Chemistry study often feels like learning a new language due to its extensive vocabulary. Understanding word origins can greatly improve memory retention. Early chemistry nomenclature includes memorizing roots like methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl, representing 1 to 4 carbon chains in functional groups. This article offers a thorough explanation for those studying or interested inContinue reading “The etymology and meaning of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl”
Category Archives: Science
Experimental quantification of the mass of a rainbow
New research makes a serious effort to quantify the mass of a rainbow. See the preprint here:
Penrose Tessellation Cookie Cutters
Over the holiday break, I took a little time for a side quest that engaged my creativity while involving mathematics, 3D modeling, and baking. I designed a pattern based on Penrose tiles and made it into cookies.
Double Chocolate Pecan Tau Pie
When you want to celebrate the true fundamental circle constant on Tau Day (June 28), there is no better way than with a double chocolate pecan tau pie.
The Etymology and Meaning of Anode and Cathode
The terms “anode” and “cathode” were first published by Michael Faraday, F.R.S. in 1834. A delightful (and highly recommended) historical account of how these words were conceived by Faraday and his associates can be found in Faraday Consults the Scholars: The Origins of the Terms of Electrochemistry by Sydney Ross [1]. As scientists have learnedContinue reading “The Etymology and Meaning of Anode and Cathode”
Schrödinger’s Cat, a sonnet
Should quantum physics e’er be standardized, when taken in a thought experiment, its terms of meaning judged and analyzed, absurdity prevails, not merriment. A cat both dead and living cannot be. That was the point old Erwin tried to make. To measure is to interfere, you see, some photon must be thrown to cause aContinue reading “Schrödinger’s Cat, a sonnet”
Tau Pendant Video
Take a look at this new video promoting the Tau open circle pendant I designed.
China Coatings Journal
I’m a co-author of the following article, published in two parts in the China Coatings Journal:
Conference Paper in TechConnect Briefs
I’m a co-author of a newly published conference paper entitled “Diatom Frustules as Substrates for Photocatalysts” in TechConnect Briefs 2018 vol. 2: Materials for Energy, Efficiency and Sustainability.
Photo published in Astrobiology Magazine
One of my photographs was featured in this April 12, 2018 article in NASA’s Astrobiology Magazine: “Are viruses the new frontier for astrobiology?” The photo originally appeared in the Portland State Vanguard, in this short article and interview with accompanying photos and video about the research of Prof. Ken Stedman.
Joseph Thiebes 