Q.Why is atheatredangerous, during a thunder-storm?A. Because thecrowd assembledthere, and thegreat vapourarising from so many living bodies, render a theatre anexcellent conductor of lightning.
Q.Why is atheatredangerous, during a thunder-storm?
Q.Why is atheatredangerous, during a thunder-storm?
A. Because thecrowd assembledthere, and thegreat vapourarising from so many living bodies, render a theatre anexcellent conductor of lightning.
A. Because thecrowd assembledthere, and thegreat vapourarising from so many living bodies, render a theatre anexcellent conductor of lightning.
Q.Why is aflockof sheep in greater danger than a smaller number?A. Becauseeachsheep is aconductorof lightning, and thegreater the number, thebetter its conducting power; besides, thevapourarising from a flock of sheepincreases its conducting power, and its danger.
Q.Why is aflockof sheep in greater danger than a smaller number?
Q.Why is aflockof sheep in greater danger than a smaller number?
A. Becauseeachsheep is aconductorof lightning, and thegreater the number, thebetter its conducting power; besides, thevapourarising from a flock of sheepincreases its conducting power, and its danger.
A. Becauseeachsheep is aconductorof lightning, and thegreater the number, thebetter its conducting power; besides, thevapourarising from a flock of sheepincreases its conducting power, and its danger.
Q.Why is aherdof cattle in danger during a storm?A. 1st—Thenumberof living bodies increases the conducting power of theanimal fluids: and2ndly—Thevapourarising from a herd is also a good conductor.
Q.Why is aherdof cattle in danger during a storm?
Q.Why is aherdof cattle in danger during a storm?
A. 1st—Thenumberof living bodies increases the conducting power of theanimal fluids: and2ndly—Thevapourarising from a herd is also a good conductor.
A. 1st—Thenumberof living bodies increases the conducting power of theanimal fluids: and
2ndly—Thevapourarising from a herd is also a good conductor.
Q.If a person beabroadin a thunder-storm, what place is thesafest?A. Any spot about 20 or 30 feet from some tall tree or building; unless that spot be near to running water.
Q.If a person beabroadin a thunder-storm, what place is thesafest?
Q.If a person beabroadin a thunder-storm, what place is thesafest?
A. Any spot about 20 or 30 feet from some tall tree or building; unless that spot be near to running water.
A. Any spot about 20 or 30 feet from some tall tree or building; unless that spot be near to running water.
Q.Why would it be safe to stand 20 or 30 feet from some tall tree, in a thunder-storm?A. Because the lightning would always choose thetall treeas a conductor, rather than theshorter man; and he would not be sufficiently near the tree, to be injured by the electric current passing down it.
Q.Why would it be safe to stand 20 or 30 feet from some tall tree, in a thunder-storm?
Q.Why would it be safe to stand 20 or 30 feet from some tall tree, in a thunder-storm?
A. Because the lightning would always choose thetall treeas a conductor, rather than theshorter man; and he would not be sufficiently near the tree, to be injured by the electric current passing down it.
A. Because the lightning would always choose thetall treeas a conductor, rather than theshorter man; and he would not be sufficiently near the tree, to be injured by the electric current passing down it.
Q.If a person be ina carriagein a thunder-storm, in what way can he travel mostsafely?A. He should not leanagainstthe carriage; but sit upright, without touching any of the four sides.
Q.If a person be ina carriagein a thunder-storm, in what way can he travel mostsafely?
Q.If a person be ina carriagein a thunder-storm, in what way can he travel mostsafely?
A. He should not leanagainstthe carriage; but sit upright, without touching any of the four sides.
A. He should not leanagainstthe carriage; but sit upright, without touching any of the four sides.
Q.Why should not a person leanagainstthe carriage in a storm?A. Because the electric fluid might run down the sides of the carriage; and (if a person were leaning against thesides), would make choice ofhimfor a conductor, and perhaps destroy life.
Q.Why should not a person leanagainstthe carriage in a storm?
Q.Why should not a person leanagainstthe carriage in a storm?
A. Because the electric fluid might run down the sides of the carriage; and (if a person were leaning against thesides), would make choice ofhimfor a conductor, and perhaps destroy life.
A. Because the electric fluid might run down the sides of the carriage; and (if a person were leaning against thesides), would make choice ofhimfor a conductor, and perhaps destroy life.
Q.If a person be ina houseduring a thunder storm, what place issafest?A. Any room in themiddle story. Themiddleof the room is best; especially if you place yourself on a mattrass, bed, or hearth-rug.
Q.If a person be ina houseduring a thunder storm, what place issafest?
Q.If a person be ina houseduring a thunder storm, what place issafest?
A. Any room in themiddle story. Themiddleof the room is best; especially if you place yourself on a mattrass, bed, or hearth-rug.
A. Any room in themiddle story. Themiddleof the room is best; especially if you place yourself on a mattrass, bed, or hearth-rug.
Q.Why is themiddle storyof a housesafestin a thunder-storm?A. Because (even if the fluidstruckthe house), its strength would be exhausted before it reached the middle story.
Q.Why is themiddle storyof a housesafestin a thunder-storm?
Q.Why is themiddle storyof a housesafestin a thunder-storm?
A. Because (even if the fluidstruckthe house), its strength would be exhausted before it reached the middle story.
A. Because (even if the fluidstruckthe house), its strength would be exhausted before it reached the middle story.
Q.Why is themiddleof theroommoresafe, than any other part of it, in a thunder-storm?A. Because, if the lightning came into the room at all, it would come down thechimneyorwallsof the room; and therefore, the further distant from these, the better.
