A construction technique that enables amateurs to assemble models of giant molecules with inexpensive materials. Use balls of expanded polystyrene that cost only $11 per 1,000.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Feb 1973 (v.228#2) pg. 110
The chemistry and physics of a burning candle. How to make your own candles and a discussion of variables in the ingredients. How to duplicate Michael Faraday's 1860-61 investigation of the candle and other experiments.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Apr 1978 (v.238#4) pg. 154
Experiments with chemical systems that oscillate between one color and another.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Jul 1978 (v.239#1) pg. 152
Correction SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Dec 1978 (v.239#6) pg. 188
A scientific look at why sauce bearnaise is so prone to failure. Excerpts from two papers look at the physics and chemistry of the sauce in terms of emulsions and colloidal suspensions.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Dec 1979 (v.241#6) pg. 178
The amateur scientist. How to detect microgram quantities of metals in air, liquids and solids. Includes plans for a ring oven to do chemical-spot testing. Used in monitoring for pollution.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Feb 1981 (v.244#2) pg. 168
The amateur scientist. The scientific aspect of cooking. The physics and chemistry of the lemon meringue pie.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Jun 1981 (v.244#6) pg. 194
The amateur scientist. Reflections on the rising bubbles in a bottle of beer. A look at the physics and chemistry of carbonated beverages.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Dec 1981 (v.245#6) pg. 172
Why do particles of sand and mud stick together when they are wet? A look at the electric interactions between the water and the particles of sand or clay.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Jan 1982 (v.246#1) pg. 174
Investigating triboluminescence, the illumination given off when sugar crystals are crushed.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Jul 1982 (v.247#1) pg. 146
The physics and chemistry of brewing Middle Eastern coffee in an ibrik.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Apr 1983 (v.248#4) pg. 132
Experiments on the solubility of oleic acid (a major component of olive oil) and paraffin oil in water.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Dec 1983 (v.249#6) pg. 164
Measuring the strength of chemical bonds using titration calorimetry. Includes the schematic for a calorimeter circuit, thermometer circuit and probes.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Mar 1996 (v.274#3) pg. 106
Sorting molecules with electricity. A plastic soap dish with a layer of agarose gel permits complex molecular mixtures to be separated by electrophoresis. Describes an experiment to determine if two plant species (with the exact same color of flower) use the same molecules as pigments.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Dec 1998 (v.279#6) pg. 110
Capturing the three phases of water in one bottle. Construct a "triple-point cell" which will hold water within 0.0001 degree C of that unique temperature at which water can exist with its solid, liquid and gas phases all in equilibrium. Est. cost: $50
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Feb 1999 (v.280#2) pg. 98