Please help me really grok chemistry. [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on Sep 24, 2009 - 14 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

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

What techniques do chemists use to map the molecular structure of a substance?
posted by shivohum on May 31, 2009 - 15 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

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

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

Have you used Chemistry.Com? eHarmony? Match? Etc.? [more inside]
posted by WCityMike on Sep 20, 2007 - 48 answers