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3 votes
2 answers
9k views

How to dissolve calcium sulfate fast?

I would like to dissolve $\ce{CaSO4}$ in a hardened condition (e.g. gypsum board) as fast as possible. I have seen in posts about $\ce{CaSO3}$ that vinegar and sulfamic acid are able to dissolve it. ...
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

What typically happens to H2 molecules released into atmosphere (with no spark source)?

I'm wondering what happens when $\ce{H2}$ leaks from say a transmission pipe in an unenclosed area. No immediate source of ignition, I know it rises more quickly than helium (x2 I believe) and ...
-3 votes
1 answer
339 views

Vinegar reaction [closed]

please could someone help me. I poured white vinegar over a small hole where ants where coming out in my patio steps. There was some sand on the step and it started to bubble and fizz. We have been ...
3 votes
1 answer
181 views

Why does the rusting process start from the bent/squeezed portion of iron?

I have noticed that the rusting of iron starts from the squeezed or bent parts of iron piece. I want to know what is the peculiar reason for the observation that rusting starts from bent or irregular ...
20 votes
2 answers
45k views

Why does superglue ignite cotton?

Cotton is mostly cellulose, a plant saccharide. Superglue refers to a class of cyanoacrylates. What is it about the two that causes ignition? I'd imagine that the cellulose in cotton is in its ...
21 votes
1 answer
2k views

If aliens lived in a hydrogen (or any flammable gas) based atmosphere, would they perceive oxygen to be flammable?

Energy, fuel, and oxygen are needed for a fire to burn. In a hydrogen chamber, if there was a pipe spewing small amounts of oxygen, could you light the oxygen on fire as it began to mix with the ...
2 votes
1 answer
58 views

silicon nitride and sCO2

I want to use silicon nitride ball bearings with a reciprocating piston that will be powered by $\ce{CO2}$ liquid heated to $\mathrm{288^oC}$ becoming super critical. That temperature is the maximum ...