresso hot chocolate, but after reading up it seems as though it's not doable. At all. Am I right? [more inside]
posted by goo on Jun 6, 2009 - 23 answers

Looking for a chemistry wizard to help me translate this ad. [more inside]
posted by neurodoc on Jun 2, 2009 - 18 answers

What techniques do chemists use to map the molecular structure of a substance?
posted by shivohum on May 31, 2009 - 14 answers

What do you call a gel that turns into a liquid with very minor agitation/pressure? [more inside]
posted by Bugbread on May 30, 2009 - 10 answers

What are the main basic references on the art & science of flavor creation? [more inside]
posted by gorgor_balabala on May 25, 2009 - 6 answers

What chemical did I inject into myself, and will I be okay? [more inside]
posted by lostburner on May 21, 2009 - 14 answers

I've just poured myself a Dark Horse Brewery Tres Blueberry Stout. A slow, steady pour that left a modest head on top. And then a droplet or two skidded around over the foam like a water droplet on a hot frypan for maybe five seconds before disappearing. Darndest thing I've ever seen. Beer geniuses, how did this happen? How can I make it happen again?
posted by ardgedee on May 15, 2009 - 6 answers

How do laser and inkjet printers work? I know the basics, of course, but I am looking for serious expertise at the level of the actual chemistry and physics... things like fuzer specs, toner chemistry, deposition, transfer, particle masses, exotic materials; in short... the stuff an actual expert would know. [more inside]
posted by FauxScot on May 7, 2009 - 5 answers

I have sulfuric acid, de-ionized water, and basic lab equipment. Can I revive my crappy car battery? [more inside]
posted by scose on Feb 23, 2009 - 18 answers

By what process do air bubbles form in water? [more inside]
posted by metastability on Feb 21, 2009 - 13 answers

I want to test the silver content of some items. What should I buy? I see people offering silver testing kits on Ebay. Are these a good choice, or would I better off buying the reagents themselves? If so, which ones?
posted by Joe in Australia on Feb 16, 2009 - 5 answers

why does pernod turn milky when water is added? [more inside]
posted by mwhybark on Feb 14, 2009 - 7 answers

Good resources for rules-of-thumb for laboratory dangers and chemical safety? [more inside]
posted by you're a kitty! on Jan 26, 2009 - 13 answers

What are some interesting ways to teach the periodic table to 10th and 11th grade students? [more inside]
posted by chr1sb0y on Jan 25, 2009 - 13 answers

Just watched a very disturbing documentary, how scared should I be? [more inside]
posted by querty on Dec 28, 2008 - 21 answers

ChemistryFilter: How can I use a molecular model that was given to me to learn about the wonders of chemistry? [more inside]
posted by PaulingL on Dec 28, 2008 - 9 answers

I apologize for posting such a specific question: I have an ionization scheme with 3 different pKas. I can figure out, using Henderson Hasselbalch, the hypothetical concentration of two of them. But my research adviser wants to know the concentration of all the structures in solution. And I don't have the math skills for that. [more inside]
posted by geronimo's folly on Dec 17, 2008 - 3 answers

Can mold grow on food packed in oil? [more inside]
posted by aws17576 on Dec 14, 2008 - 10 answers

I made (delicious!) mashed sweet potatoes in a conventional stove-top pot, covered the pot with Reynolds aluminum foil, then put it in a still warm but off-position oven (simply to save stove-top and counter space for the moment while wanting it to stay at room-temperature). Retrieving the pot a few hours later, I found that the inner surface of the foil had turned a light brown. It was also moist from the condensation, but had remained clean, unoiled, unburnt. I've cooked quite a bit and never seen this. What could be causing such discoloration, and is it a worrying symptom (of, say, toxins in the foil)? [more inside]
posted by taramosalata on Dec 14, 2008 - 6 answers

According to Wikipedia, the bond angle for water is precisely 104.45 degrees. How do they get that number? And how would one experimentally verify it? [more inside]
posted by metastability on Dec 14, 2008 - 16 answers

I'm working on a BA in chemistry, with a concentration in biochemistry. Compared to getting a BS, will it be harder for me to find a job when I graduate? If so, how much harder? [more inside]
posted by pullayup on Oct 28, 2008 - 13 answers

Chemist-Filter: I am an analytical chemist working for a company that specializes in leaching semi-precious metals out of waste material. The display on our Varian AA (atomic absorption) Spectroscope is too dark. Can it be fixed without calling in our repair/maintenance technician? All information is appreciated. [more inside]
posted by mrw on Oct 9, 2008 - 5 answers

I'm planning on leaving my high-pressure hard science PhD program for something that won't make me hate life quite so much. The problem is that I really don't want to go back to biotech/pharma industry, especially without a PhD, unless totally necessary to support my family. So what am I good for? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 17, 2008 - 10 answers

I'm looking for beers that correspond to elements on the periodic table. Arsenic (As) = Asahi, Titanium (Ti) = Tiger, Potassium (K) = Kingfisher, and so on. I've got a lot of gaps- please help! [more inside]
posted by twirlypen on Sep 16, 2008 - 78 answers

We had our first date last week and the chemistry was incredible (as was the kissing). However, I want to find out if there's more than just the physical here. Our second date is Thursday evening - how do I keep myself under control? [more inside]
posted by shiny blue object on Sep 3, 2008 - 20 answers

What's a good cheese-making book for me? [more inside]
posted by cmoj on Aug 13, 2008 - 4 answers

A question for chemists - I am doing a calculation about the energy requirements of taking CO2 at atmospheric pressure and temperature and compressing it to 2 MPa (2000 kPa, about 300 psi) and cooling it to -31ºC and am a bit uncertain about handling the phase change from gas to liquid. [more inside]
posted by gspm on Jul 24, 2008 - 7 answers

What could a high school chemistry teacher do with a $5000 technology grant? (The grant restrictions state that it cannot be used to buy computer hardware or fund after-school programs or summer projects.) [more inside]
posted by chr1sb0y on Jul 22, 2008 - 18 answers

I need a crystal-clear transparent liquid that is as heavy (dense) or heavier than water, not dangerous, and not difficult to obtain. The heavier the better. The catch - it can't be water-based. [more inside]
posted by -harlequin- on Jul 18, 2008 - 23 answers

At what "proof" will most spirits burn? [more inside]
posted by eduke on Jul 1, 2008 - 10 answers

What is the width of a single molecule of Tartrazine? Brilliant Blue FCF? [more inside]
posted by jwells on Apr 18, 2008 - 6 answers

i want something sort of like this, only more to my liking. recommendations, please. [more inside]
posted by gcat on Apr 17, 2008 - 4 answers

What does nylon 6 decompose into when heated?
posted by 517 on Apr 7, 2008 - 4 answers

How has our understanding of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, etc. changed in the last five years? [more inside]
posted by Orange Pamplemousse on Mar 24, 2008 - 15 answers

WTF is up with this sign? [more inside]
posted by Mcable on Mar 2, 2008 - 14 answers