Month: March 2017

1. Styrofoam is able to dissolve in acetone because acetone is a good solvent for polystyrene, which is what styrofoam is made of. After the acetone has evaporated, what’s left is a very solid and dense styrofoam. This is because styrofoam is made with foaming agents, which means that it contains lots of air pockets. These air pockets then get… Read more →

1a. Coal-fired plants produce massive amounts of sulphur dioxide. These compunds then react with other compunds in the air to form fine particles that reduce the overall visibility. Sulphuric acid from coal burning form tiny droplets by reacting with the water vapour, which does not absorb sunlight, causing even poorer visibility. 1b. Naturally, rain is slightly acidic, with a pH… Read more →