Materials project
The evolution of material chemistry has allowed for society
to shape the elements around us too our needs on an ongoing basis. Because
certain materials exhibit different properties based upon their atomic
structures, we can create and choose substances that work best for certain
situations. In the past, steel was created because humans found iron too soft;
ceramic pots were utilized for storage; and credit cards were created for
ease-of-transaction. Everything around us in our modern-day lives has been in
some way altered, created, or chosen based on its properties, making our lives
easier. As time advances so will our knowledge of material properties, and we
will be able to create invigorating new products such as dissolvable bone
screws, faster skis, stronger windows, and better sources for renewable energy.
A material’s properties are dependent on its atomic structure. Atoms bond together to become more stable by having eight electrons on the outermost (valence) shell. Atoms can bond in three different ways: ionically, covalently, and metallically. Depending on the type of atomic bonding, the resulting physical properties will vary. For example, an ionically bonded substance (such as salt) would have a much higher melting point than a covalently bonded substance (like water). This is because ionic bonds are created from the strong attraction between oppositely charged ions (that is, the atoms that have gained or lost electrons to have a full valence shell). This change results in a very strong and uniform crystalline structure. Then, because of the equal distribution of energy throughout a crystal structure, it takes more heat to break the substance apart. Covalent bonds are created through the sharing of electrons, resulting in mostly asymmetrical structures that are easy to break apart. Different types of bonding result in varying atomic and molecular configurations, which creates distinct micro and macroscopic properties in the material.
A material’s properties are dependent on its atomic structure. Atoms bond together to become more stable by having eight electrons on the outermost (valence) shell. Atoms can bond in three different ways: ionically, covalently, and metallically. Depending on the type of atomic bonding, the resulting physical properties will vary. For example, an ionically bonded substance (such as salt) would have a much higher melting point than a covalently bonded substance (like water). This is because ionic bonds are created from the strong attraction between oppositely charged ions (that is, the atoms that have gained or lost electrons to have a full valence shell). This change results in a very strong and uniform crystalline structure. Then, because of the equal distribution of energy throughout a crystal structure, it takes more heat to break the substance apart. Covalent bonds are created through the sharing of electrons, resulting in mostly asymmetrical structures that are easy to break apart. Different types of bonding result in varying atomic and molecular configurations, which creates distinct micro and macroscopic properties in the material.
Elevator Pitch
Hello, have you pooped today? My name is Nick Tarasewicz, and I’m with the Institute for Energy Research. I’d like to take a minute of your time to explain to you the solution for our impending energy crisis. As a species, we all excrete waste and generally hold the same views regarding the subject: “get it out of me and get it out of my sight.” But what if we can harness this natural bodily product and turn our waste into a green and renewable energy resource? The U.S. alone produces 7 million pounds of these biosolids every year. Instead of relying on dwindling fossil fuel reserves, why not convert this digestive product into a cheap and affordable energy source? Through the process of Anaerobic Digestion, where microorganisms break down feces and produce methane gas, we can harness the energy created to power our homes, phones and refrigerators. If sewage treatment systems were altered to integrate this process, we would produce 7 to 7.6 million megawatts of power every day, which is enough to power one household for 7 years! The next time you’re sitting on the porcelain throne, take a moment to consider the immense power being produced by your body -- a power that will soon fuel the world. For this revolutionary solution to be effective, your support is necessary. So on your way out, remember to make a pledge to support humanity’s green, or rather brown, future.