In Chemistry we were taught how to separate the water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen. We would then causes them to recombine into water with an electric spark. That caused a pop that could be heard by the Chemistry teacher. The pop made him angry and he threatened to close the lab if it happened again. It wasn't very long when it happened again and he closed the lab for the rest of the school year. I always thought he was afraid that someone would get hurt and he would be held personally responsible. I only realized recently what we had discovered.
In Astronomy the origin of water is a mystery. I live near the Gulf of Mexico and have wondered where all that water came from. One explanation that I have heard is comets during the early formation of Earth. I think that accounts for only a small percentage of our water.
This is its source. Look at the periodic table. Hydrogen is the first element and oxygen is number eight. Put them together and add a spark and you have water. Hydrogen happens to be the most plentiful element and oxygen is also plentiful. Earth is made up of all the elements. Hydrogen is here only because it combined with oxygen as water. Any hydrogen that didn't escaped into space because our gravity isn't strong enough to hold it leaving behind water. Now you know where all that water came from. It took me 35 years to figure it out. The Chemistry teacher slowed discovery, but he didn't stop it. If his intent was to do that, then he should have shot Stephen. It only took you about 60 seconds to read this.
1 comment:
Interesting post! I am a college sophomore (2nd year) with a dual major in Chemistry and Psychology @ Duke. By the way, i came across these excellent chemistry flashcards. Its also a great initiative by the FunnelBrain team. Amazing!!!
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