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Theophrastus

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Everything posted by Theophrastus

  1. I know there has been a lot debate on the topic, due to the Mac smear commercials, but which is ultimately better, Macs or PC's. I've asked the question to many, however I've found that their answers are laden with biases and personal statistics, so I've decided to go to those who have experience instead. Some of my family friends are programmers, and they've told me that in their (collective) 20 years, they've never had companies that use Macintosh computers, despite the fact that they are believed to be better. Secondly, there are so few viruses for macintosh computers, in contrast to PC's: why is this? Any thoughts?
  2. Wow, your incredible deduction skills astound me. (rolls eyes sarcastically) (inserts a smile, to do the same)
  3. Expanding upon GDG's point, the quantities of the necessary components, vary due to biodiversity, and as for benefits of multiple compounds, this may be misleading as it is very difficult to monitor all of the compounds, due to biodiversity in plants, and of course the sheer number of various complex organic compounds that exist at a given time within the plant. That is simply brilliant.
  4. Theophrastus

    H2o?

    A question, for myself as I have just recently found out about latex (I know, a month in, and just recently stripped of ignorance), anyway, is there any way to test latex, and simply play around with the various codes?
  5. Absolutely brilliant! I must remember that. However, has not the point been proven over and over again in different fields, that evolution (as we understand it today) is in fact supported by all life on earth. I suppose this has become more of a thread for adding to the mass of information, which while a tad excessive, is very interesting. I think that were it not for discretion of the religious community, a lot of these posts ought to be fused into a sticky titled- Evolution is true; get on with your life. (either that, or go to baskin robbins, both are excellent options!)
  6. Two things: 1) Does anyone know of any commonly found aquatic plants which can be used to stabilize the sea bed, where undercurrents are prominent? 2) In regards to moontanman's post, I'm well aware that retaining walls and dams, often increase erosion in areas along the edges, so its really a matter of redistribution of current, rather than elimination of the problem. (However, if you think about it, groynes can also be seen as almost isolating an area, blocking any redirected currents, thus if combined with another technique, will be beneficial(Correct me if I'm wrong)) That's why I want to address the problem by stabilizing the topsoil layer, while at the same time, improving soil quality. If the effect isn't great enough, I may have to resort to other means however. For their simplicity, in such a situation, I'ld probably use gabions.
  7. For lack of time, I shall be brief in my question. Generally speaking, based upon the current state of society, in its general thought ideas, and morals, it is easy to understand how our subjective morality may lead to the development of commonly accepted ideas and principles. Almost as if an opinion, and socio- economic status of the average person, however it is even more interesting to note how this society is prone to a negative attitude towards outsiders and more importantly, those who fail to meet the norm. It has been seen in numerous cases, from bullying, to propaganda, and assimilation, and architypes, however, I'm rather interested, why does this occur? Why is there a natural affinity, for that which is most like oneself, and a negative attitude towards those that differ? Does neurology or psychology offer any explanations, as it seems to be a recurring topic in various areas, and while I don't know very much along the topics of psychiatry and the like, I'm eager to learn. Does anyone perhaps have an explanation? (It would be most welcome!)
  8. For my project, I require to actually use grass, so which genuses, would be the most adequate, and secondly, if not, would a network of tight connected sieves, be satisfactory in mimiking the roots' natural capacity to prevent erosion?
  9. In regards to acidic, solutions, yes, the ions, are generally liberated from the solution, thus producing hydrogen gas, and the appropriate ion. To determine the products, you then need to account for any reaction that these ions may undergo with the electrodes, the solution itself, and the surrounding environment. However, I find electrolysis a messy process, as you have to be aware of contaminants and the like, and these can really screw with your results.
  10. Ah, yes. Sorry for the technical problems. And thanks for including the proper link iNow; I believe a thank you is in order.
  11. Firstly, I must say that obviously, when one is performing a reaction, it is controlled, and one can based upon prior knowledge, determine, for the most part, how the reaction will proceed. Cyanide doesn't appear from thin air, it is formed in a chemical reaction, most likely, unless, you previously, had some kind of cyanide salt whithin the solution. (You generally use a fume hood when dealing with these, as they produce minute, but hazardous amounts of HCN. Furthermore, secondly, when I was refering to tests, I meant reacting it in a particular fashion, or examining the substances' characteristic proporties. (suddenly blurted out in a creaking condescending voice) Abondon all hope ye that enter here!!! (Eccentricity!)
  12. In regards to reversing the chemical burning of fuels, releasing CO2, instead converting it back to carbon and hydrogen, its just not a very efficient process. If the initial reaction produces heat, then you know that the opposite reaction, shall require heat. (Generally speaking) However, there are new developments in storing carbon. Here's a rather interesting video from Nottingham U's youtube channel: http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ACyK_7yGXY&feature=channel_page
