Where Do Chemical Elements Come From?
October 2009 (pp 6–8)
Author: Carolyn Ruth
Chemistry Connections: Atomic theory, Nuclear, Periodicity, Reactions
Description: Describes the various processes for producing the various elements in stars of various types. Fusion, fission and “r” reactions detailed. Spectroscopy used to identify the elements in stars and gaseous clouds.
ChemHistory: The Race for Iodine
December 2006 (pp 18–19)
Author: Mark Michalovic
Chemistry Connections: History/Biography, Periodicity, Reactions, Solutions
Description: Relates the history behind two competitive chemical pioneers, Davy and Gay-Lussac, their simultaneous investigation to determine the chemical composition of a purple substance isolated from seaweed. Both chemists determine it is the element iodine, not a chlorine compound.
ChemHistory: The New Alchemy
October 2006 (pp 15–17)
Author: Michael McClure
Chemistry Connections: Atomic theory, History/Biography, Nuclear, Periodicity
Description: Relates the history of discovering/explaining various nuclear reactions (fusion, radioactivity, fission, transmutation). Working with transuranium elements, Seaborg proposed actinide series.
ChemSumer: The Chemistry of Digital Photography and Printing
February 2006 (pp. 4–7)
Author: Brian Rohrig
Chemistry Connections: Atomic Theory, Bonding, Metals/Nonmetals, Periodicity
Description: Begins with a very brief description of film photography and its chemistry. Then describes the role of “n” and “p” type semiconductors to form diodes, photosites or pixels, in the digital camera sensor. Also discusses differences between black and white and color sensors. Then it discusses inkjet vs. laser printing processes, focusing on charge differences to transfer the image or text.