Science is interesting

Kamak · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:02 pm

Exeres wrote:

It's not for swimming, primates aren't designed for swimming at all. That's why we need to learn how to swim. This is more for keeping hold of branches and other stuff after a hard rain.

Ah, it seemed more like a "dealing with slippery rocks" and stuff thing to me...

I couldn't get the image of it being used like amphibian/reptilian feet for some reason. :/

Exeres · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:05 pm

Well, we're all related to reptiles and amphibians anyway, it might just be something left over from them.

FatOldRobot · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:05 pm

Still daisies useful for survival.

Stranaton · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:29 pm

also slight webbing of fingers.

YCobb · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:00 pm

I don't suppose anyone here has had a Scientific American subscription since at least mid 2008, do they?

There's a specific article I need to cite in the July 08 issue, but my sister's subscription started in September as far as the stuff on her shelves goes.

Exeres · **Posted:** Mon Nov 14, 2011 6:19 am

You know what YCobb?

I might be able to help.

My grandmother received issues of Scientific American, I'm not sure if she still does, but I'll ask if she still keeps old ones.

YCobb · **Posted:** Mon Nov 14, 2011 4:03 pm

Nah, turns out my mom has access to databases since she's in college and found the whole article. Shit's sorted, but thanks for the offer!

Syobon · **Joined:** Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:34 am **Posts:** 15027

Okay, I keep seeing this bit of popscience on the internet: "Warheads almost as acid as battery acid".

Who can tell me what's wrong with this?

Exeres · **Posted:** Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:14 pm

Well, IF it is true, it's not the same type of acid so there's nothing to worry about. Something being acidic just means that it gives off protons in solution, its chemical make-up is what determines how dangerous it is. The acids in Warheads are things like ascorbic, malic, and citric acid, which are all easily digestible. Battery acid is sulfuric, which is super-dangerous not because of its acidity, but because of its exothermic reactions with water, meaning that tissue damage from contact with it is multiplied by dehydration and heat damage.

Basically, if you were eating citric acid that somehow had a pH of 1, you would be safe. pH alone is not an indicator of safety.

Syobon · **Joined:** Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:34 am **Posts:** 15027

That is indeed possibly the biggest flaw, so Exeres gets the biggest cookie. There are at least 2 more cookies to be earned though!

Exeres · **Posted:** Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:20 pm

No citation? Original research? Flat-out WRONG results?

Syobon · **Joined:** Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:34 am **Posts:** 15027

We'll operate under the assumption that the test results are true, since it's an incredibly easy test to do.

Exeres · **Posted:** Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:27 pm

Well I already won so I'll just wait for the teacher to tell everyone what the answer is.

Brekkjern · **Joined:** Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:22 am **Posts:** 1435

I can at least chime in and say that pH is a logarithmic scale, so not "almost as acidic".

EDIT: Adding pictar.

Syobon · **Joined:** Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:34 am **Posts:** 15027

Correct, since 10^(-1)/10^(-1.6)=3.98~4; we can see that battery acid is actually 4 times as acid as warheads. Always be wary of logarithmic scales folks, they have a tendency to throw of your sense of perception.

I have only one minor nitpick left now.

AWKWARD ZOMBIE

Science is interesting

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