  13. After performing a variety of research, my plan is to add trees and vegetation, to stabilize the top, and subsoil, both above and below the water. They will also act as a wind break, against wind- induced erosion, and underwater, shall weaken the strength of waves. I was also thinking of building a floating wall of tidal generators, to decrease the speed of waves. Any critique of the above, would be helpful. I'm also thinking of introducing an organic buffer, however, I'm careful to find one that does not disturb the existing ecosystem. For example excess of phosphates (and nitrates) can result in rapid algal blooms, which can lead to hypoxia of the environment. Any ideas?
  14. Another simple way of finding whether a change has occured is smell, as many organic compounds that contain the ester bond have a characteristic odour associated with it. Similarly for carboxylic acids. You can simply, based on the suspected groups, do tests, to determine the presence of phenols amines, etc.
  15. For a perpetual motion to exist, the machine would have to be independent of any forces whatsoever, whose slightest pull, would upset the equilibrium, and bring your machine to slowly drive to an eventual halt. Thus your machine can not exist in this universe, as bearing matter, gravity, however small, will have its effect. Secondly, the beauty of mathematics is that unlike science where all theories remain just that, theories (not necessarily because they are not true, but because to prove them applicable in reality would mean taking measurements at every point throughout the universe's span, where the theory somehow plays out, however, this does not mean there is no proof, but rather that we are 99% sure. Of course, certain theories, particularly many associated with quantum mechanics are more indefinite but I'll not get into that), as they are based in reality, dealing with the abstract, math can be proven 100% true. Exists outside of reality, and to disprove the square root of 2 being an irrational number, you would have to develop your own system of abstract thought. (rolls eyes sarcastically) Good luck with that!
  16. Unable to find any proper justification to place this in any other category, I suppose this shall suffice, however I have a question. I'm thinking, for an upcoming science fair, to do a project regarding a possible method to stop shoreline erosion. I've delved into the basic concepts, chemical and physical weathering, transportation erosion, on the general topic, however, I find myself lacking ideas. Asked my teacher for help, which I gained little of, though he gave the hint of looking up how the direction of shoreline currents play an active role. I searched on google, but found little. Any ideas perhaps on the subject. Information is important, however, might anyone also have any ideas about how to prevent erosion, aside from the ideas of building giant concrete walls, and using nuclear warheads, to blow up the moon, so as to deter that actions of the tides. Any thoughts and ideas are most appreciated, -Theo
  17. Your Mileage May Vary. I've learned a lot by being around people who ask lots of questions. You might think you know something, but when you have to answer someone else's tough questions you learn it a lot better. -Cap'n R. That, is an absolutely brilliant point!
  18. (Theophrastus shrinks back slightly) Yes, I know, bad use of words, as entropy is not an external topic, but as intermolecular forces, temperature, are all based on kinetic energy, so I tried to break it up, but yeah, in a rather inept manner...
  19. Well, CO2 on its own, isn't acidic, and thus can not neutralized. End of story, goodbye, the end.
  20. Because CO2 is nonpolar, and electolysis only works in the case of ions and polar substances.
  21. Ah, good point, as some of the carbonate ion is chemically altered to carbonic acid, though is in turn ionises, eventually reaching some manner of equilibrium. But yeah, if the question cared for these ions, it probably would have specified. Did your teacher, mention anything regarding this, prior to giving the work, or if they consider it to be common knowledge? This is generally a good way to find out, whether the concept is necessary in solving the question.
  22. In regards to iron from cereal, the yield is absolutely woeful, but the fact that one can even get a yield, as substantial as a ball bearing with enough cereal, is actually both creepy, and yet utterly remarkable, however, attaining sulphur through food, is absolutely pointless. period. However it's a rather easy chemical to get a hold of, so I really don't bother to make it from scratch. Even sulphur crystals, are pure enough to use for basic experiments.
  23. Yeah, pretty much elaborating upon what others have said, a decrease in temperature, while not always resulting in a greater or lesser density, will result in an increase or decrease in entropy. A lesser entropy, then allows for less interference with intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonding, in this case), and as such more water molecules bond themselves more efficiently, however, due to the rather interesting structure, of the molecular lattice, the space, which the molecules take up is greater. (I know, a rather crude explanation...)
  24. Theophrastus- please check the date on a post before responding to it. The last post was 3 years and a month ago. I seriously doubt that Derrell is still doing this homework. Uh, oh...
  25. Well, what with budding ideas, I'm relatively well off now. I've actually heard of the site, but they don't sell outside of the United States, which given my geographical location, is a key impediment.
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