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Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Order Of Reaction And Half Life : Chemical Kinetics

๐Ÿ“˜ Introduction

Chemical reactions proceed at different rates depending on the concentration of reactants. This relationship is described using the concept of Order of Reaction. Understanding zero, first, and second order reactions is critical in predicting product formation, controlling reaction speed, and interpreting real-world chemical behavior. An equally important concept is Half-Life, which tells us how long it takes for half the reactant to be consumed.

๐ŸŸข Zero Order Reaction

In zero-order reactions, the rate of reaction does not depend on the concentration of the reactant.
Rate law: Rate = k
Unit of rate constant (k): mol L-1 s-1
Example: Decomposition of NH3 on platinum surface.
Graph: [A] vs Time is linear with negative slope.

๐Ÿ”ต First Order Reaction

In a first-order reaction, the rate depends linearly on the concentration of one reactant.
Rate law: Rate = k[A]
Unit of k: s-1
Example: Radioactive decay, hydrolysis of ester.
Graph: ln[A] vs Time gives a straight line.

๐ŸŸก Second Order Reaction

The rate of a second-order reaction depends on the square of one reactant or the product of two reactants.
Rate law: Rate = k[A]2 or Rate = k[A][B]
Unit of k: L mol-1 s-1
Example: 2NO + O2 → 2NO2
Graph: 1/[A] vs Time gives a straight line.

๐Ÿงญ Half-Life (t½) Concept

Half-life is the time required to reduce the concentration of a reactant to half its initial value.
  • Zero order: t½ = [A]0/2k
  • First order: t½ = 0.693/k (independent of concentration)
  • Second order: t½ = 1/k[A]0

Zero Order Reaction

Time (t) [R]

In zero order reactions, the rate of reaction is independent of the concentration of reactants. The concentration decreases linearly with time.
Example: Photochemical decomposition of HI on a gold surface.

First Order Reaction

Time (t) [R]

In first order reactions, the rate of reaction is directly proportional to the concentration of one reactant. The graph shows an exponential decrease in concentration.
Example: Decomposition of N₂O₅.

Second Order Reaction

Time (t) [R]

In second order reactions, the rate depends on the square of the concentration of the reactants. The graph of [R] vs. time shows a curve that decreases steeply.
Example: Reaction between NO₂ and CO or 2A → Products.

⚙️ Applications in Real Life

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Radioactive decay in carbon dating is a first-order reaction.
  • ๐Ÿ’Š Drug elimination from the body often follows first-order kinetics.
  • ๐Ÿงช Enzyme-catalyzed reactions exhibit zero-order behavior at saturation.
  • ๐Ÿš— Pollution breakdown reactions can follow second-order kinetics.

๐Ÿ”Ÿ IIT-JEE Style Conceptual Questions

1. A reaction is zero-order in [A]. What happens to rate if [A] is doubled?
2. Half-life of a first-order reaction is 10 mins. How long for 75% to decay?
3. For a reaction: Rate = k[A]2. What is the unit of k?
4. For a first-order reaction, ln[A] vs time gives a straight line. What does the slope represent?
5. If [A]₀ = 0.5 M and after one t½ it becomes 0.25 M, what is the order?
6. In which order reaction, t½ is inversely proportional to initial concentration?
7. Rate = k. What type of reaction is this?
8. For a second-order reaction, what is the shape of [A] vs time graph?
9. What is the dimension of rate constant for first-order reaction?
10. Which reaction order has a constant half-life?

MCQ for IIT JEE

๐Ÿงช IIT-JEE Quiz: Reaction Order & Half-Life

1. For a zero-order reaction, the rate of reaction:

A. Increases with concentration
B. Decreases with concentration
C. Remains constant
D. Depends on catalyst only
✔ Answer: C. Remains constant

2. The unit of rate constant for a first-order reaction is:

A. mol L⁻¹ s⁻¹
B. s⁻¹
C. L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹
D. No units
✔ Answer: B. s⁻¹

3. For a second-order reaction, half-life is:

A. Directly proportional to [A]₀
B. Inversely proportional to [A]₀
C. Independent of [A]₀
D. Proportional to square of [A]₀
✔ Answer: B. Inversely proportional to [A]₀

4. In a first-order reaction, time to complete 75% is:

A. 2t½
B. t½
C. 3t½
D. 4t½
✔ Answer: C. 3t½

5. A reactant decreases linearly with time. The reaction is:

A. First-order
B. Second-order
C. Zero-order
D. Third-order
✔ Answer: C. Zero-order

6. t½ = 10 min for a 1st order reaction. Time for 87.5% reaction:

