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The everyday science of gas - with Mark Miodownik

The Science Behind a Candle Flame A candle flame is not just mundane; it holds fascinating science. The wax turns into vapor, which reacts with oxygen to create combustion, producing visible colors due to incomplete burning and glowing soot particles. Spectroscopy allows us to analyze the chemical composition of flames by their color, revealing elements like sodium or potassium.

Understanding Gases Through Liquid Nitrogen Experiments Gases consist of molecules moving independently at high energy levels. Cooling gases using liquid nitrogen reduces their energy and volume dramatically but restores them when warmed up again. This demonstrates gas laws involving temperature, pressure, and buoyancy—key principles explaining why some gases rise while others sink.

Hydrogen's Explosive Properties in Balloons Hydrogen’s low density makes it lighter than air but highly flammable upon contact with oxygen during ignition experiments. These properties distinguish hydrogen from helium as an alternative lifting gas for balloons despite its risks demonstrated through controlled explosions.

'Hero' Steam Engine: Ancient Gas Technology Innovation 'Hero,' an ancient Greek inventor created the first steam engine powered by water turning into steam under heat pressure 2 millennia ago—a precursor concept inspiring modern engines today though inefficient back then compared against wind-powered alternatives dominating early civilizations’ technologies globally until industrial revolutions emerged later on history timelines