Q1
Post your 150+ word response to the following question: Home smoke detectors contain a small radioactive source that emits alpha particles. How is this used to detect smoke? Is this radioactivity harmful to you and your family? Explain.
Q 2
Post your 150+ word response to the following question:
Select an organic functional group from Table 18.7 on page 674 of our E-Book. Present what the functional group is, how you would name an organic compound containing this functional group, and an example of a molecule containing this functional group.
Q 3
In The Huffington Post there was an article written on the ingredient BVO also known as Brominate Vegetable Oil. It is found in fruit flavored drinks, and sodas in the United States. It is an additive in these drinks that weights down the citrus flavoring so it mixes with the liquid and doesn't separate. BVO is currently banned in Europe and Japan, and they use a chemical of a hydrocolloid compound that does the same thing, without the negative side effects. BVO was originally patented by chemical companies as a flame retardant, and is also used as by furniture makers who spray it on their furniture like mattresses and sofas. It current exist in 10% of soda and fruit flavored drinks within the United States. It builds up in the human tissue and has been found excreted in breast milk. It is also linked to neurological, reproductive and behavioral problems. The FDA banned the substance in the 1970's then decided to allow it back on the market. Overall, there is little data to prove its not harmful. Many feel that with the advancements of science, there should be more studies done to test again. What are your thoughts?
Q 4
Hair straighteners are used to remove the natural curl pattern of your hair. This is a booming business yet there are some safety risk according to an article on one of the most desired chemical straightening processes called the Brazilian Blowout, it states, "That staying power comes from fusing additional amino acids from keratin to the hair fiber. A cross-linking reagent, such as a solution of formaldehyde gas in water that can go by the name of formalin or methylene glycol, accomplishes the fusion" (Drahl, 2010) the main chemical that is linked to the desired hair straightener was Formaldehyde. The process uses these chemicals to give you straight hair for an extended amount of time using heat alongside with it. With the hair straightening business hair relaxers are another process for straightening hair that uses sodium hydroxide and hare high in pH. The process can be damaging to the hair and scalp. What are your thoughts?