A. 20 min
B. 30 min
C. 40 min
D. 50 min
✔ Answer: B. 30 min

7. Integrated rate law for 2nd-order A → Product:

A. [A] = [A]₀ - kt
B. ln[A] = ln[A]₀ - kt
C. 1/[A] = 1/[A]₀ + kt
D. [A] = [A]₀e⁻แตแต—
✔ Answer: C. 1/[A] = 1/[A]₀ + kt

8. ln[A] vs time gives a straight line for:

A. Zero-order
B. First-order
C. Second-order
D. All of these
✔ Answer: B. First-order

9. For k = 0.693 s⁻¹ in a 1st-order reaction, t½ is:

A. 1 s
B. 0.5 s
C. 10 s
D. 100 s
✔ Answer: A. 1 s

10. Which is incorrect for zero-order reactions?

A. Rate is independent of [A]
B. [A] vs time is a straight line
C. Half-life increases with [A]₀
D. Half-life is constant
✔ Answer: D. Half-life is constant

๐Ÿ”— Internal Links

๐ŸŽฎ Reaction Order Game
๐Ÿ“Š Rate vs Concentration Graph
๐Ÿง  Colligative Property Game

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JJ Thomson and Rutherfords Experiments

๐Ÿ”ฌ Life and Experiments of J.J. Thomson and Ernest Rutherford

๐ŸŒŸ Introduction (เคชเคฐिเคšเคฏ)

Atomic science started to shine in the early 20th century with the contributions of two great physicists: J.J. Thomson and Ernest Rutherford. Their groundbreaking experiments led to models that changed how we understand atoms today. These foundations are now seen in technologies like television displays, mobile processors, and even nuclear medicine.

๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿ”ฌ J.J. Thomson: Life & Achievements (เคœीเคตเคจ เค”เคฐ เค‰เคชเคฒเคฌ्เคงिเคฏाँ)

JJ thomson

Sir Joseph John Thomson was born in 1856 in Manchester, UK. He studied engineering but became more inclined towards physics. He later became the director of the famous Cavendish Laboratory. In 1897, he discovered the electron — a fundamental negatively charged particle — for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics (1906).

๐Ÿ“Ž Thomson's Cathode Ray Experiment

JJ Thomson Exp

Thomson used a cathode ray tube — a glass tube from which air is removed — and observed a stream of rays coming from the cathode. These rays:

  • Were negatively charged
  • Could be deflected by electric and magnetic fields
  • Had mass-to-charge ratio (e/m) lower than hydrogen ion

Conclusion: He proposed the "Plum Pudding Model" — atom is a positively charged sphere with electrons embedded in it like raisins in pudding.

⚠️ Drawbacks of Thomson Model

- Could not explain the nuclear structure
- No explanation for alpha scattering or spectral lines

๐Ÿ”ฌ Rutherford: Life & Achievements (เคœीเคตเคจ เค”เคฐ เคช्เคฐเคฏोเค—)

Rutherford

Ernest Rutherford, born in New Zealand in 1871, is known as the "Father of Nuclear Physics." He studied at Cambridge and worked with J.J. Thomson. In 1909, he and his assistants Geiger and Marsden performed the famous Gold Foil Experiment. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1908).

๐Ÿ’ก Rutherford's Alpha Scattering Experiment

Rutherford Exp

A thin gold foil was bombarded with alpha particles (positively charged helium nuclei). Observations:

  • Most passed through undeflected
  • Some deflected at small angles
  • Few bounced back

Conclusion: Atom has a small, dense, positively charged center called the nucleus. Electrons revolve around it like planets around the sun — called the Rutherford Model.

❌ Limitations of Rutherford's Model

- Failed to explain electron stability in orbits
- Did not justify atomic spectra
- Classical physics predicted electrons would spiral into the nucleus

๐Ÿ“ฑ Applications in Modern Devices (เค†เคœ เค•े เค‰เคชเค•เคฐเคฃों เคฎें เคช्เคฐเคฏोเค—)

The experiments of Thomson and Rutherford have deep influence in:

  • Television Screens: CRTs use cathode rays (based on Thomson’s work)
  • Mobile Phones: Atomic models help in transistor-level design
  • Nuclear Reactors: Based on understanding of nuclear structure
  • X-rays and Imaging: Use behavior of atomic particles
These devices wouldn't have been possible without the pioneering work on atomic structure.

