Stump the Chump - a New Series
Written by Translator on August 17, 2008 – 6:26 pm -Crossposted at Dailykos.com
I often write diaries having to do with science and technology, as those who read mine know. Tonight, I would like to try something a little different.
This post may be considered as an open thread for questions about science and technology, and I will take on all questions. I may not have answers for all, or even some, of them. If I do not know I will say so. I will not feed anyone a line of bull.
There exists the possibility that my take on any particular subject may be in error, and I ask the community to correct me if I am wrong. I have been wrong before, and appreciate the opportunity to expand my database of correct knowledge.
If this is successful, perhaps it will be a regular feature. We do need a break from politics. So, please feel free to fire at me.
I am dividing my time between Politicook.net and Dailykos.com, so if you do not see an immediate response, hit the other site. Warmest regards, Doc.
Tags: Learning, Nutty Idea, Stump Doc, Teaching
Posted in Diaries |
11 Comments
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Okay, I have a vaguely scientific but possibly more medical question.
My labrador got annoyingly gassy this afternoon, so I gave him some Gas-X (which worked in a matter of minutes) snuck into some yogurt (strained, thick, etc.).
How did the Gas-X relieve my lab’s gas?
It is a surfactant. It is a complex silicone product, and it breaks up bubbles, allowing the gas to pass in one big discharge, and then gone. Warmest regards, Doc.
Well, that explains a few things.
I guess you could say it passed the smell test!
You are always an nice person with whom to speak. Warmest regards, Doc.
Ah, thank you, Translator! So are you!
How is a soap different from a detergent?
ooo, good one, drchelo.
::waitsimpatientlytoseeifTranslatorisstumped::
Soap is a product made from fat (either animal or vegetable) with a strong base, like sodium hydroxide (lye). Detergents are more complex molecules made from petroleum precursors. Most soaps are sensitive to calcium, iron, and magnesium, since those elements form insoluble soaps (aka, bathtub ring).
Detergents are less sensitive to “hard water” elements, and so work better in hard water. The modern ones are degraded pretty fast in sewerage plants, and so do not pose a real pollution problem.
Both work by forming micelles, a bubble that attracts water on one side and fat on the other. With a little more water, the micelles are washed away, and clean bodies result. Warmest regards, Doc.
I have to get to sleep. Thanks for the questions and comments. Warmest regards, Doc.