Exothermic Reactions

An exothermic reaction is a chemical or physical reaction that releases heat. It gives out net energy to its surroundings. That is, the energy needed to initiate the reaction is less than the energy that is subsequently released

( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exothermic_reaction ) 

Fireworks are en examples of exothermic reactions. To shoot a firework, you light it with fire. A firework is filled with gunpowder, so as it travels upwards, it is delivering either sparks or smoke depending on the type of firework you use. After it reaches it's stopping point in the sky, it ignites like a bomb.. But, instead of dangerous substances.. etc.. it ignites with sparks, so it is beautiful to the eye, yet still insanely loud like a bomb. A firework is an exothermic reaction because it releases heat as it goes up and when it ignites. It is not a physical reaction, it is generic chemical reaction. Above all reactions, fireworks are some of the coolest ones.  ( ^ My own knowledge ) 

( http://favim.com/image/245622/ )

( http://imagesdetails.com/i/cool-july/5 ) 

Hunting the Elements Reflection

Think Past 

 Before watching this video, the Periodic Table was just a confusing bundle of nonsense to me. I understood the atomic numbers and why they were named what they were named. I believed that the 

Periodic Table was 118 all together in elements. I learned that I was incorrect in that circumstance.

Think Present

 I've learned that there are isotopes. Isotopes are new versions of the atom. Basically, other creations. Glenn T. Seaborg founded nine other elements ( from isotopes ) on the periodic table. Which is pretty rad if you ask me. Seaborgium was named after his works on the periodic table.

Think Future

 In the future I would love to learn more on how the scientists founded the isotopes.. It's quite confusing to me. I understand that the protons and neautrons can be taken out or put in. But, how do you know how much you've added? Where do you get these elements? HOW? All in all, Isotopes are something I would love to take on. The Periodic Table is a wonderful chart in the scientific world. 

 

    

( credit for the cool picture : http://sciencenotes.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/PeriodicTable-Space.png ) 

The Art of The Solar Cooker

Solar items can be used for everything. For this instance cooking was the method we chose. For cooking any substance we must have ways to angle light. Also, ways to keep heat in. In doings so, many of us in eighth grade used tinfoil. Tinfoil is good for angling light into the " cooker. " Tinfoil must be smoothed out for total use. Tinfoil that is not smooth can interfere with angles and push the light out. The same method is also used with mirrors. In this case, mirrors MUST be angled correctly for full purpose. Mirrors angled out of place can push sunlight out also. If you are using a concave mirror, you want to make sure you have your item in the focal point, so it can cook. Insulating is also important, in creating a solar cooker. You want to insulate your cooker as much as possible. We WANT to keep that heat in! The best insulator out of the entire eighth grade, was cotton. Cotton can be spread around the entire cooker and around the item. Cotton is affordable as well. All in all solar cooking involves many precise angles and much insulation is needed, depending on your item. 

                       

              

Telescopes

 
    The Astronomical Telescope vs. Galilean Telescope 

Astronomical 
The astronomical telescope has two lenses. Both are positive, as well as, they both play a huge part in the making of the telescope. The eyepiece works as a simple magnifier. The eyepice is used to view the object/image. The length of the eyepiece is equal to the sum of the focal lengths of the objective. The astronomical telescope can be used for terrestrial viewing. 

Galilean

The galilean telescope is a terristrial telescope aswell. It is shorter than the astronomical telescope but harnesses the same power. 

Both of these telescopes use different focal points and lenses. But both work similarly.