๐Ÿ”— Internal Blog Links

๐Ÿ“Œ Hindi Summary (เคนिเคจ्เคฆी เคฎें เคธाเคฐांเคถ)

เคœे.เคœे. เคฅॉเคฎเคธเคจ เคจे เค‡เคฒेเค•्เคŸ्เคฐॉเคจ เค•ी เค–ोเคœ เค•ी เค”เคฐ 'เคช्เคฒเคฎ เคชुเคกिंเค— เคฎॉเคกเคฒ' เคฆिเคฏा।
เค…เคฐ्เคจेเคธ्เคŸ เคฐเคฆเคฐเคซोเคฐ्เคก เคจे เคจ्เคฏूเค•्เคฒिเคฏเคธ เค•ी เค–ोเคœ เค•ी เค”เคฐ เคชเคฐเคฎाเคฃु เค•ा เคธौเคฐเคฎंเคกเคฒ เคœैเคธा เคฎॉเคกเคฒ เคช्เคฐเคธ्เคคुเคค เค•िเคฏा।
เค‡เคจเค•े เคฎॉเคกเคฒ เค•ी เคธीเคฎाเคं เคญी เคฅीं, เคฒेเค•िเคจ เค†เคงुเคจिเค• เคตिเคœ्เคžाเคจ เค”เคฐ เคคเค•เคจीเค• — เคœैเคธे เคฎोเคฌाเค‡เคฒ, เคŸीเคตी, เคฐिเคเค•्เคŸเคฐ — เค‡เคจ्เคนीं เค–ोเคœों เคชเคฐ เค†เคงाเคฐिเคค เคนैं।

๐Ÿ” Final Thoughts

The evolution from Thomson’s cathode rays to Rutherford’s nucleus marked a revolution in atomic theory. While modern quantum models like Bohr’s or Schrรถdinger’s have advanced further, the legacy of these early experiments remains strong. Every time you unlock your smartphone, watch TV, or undergo an MRI, you’re witnessing the legacy of these brilliant scientists.

๐Ÿงช Rutherford & J.J. Thomson Quiz

๐Ÿ“š Empirical formula

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Monday, 28 July 2025

Chemistry Solution With All Terms And Memory Game

Solution Chemistry: Henry's Law, Azeotropes, Colligative Properties

๐Ÿ’ก Solution Chemistry: Complete Guide with Advanced Topics & Memory Game

๐Ÿ” What is a Solution?

Solutions of Crackers

A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. The substance present in the larger amount is usually the solvent, and the one in lesser amount is the solute.

  • Solvent: The component that dissolves the solute (e.g., water).
  • Solute: The component that gets dissolved (e.g., salt).

๐Ÿงช Henry’s Law

Henry’s Law states that the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the pressure of that gas above the liquid at constant temperature.

Mathematical Expression: C = kP, where:

  • C is the concentration of gas in the liquid.
  • P is the partial pressure of the gas.
  • k is the Henry’s law constant.

Applications: Carbonated beverages, deep-sea diving, and anesthesia.

๐Ÿงช Types of Solutions

Depending on the physical states of solute and solvent, solutions can be:

  • Solid in liquid (e.g., sugar in water)
  • Gas in liquid (e.g., CO₂ in soda)
  • Liquid in gas (e.g., water vapor in air)

๐Ÿ”ฌ Non-Ideal Solutions

Non-ideal solutions deviate from Raoult’s Law due to differing interactions between solute and solvent molecules.

✅ Positive Deviation

  • Weaker solute-solvent interactions
  • Increased vapor pressure
  • Example: Ethanol and Acetone

✅ Negative Deviation

  • Stronger solute-solvent interactions
  • Decreased vapor pressure
  • Example: Acetone and Chloroform

♻️ Azeotropes

An azeotrope is a mixture of two or more liquids that boils at a constant temperature and composition.

  • Minimum Boiling Azeotrope: Ethanol + Water
  • Maximum Boiling Azeotrope: Hydrochloric acid + Water

They cannot be separated by simple distillation.

๐Ÿ“ Colligative Properties

  • Relative Lowering of Vapor Pressure
  • Boiling Point Elevation
  • Freezing Point Depression
  • Osmotic Pressure

These depend on the number of solute particles, not their identity.

๐Ÿงฎ van’t Hoff Factor (i)

Formula: i =

observed valuecalculated value

It adjusts for dissociation/association of solutes. For example, NaCl dissociates into Na⁺ and Cl⁻, so i ≈ 2.

