Inorganic compound families, structures, and properties.
Test your knowledge with these top questions!
Why does a long-opened bottle of bleach whiten laundry less well than a fresh bottle?
Hypochlorite gradually decomposes into salt and water, so opened bleach loses strength within about six months.
Why does solid ice float on top of liquid water?
Water expands into an open crystal lattice as it freezes, making ice about 9 percent less dense.
Why does blonde hair dye contain hydrogen peroxide?
Peroxide strips natural pigment from hair shafts, so darker color washes out.
What chemical formula represents water?
Water's bent shape makes it a great solvent, so it dissolves more substances than most other liquids.
Which compound is the active ingredient in Tums antacid tablets?
Calcium carbonate neutralizes stomach acid on contact, which eases heartburn within minutes.
Which gas do green plants absorb from air to make food?
Plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen.
Traditional white classroom chalk sticks consist mainly of which compound?
Powdered limestone chalk writes easily because its soft mineral grains crumble onto rough boards.
Heating limestone strongly releases which gas from calcium carbonate?
The leftover solid is quicklime, a key ingredient in cement and mortar.
Why is drugstore hydrogen peroxide sold in a brown plastic bottle?
Light speeds the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, so a dark bottle keeps the disinfectant effective longer.
Why do people add household liquid bleach to white laundry loads?
Bleach oxidizers break apart stain molecules so white cotton looks brighter.