The ChemE Notebook
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01 The learning archive

One question.
Every two weeks.

A growing collection of short investigations into the ordinary things that make me curious — and the chemical engineering ideas hiding underneath.

Four questions in the notebook Updated biweekly

Thermodynamics

Why do carbonated drinks lose their fizz?

A bottle of soda is a tiny pressure vessel. What happens when dissolved carbon dioxide gets a chance to escape?

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Episode reflection

What I learned

Sodas get their fizz from Carbon Dioxide (CO2) being infused at high pressures and low temperatures. Under Henry's Law, CO2 naturally wants to reach concentration equilibrium with its surroundings. Therefore, carbon dioxide bubbles will naturally escape the soda can when it's opened. This is worsened by outside factors like temperature, surface tension, and agitation. At an industrial scale, soda manufacturers have to intricately plan a carbonation soft drink plant to accommodate various stages of production, including mixing, carbonation, and bottling.

What I want to explore next

How are carbonation and soda filling machines designed to increase product yield, uniformity, and output?

Interfaces

Why does soap remove grease?

Soap’s two-sided molecules quietly negotiate between water, oil, and a dirty plate.

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Episode reflection

What I learned

Placeholder: add the main idea I learned from this episode.

What I want to explore next

Placeholder: add the question or concept I want to explore next.

Materials

How do hydrogels hold so much water?

A look at the soft polymer networks that make room for water without dissolving.

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Episode reflection

What I learned

Placeholder: add the main idea I learned from this episode.

What I want to explore next

Placeholder: add the question or concept I want to explore next.

Reactions

How do hair relaxers and hair oils work?

An inside look at the reaction happening in your scalp. How does it affect hair retention and growth?

Read reflection

Episode reflection

What I learned

Placeholder: add the main idea I learned from this episode.

What I want to explore next

Placeholder: add the question or concept I want to explore next.