Graphical view of Positive and negative Deviation

Positive & Negative Deviations

Graphical view of Depression in Freezing Point

Depression in Freezing Point

Graphical view of Elevation in Boiling Point

Elevation in Boiling Point

๐ŸŽฎ Memory Puzzle Game

Match the concepts and their terms by clicking below:

๐ŸŽฎ Play Colligative Properties Memory Game

✅ Conclusion | เคจिเคท्เค•เคฐ्เคท

This article includes basic to advanced level content from solubility concepts to memory games.

๐Ÿ“Œ Bookmark this article to revise before exams and Olympiads!

Colligative Properties IIT - JEE level Problems

Question 1

A solution contains 5.85 g of NaCl in 100 g of water. Calculate the depression in freezing point. (Kf = 1.86 K kg/mol)

Answer: ฮ”Tf = 3.72 K (Using van't Hoff factor i = 2)

Question 2

A 0.1 molal solution of urea (non-electrolyte) causes a depression in freezing point of 0.186 K. What is the molal depression constant of the solvent?

Answer: Kf = ฮ”Tf/m = 0.186 / 0.1 = 1.86 K kg/mol

Question 3

Which of the following 0.01 molal aqueous solution will have the lowest freezing point?
A. NaCl
B. Glucose
C. BaCl2
D. Urea

Answer: C. BaCl2 (i = 3, highest van't Hoff factor)

Question 4

Calculate the osmotic pressure of a 0.1 M solution of glucose at 27°C. (R = 0.0821 L atm/mol K)

Answer: ฯ€ = nRT/V = 0.1 × 0.0821 × 300 = 2.46 atm

Question 5

A solution containing 1 g of solute in 100 g of water gave a boiling point elevation of 0.52°C. If Kb = 0.52 K kg/mol, find the molar mass of the solute.

Answer: M = (1000 × 1 × 0.52) / (100 × 0.52) = 100 g/mol

Question 6

1.8 g of glucose (C6H12O6) is dissolved in 100 g of water. Calculate the depression in freezing point. (Kf = 1.86 K kg/mol)

Answer: ฮ”Tf = 0.186 K

Question 7

Which of the following shows the highest boiling point elevation?
A. 0.1 M NaCl
B. 0.1 M BaCl2
C. 0.1 M Glucose
D. 0.1 M AlCl3

Answer: D. AlCl3 (i = 4, highest number of particles)

Question 8

A 1 molal solution of a non-volatile solute has a freezing point depression of 1.86°C. What will be the freezing point of this solution?

Answer: 0 - 1.86 = -1.86°C

Question 9

Osmotic pressure of a solution at 300 K is 2.46 atm. Find the concentration of solute (R = 0.0821 L atm/mol K).

Answer: C = ฯ€ / RT = 2.46 / (0.0821 × 300) = 0.1 M

Question 10

Which property is used to determine molar mass of a solute in dilute solution?
A. Surface tension
B. Colligative property
C. Viscosity
D. Refractive index

Answer: B. Colligative property

Question 11

3 g of a non-volatile solute dissolved in 100 g water produces a boiling point elevation of 0.3°C. Molar mass of solute is 60. What is Kb?

Answer: Kb = ฮ”Tb × M × 1000 / (W × m) = 0.3 × 60 × 1000 / (3 × 100) = 6 K kg/mol

Question 12

Identify the colligative property which is not affected by ionization:
A. Relative lowering of vapor pressure
B. Boiling point elevation
C. Freezing point depression
D. None of these

Answer: D. None of these (all are affected by van’t Hoff factor)

Question 13

A 0.1 M solution of MgSO4 behaves as 0.15 M in osmotic pressure calculation. What is the van’t Hoff factor?

Answer: i = 0.15 / 0.1 = 1.5

Question 14

Freezing point of a solution of 10 g urea in 180 g of water is?
(Kf = 1.86 K kg/mol, Molar mass of urea = 60 g/mol)

Answer: ฮ”Tf = 1.86 × (10/60) / (0.18) ≈ 1.72 K; Tf = -1.72°C

Question 15

Which factor decides magnitude of colligative properties?
A. Nature of solute
B. Number of solute particles
C. Volume of solvent
D. Temperature

Answer: B. Number of solute particles

Saturday, 26 July 2025

Solubility test of iron sulphate , copper sulphate , pottasium nitrate

๐Ÿงช Lab Experiment: Color and Solubility of Common Salts

In this experiment, we observed the solubility and color changes of three different salts: Iron(II) sulfate (FeSO₄), Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄), and Potassium nitrate (KNO₃). These compounds were mixed with cold water in separate conical flasks, and real-life reactions were documented with photographs. This hands-on activity helped students understand how chemical substances behave in aqueous solutions.

