Real World Matter(s)
Is pure tap water (H2O) classified as an element, a compound, or a mixture?
Compound
In the StarTalk video clip, Neil deGrasse Tyson uses hydrogen gas and oxygen gas combined to remind us of the tragic historical airship disaster of which German passenger airship?
The Hindenburg
What safety gear is mandatory to wear during Investigation 1 before handling any white powders or mystery mixtures?
Protective eyewear (goggles)
What is formed when two or more atoms chemically bond together through the sharing of electrons?
A molecule
$100: What do we call a pure substance made of only one kind of atom that cannot be broken down into simpler substances?
An element
Is gold (Au) found on the periodic table classified as an element or a compound?
An element.
What highly reactive, soft metal that floats on water is combined with a toxic greenish gas to make ordinary table salt?
Sodium
During the Mystery Mixture lab, what tool is used with well trays to transfer exact drops of water or citric acid solution?
A pipette (or dropper bottle).
What type of substance is made of two or more different elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio?
A compound.
According to the Greek root of the word, what does "atom" literally mean?
Indivisible
If you stir table salt into a beaker of water until it completely dissolves, what is the resulting liquid mixture called?
A solution.
According to Neil deGrasse Tyson, why do science fiction writers often talk about "silicon-based life" instead of carbon-based life?
Because silicon sits directly below carbon on the periodic table
When testing the dry reference powders against water, what term describes a solid substance completely disappearing into liquid to form a clear mixture?
Dissolving (soluble)
In water (H2O), what is the exact ratio of hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms?
Two hydrogen atoms to one oxygen atom (2:1).
What subatomic particle has a negative charge and can move around or be shared between atoms
An electron
What solid black form of pure carbon is commonly used inside pencils and was historically misnamed "lead"?
Graphite
Neil deGrasse Tyson uses the example of a sci-fi TV show episode to ask why writers often talk about life being based on what element instead of carbon?
Silicon
When testing solid powders with citric acid solution, what specific visual evidence tells you a chemical reaction is taking place?
Fizzing, bubbling, or gas production
Why can you not easily predict the physical and chemical properties of a compound just by looking at the base elements it is made of?
Because chemical bonding creates a brand-new substance with entirely different properties (e.g., explosive sodium + toxic chlorine = edible table salt).
What are the three main subatomic particles that make up an atom?
Neutron, Protons, Electrons
What is the primary reason carbon is the foundational building block for all known life on Earth, capable of forming more molecules than all other elements combined?
Its ability to easily form stable, flexible bonds with many other elements (versatile bonding properties).
What single-layer, ultra-thin sheet of carbon atoms exhibits extraordinary strength and unique electrical properties discussed in the video?
Graphene
If you mix sodium bicarbonate and citric acid together in water, what specific gas is produced as a precipitate/product that causes bubbling?
Carbon Dioxide
What scientific term describes carbon molecules structured like a hollow soccer ball made of 60 carbon nodes?
Buckminsterfullerene (or a Buckyball).
What two elements make up approximately 90% of all atoms in the universe?
Hydrogen and Helium