๐Ÿ“š Background: What is Solubility?

Solubility is the ability of a substance (solute) to dissolve in a solvent (usually water) and form a solution. When a salt dissolves, its ions break apart and disperse in water. This process is influenced by factors like temperature, nature of the solute and solvent, and particle size.

Color changes often happen due to hydration or chemical interactions with water or air. Transition metals like copper and iron show vivid colors due to d-d electronic transitions.

๐ŸŸข Iron(II) Sulfate – Surprising Color Shift

iron sulphate

When I took a sample of Iron(II) sulfate, it appeared light green in its dry form. I carefully poured it into a conical flask containing cold water. Surprisingly, the color changed — it became more intense, slightly murky green. This was fascinating for all of us.

Possible reason: FeSO₄ undergoes slight oxidation in air, forming brown Fe³⁺ ions or hydrated iron complexes. This is a classic example of transition metal sensitivity.

๐Ÿ”ต Copper(II) Sulfate – The Blue Beauty

cupper sulphate

Copper sulfate was deep blue even before mixing. After adding it to water, it dissolved completely, forming a clear blue solution. This is due to the formation of [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺ ions – a hydrated complex responsible for the blue color.

This part of the experiment was very visual and enjoyed by students. It confirmed that CuSO₄ is highly soluble and reacts immediately in water.

⚪ Potassium Nitrate – Totally Transparent

potasssium nitrate

Potassium nitrate (KNO₃) is a colorless crystalline compound. When added to water, it dissolved instantly, forming a transparent solution. There was no color change observed. This is expected as KNO₃ is a neutral salt formed from a strong acid and base (HNO₃ + KOH).

potassium nitrate

Its dissociation was complete, releasing K⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions into solution. Students found this salt visually boring but scientifically important.

๐Ÿ“Š Scientific Concepts

To understand ionic behavior in solution, chemists use the molar conductivity formula:

ฮ›m = ฮ›m0 − A√c

Where:

  • ฮ›m = molar conductivity at concentration c
  • ฮ›m0 = molar conductivity at infinite dilution
  • A = constant depending on ion interaction
  • c = concentration in mol/L
This formula is useful in comparing how easily different salts conduct electricity in solution.

๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍๐Ÿ”ฌ Student Observations & Reactions

Students were excited to see visible changes in the lab. Some comments:

  • "I didn’t know iron salt could change color so fast!"
  • "Copper salt is so beautiful, like blue ink."
  • "Potassium nitrate looks like nothing happened, but it’s all inside the solution!"

The use of real lab tools and flasks made this experiment memorable. Even students who were afraid of chemistry found it approachable.

๐ŸŒฑ Real-Life Applications of These Salts

  • FeSO₄: Used in iron supplements and soil treatment for iron deficiency in plants.
  • CuSO₄: Used as a fungicide in agriculture and to clean aquarium water.
  • KNO₃: Used in fertilizers, food preservatives, and fireworks due to its oxidizing properties.

Understanding how these behave in water helps us see their importance in industry and daily life.

๐Ÿง  Extension Activity

You can extend this experiment by:

  • Measuring temperature changes during dissolution
  • Adding acids or bases to the solutions and observing reactions
  • Testing electrical conductivity using a simple circuit

This builds deeper understanding of ionic chemistry and thermodynamics.

✅ Conclusion

This lab experiment was a great success. It visually demonstrated how different salts dissolve, react, and behave in water. From the vibrant blue of copper sulfate to the neutral clarity of potassium nitrate, students witnessed chemistry in action.

Taking pictures, noting color changes, and discussing applications made the lesson more than just theory — it became an experience. Such hands-on activities should be a regular part of learning.

Friday, 25 July 2025

Oxalic Acid Experiment to Prepare 1/20 M

Preparation of 0.1 M Oxalic Acid Solution (250 mL)
with RDKit & Real Lab Activity

Preparing standard solutions is one of the most basic yet crucial lab activities in chemistry. Recently, I conducted a practical experiment to prepare a 0.1 M (1/10 M) solution of oxalic acid using 250 mL of distilled water. This post documents every step of the process — from selecting glassware and using the measuring toolbox to understanding the calculations and integrating RDKit for molecular insights.

๐Ÿ”ฌ 1. Why Use Oxalic Acid?

Oxalic acid (H2C2O4·2H2O) is a dibasic acid often used in titrations and standard solution preparation because of its stable molecular mass and reliable properties. It's widely used to standardize KMnO4 solutions in redox reactions.

⚖️ 2. Tools and Chemicals Used

  • Oxalic Acid (white crystalline form)
  • Measuring Tool Box (electronic or manual balance, beaker, glass rod, funnel)
  • 250 mL volumetric flask
  • Distilled Water
  • Funnel, glass rod, wash bottle
Oxalic acid
I used a special lab toolbox with a mini weighing balance, which allowed accurate measurement of small masses in grams.

๐Ÿ“ 3. Understanding the Calculation

To prepare a 0.1 M solution, we use the molarity formula:

Molarity (M) = moles / volume (L)

We rearrange this to calculate the mass needed:

Required Mass = Molarity × Molar Mass × Volume (L)
For oxalic acid dihydrate (H2C2O4·2H2O), the molar mass = 126 g/mol

Volume = 250 mL = 0.250 L Molarity = 0.1 M → Mass = 0.1 × 126 × 0.250 = 3.15 g

๐Ÿงช 4. Procedure I Followed in the Lab

  1. Weighed exactly 3.15 g of oxalic acid crystals using the digital balance.
  2. Dissolved them in about 150 mL of distilled water in a beaker using a glass rod.
  3. Transferred the solution into a 250 mL volumetric flask using a funnel.
  4. Washed the beaker and funnel with distilled water and poured that into the same flask.
  5. Added more distilled water slowly till the bottom of the meniscus touched the 250 mL mark.
  6. Closed the flask and inverted it several times to mix evenly.

๐Ÿ“ธ 5. Observations & Practical Notes

  • Oxalic acid crystals appeared as white, danedar powder
  • They dissolved easily in water with slight cooling effect
  • Final solution appeared transparent, indicating full dissolution

๐Ÿง  6. Why Precision is Critical

Even a small error in weighing or water level can lead to incorrect molarity. That’s why I used a toolbox with proper measuring glassware and an accurate digital balance.

๐Ÿงฌ 7. RDKit: Chemistry Meets Code

RDKit is an open-source cheminformatics tool that allows us to visualize and manipulate chemical structures. It helps verify molecular properties like molar mass, bonding, and atom count.

๐Ÿ’ก You can explore oxalic acid using RDKit tools here: Explore Oxalic Acid on RDKit

SMILES for Oxalic Acid: OC(=O)C(=O)O

๐Ÿ”— 8. Real-World Uses of Oxalic Acid

  • Used in removing rust and stains
  • Standardization of permanganate solutions
  • Cleaning agent in textile and leather industries
  • Found naturally in rhubarb and spinach

๐Ÿ“š 9. Related Concepts

๐Ÿ“Œ 10. Conclusion

Preparing a 0.1 M solution of oxalic acid may seem basic, but it involves real precision and understanding of chemistry concepts like molarity, molecular weight, and solubility. With tools like RDKit, we now have the ability to digitally verify and simulate chemical behaviors alongside real lab work.

This experiment reinforced my understanding of lab measurements and the importance of accurate calculations in solution preparation.

Tuesday, 22 July 2025

How Fireflies Glow | Firefly Bioluminescence Explained

How Fireflies Glow | Firefly Bioluminescence Explained

๐Ÿ”ฅ How Fireflies Glow? | เคซाเคฏเคฐเคซ्เคฒाเคˆ เคฐौเคถเคจी เค•ैเคธे เคชैเคฆा เค•เคฐเคคी เคนै?

๐Ÿงช What is Bioluminescence?

Bioluminescence is a natural process in which living organisms produce light through a chemical reaction inside their bodies. This is not like fire or bulb heat — it is a cold light (no heat loss).

เคฌाเคฏोเคฒ्เคฏूเคฎिเคจेเคธेंเคธ เคตเคน เคช्เคฐเค•्เคฐिเคฏा เคนै เคœिเคธเคฎें เคœीเคต เคฐाเคธाเคฏเคจिเค• เค…เคญिเค•्เคฐिเคฏा เคธे เคช्เคฐเค•ाเคถ เค‰เคค्เคชเคจ्เคจ เค•เคฐเคคे เคนैं। เคฏเคน เคฌिเคจा เค—เคฐ्เคฎी เค•े เคนोเคคा เคนै — เค‡เคธเคฒिเค เค‡เคธे เค•ोเคฒ्เคก เคฒाเค‡เคŸ เค•เคนเคคे เคนैं।

๐Ÿž How Do Fireflies Produce Light?

Firefly

Fireflies produce light using two key chemicals: luciferin and luciferase. Here's the process:

  • Luciferin + Oxygen + ATP + Luciferase → Oxyluciferin + Light

This reaction takes place in the abdomen of the firefly, where special light-producing cells are located.

เคซाเคฏเคฐเคซ्เคฒाเคˆ เค•े เคชेเคŸ เคฎें เคตिเคถेเคท เค•ोเคถिเค•ाเคं เคนोเคคी เคนैं, เคœो เคฒुเคธिเคซเคฐीเคจ เคจाเคฎเค• เคฐเคธाเคฏเคจ เค•ो เค‘เค•्เคธीเคœเคจ เค”เคฐ เคเคŸीเคชी เค•ी เคฎเคฆเคฆ เคธे เคฒाเค‡เคŸ เคฎें เคฌเคฆเคฒเคคी เคนैं।

๐ŸŒŒ Why Fireflies Glow?

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ To attract mates (เคช्เคฐเคœเคจเคจ เค•े เคฒिเค)
  • ๐Ÿ”ธ To warn predators (เคถिเค•ाเคฐिเคฏों เค•ो เคšेเคคाเคตเคจी)
  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Communication between species (เคช्เคฐเคœाเคคिเคฏों เค•े เคฌीเคš เคธंเคตाเคฆ)

๐Ÿ”ฌ Other Insects & Creatures That Glow

Bioluminescence is not only seen in fireflies. Other glowing insects or organisms include:

  • ๐ŸŒŠ Marine worms – found deep in ocean
  • ๐Ÿ› Glow-worms – similar to fireflies
  • ๐Ÿชณ Click beetles – glow from thorax
  • ๐Ÿงฌ Jellyfish & plankton – produce glowing effect in water

เคธเคฎुเคฆ्เคฐ เค•े เค•ीเคก़े, เคœेเคฒिเคซ़िเคถ, เค”เคฐ เคช्เคฒเคตเค• เคญी เคฌाเคฏोเคฒ्เคฏूเคฎिเคจेเคธेंเคธ เคฆिเค–ाเคคे เคนैं। เคฏเคน เค‰เคจ्เคนें เค—เคนเคฐे เคชाเคจी เคฎें เคœीเคตिเคค เคฐเคนเคจे เคฎें เคฎเคฆเคฆ เค•เคฐเคคा เคนै।

jellyfish
marin worm

๐Ÿ’ก Fun Fact

The light produced by fireflies is nearly 100% efficient — unlike electric bulbs that lose energy as heat.

เคซाเคฏเคฐเคซ्เคฒाเคˆ เค•ी เคฐौเคถเคจी เคชूเคฐी เคคเคฐเคน เคธे เคŠเคฐ्เคœा เค•ुเคถเคฒ เคนोเคคी เคนै, เคœเคฌเค•ि เคฌเคฒ्เคฌ เคŠเคฐ्เคœा เค•ो เค—เคฐ्เคฎी เคฎें เคญी เค—ंเคตाเคคे เคนैं।

๐Ÿ”ฅ Try This Quick Quiz:

Q: Which enzyme helps fireflies produce light?

๐Ÿง  Science in Daily Life

Scientists are studying fireflies to design bio-inspired lighting and even medical imaging tools. Their light-producing ability has huge potential in **biotech** and **healthcare**.

เคตैเคœ्เคžाเคจिเค• เคซाเคฏเคฐเคซ्เคฒाเคˆ เค•ी เคฐोเคถเคจी เค•ा เคช्เคฐเคฏोเค— เคจเคˆ เคคเค•เคจीเค•ों เคœैเคธे เคฌाเคฏो เคฒाเค‡เคŸिंเค— เค”เคฐ เคถเคฐीเคฐ เค•े เค…ंเคฆเคฐ เค•ी เคœांเคš เค•े เคฒिเค เค•เคฐ เคฐเคนे เคนैं।

๐Ÿ”’ All rights reserved © 2025 STEMFact.in | Do not copy content without permission.

๐ŸŽฎ Firefly Catching Game

Click the glowing fireflies before they disappear!

Score: 0 | Time: 30s

๐Ÿ”ฌ Go to RDKit Chemistry Application

Monday, 21 July 2025

Unsaturation Test with Bromine in Lab

Unsaturation Test Lab - Rajeev's Blog

Lab Activity: Unsaturation Test using Bromine

Unsaturation test with Bromine

๐Ÿงช English: Today in the lab, I conducted an unsaturation test. I started with 10 ml of ethyl alcohol and added a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid. This mixture helped me generate ethene gas via a dehydration reaction. Thos time the solution was transparent in color. I means it was colorless. To verify the presence of unsaturation, I added carbon tetrachloride, which led to the formation of an oily layer, typical of hydrocarbon presence.

Initial stage of test without bromine

I then carefully broke a sealed glass ampoule of bromine (orange liquid). The vapor spread rapidly due to bromine's volatile nature. I immediately covered my face with a handkerchief due to the pungent and irritating odor. Thankfully, the lab window was open, which provided ventilation. Upon adding a few drops of bromine to the solution, a red gel-like layer appeared with an orange layer floating on top.

adding bromine to solution

Since the standard tripod stand could not support my tall candle, I placed the candle above the inverted beakers and filter paper above the tripod stand and thereafter I began slow heating.

heating solution with candle

After about an hour, the orange and red colors completely disappeared. This confirmed the presence of unsaturation, as bromine reacts with double bonds in alkenes, causing decolorization.

orange color disappeared
๐Ÿ”ฅ Hindi: เค†เคœ เค•ी เคช्เคฐเคฏोเค—เคถाเคฒा เคฎें เคฎैंเคจे เค…เคธंเคคृเคช्เคคเคคा เค•ी เคชเคนเคšाเคจ เค•ी। เคเคฅिเคฒ เค…เคฒ्เค•ोเคนเคฒ เคฎें เค•ुเค› เคฌूँเคฆें เค—ाเคข़ा เคธเคฒ्เคซ्เคฏूเคฐिเค• เค…เคฎ्เคฒ เคฎिเคฒाเคฏा, เคœिเคธเคธे เคเคฅीเคจ เค—ैเคธ เคฌเคจी। เคซिเคฐ เค•ाเคฐ्เคฌเคจ เคŸेเคŸ्เคฐाเค•्เคฒोเคฐाเค‡เคก เคฎिเคฒाเคฏा, เคœिเคธเคธे เคคैเคฒीเคฏ เคชเคฐเคค เคฆिเค–ी। เคฎैंเคจे เคจाเคฐंเค—ी เคฐंเค— เค•े เคฌ्เคฐोเคฎीเคจ เค•ो เคคोเคก़ा, เคœिเคธเค•ी เค—ंเคง เคคेเคœ़ เคฅी। เค‰เคธे เคธाเคตเคงाเคจी เคธे เคฎिเคฒाเคจे เคชเคฐ เคฒाเคฒ เคœैเคฒ เคœैเคธी เคชเคฐเคค เคฌเคจी, เคŠเคชเคฐ เคจाเคฐंเค—ी เคฐंเค— เคคैเคฐเคคा เคฐเคนा। เค—เคฐ्เคฎ เค•เคฐเคจे เคชเคฐ เคฐंเค— เคธเคฎाเคช्เคค เคนो เค—เคฏा, เคœिเคธเคธे เค…เคธंเคคृเคช्เคคเคคा เคธिเคฆ्เคง เคนुเคˆ।

Chemistry Behind the Reaction

Ethene is an alkene, containing a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). When bromine is added, it reacts with this double bond to form a dibromo compound. The disappearance of bromine's orange color is a qualitative indicator of unsaturation:

CH2=CH2 + Br2 → CH2Br-CH2Br
molecular model of 1,2-dibromoethane

Why Bromine is Used

  • Bromine is highly reactive with alkenes and alkynes.
  • Its orange color makes it easy to observe changes.
  • It doesn’t react with saturated hydrocarbons, so it's selective.

Safety Measures

  • Always wear gloves and goggles when handling bromine.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood.
  • Never inhale bromine vapors — they are toxic and corrosive.
  • Use a handkerchief or mask in emergency exposure.

Applications of Unsaturation Test

This test is commonly used in organic chemistry labs and industries for:

  • Detecting unsaturated fats and oils
  • Verifying the presence of alkenes in synthetic reactions
  • Educational demonstrations in chemistry classes

MCQs for Practice

Q1. What color change occurs when bromine reacts with an unsaturated compound?

  • A) Red to blue
  • B) Orange to colorless ✅
  • C) Yellow to green
  • D) No change

Q2. Which gas is evolved by dehydrating ethyl alcohol with sulfuric acid?

  • A) Ethene ✅
  • B) Methane
  • C) Acetylene
  • D) Propane

Bromine Properties

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