Q.Why is themiddleof theroommoresafe, than any other part of it, in a thunder-storm?
Q.Why is themiddleof theroommoresafe, than any other part of it, in a thunder-storm?
A. Because, if the lightning came into the room at all, it would come down thechimneyorwallsof the room; and therefore, the further distant from these, the better.
A. Because, if the lightning came into the room at all, it would come down thechimneyorwallsof the room; and therefore, the further distant from these, the better.
Q.Why is amattrass bed, orhearth-ruga good security against injury from lightning?A. Because they are allnon-conductors; and, as lightning always takes in its course thebestconductors, it would not select such things as these.
Q.Why is amattrass bed, orhearth-ruga good security against injury from lightning?
Q.Why is amattrass bed, orhearth-ruga good security against injury from lightning?
A. Because they are allnon-conductors; and, as lightning always takes in its course thebestconductors, it would not select such things as these.
A. Because they are allnon-conductors; and, as lightning always takes in its course thebestconductors, it would not select such things as these.
Q.Is it better to bewetor dry during a storm?A. To bewet: if a person be in the open field, the best thing he can do, is to stand about 20 feet from some tree, and getcompletely drenched to the skin.
Q.Is it better to bewetor dry during a storm?
Q.Is it better to bewetor dry during a storm?
A. To bewet: if a person be in the open field, the best thing he can do, is to stand about 20 feet from some tree, and getcompletely drenched to the skin.
A. To bewet: if a person be in the open field, the best thing he can do, is to stand about 20 feet from some tree, and getcompletely drenched to the skin.
Q.Why is it better to bewetthan dry?A. Because thewet clotheswould form a farbetter conductorthan thefluids of our body; and, lightning would roll down the wet clothes,without touching our body at all.
Q.Why is it better to bewetthan dry?
Q.Why is it better to bewetthan dry?
A. Because thewet clotheswould form a farbetter conductorthan thefluids of our body; and, lightning would roll down the wet clothes,without touching our body at all.
A. Because thewet clotheswould form a farbetter conductorthan thefluids of our body; and, lightning would roll down the wet clothes,without touching our body at all.
Q.What is thesafestthing a person can do to avoid injury from lightning?A. He should draw his bedstead into the middle of his room, commit himself to the care of God, and go to bed; remembering that our Lord has said, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Q.What is thesafestthing a person can do to avoid injury from lightning?
Q.What is thesafestthing a person can do to avoid injury from lightning?
A. He should draw his bedstead into the middle of his room, commit himself to the care of God, and go to bed; remembering that our Lord has said, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
A. He should draw his bedstead into the middle of his room, commit himself to the care of God, and go to bed; remembering that our Lord has said, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Q.What is alightning-conductor?A. A metal rod fixed in the earth, running up the whole height of a building, and rising in a point above it.
Q.What is alightning-conductor?
Q.What is alightning-conductor?
A. A metal rod fixed in the earth, running up the whole height of a building, and rising in a point above it.
A. A metal rod fixed in the earth, running up the whole height of a building, and rising in a point above it.
Q.What metal is the best for this purpose?A. Stout copper wire.
Q.What metal is the best for this purpose?
Q.What metal is the best for this purpose?
A. Stout copper wire.
A. Stout copper wire.
Q.Why iscopperwire better than iron?A. 1st—Because copper is a better conductor than iron:2ndly—It is not so easily fused or melted: and3rdly—It is not so much injured by weather.
Q.Why iscopperwire better than iron?
Q.Why iscopperwire better than iron?
A. 1st—Because copper is a better conductor than iron:2ndly—It is not so easily fused or melted: and3rdly—It is not so much injured by weather.
A. 1st—Because copper is a better conductor than iron:
2ndly—It is not so easily fused or melted: and
3rdly—It is not so much injured by weather.
Q.What is thegoodof a lightning-conductor?A. Metal wire is a most excellent conductor; and as the lightning makes choice of thebest conductors, it would run down themetal wire, rather than thebricksof the building.
Q.What is thegoodof a lightning-conductor?
Q.What is thegoodof a lightning-conductor?
A. Metal wire is a most excellent conductor; and as the lightning makes choice of thebest conductors, it would run down themetal wire, rather than thebricksof the building.
A. Metal wire is a most excellent conductor; and as the lightning makes choice of thebest conductors, it would run down themetal wire, rather than thebricksof the building.
Q.How far will the beneficial influence of a lightning-conductor extend?A. It will protect a circumference all round, the diameter of which is (at least) 4 times as long as that part of the rod, whichrises above the building.
Q.How far will the beneficial influence of a lightning-conductor extend?
Q.How far will the beneficial influence of a lightning-conductor extend?
A. It will protect a circumference all round, the diameter of which is (at least) 4 times as long as that part of the rod, whichrises above the building.
A. It will protect a circumference all round, the diameter of which is (at least) 4 times as long as that part of the rod, whichrises above the building.
Q.Give me an example.A. If the rod rise 2 feet above the house, it will protect the building for (at least) 8 feet all round.
Q.Give me an example.
Q.Give me an example.
A. If the rod rise 2 feet above the house, it will protect the building for (at least) 8 feet all round.
A. If the rod rise 2 feet above the house, it will protect the building for (at least) 8 feet all round.
Q.Why are not lightning-conductors more generally used?A. Because they are often productive of more harm than good.
Q.Why are not lightning-conductors more generally used?
Q.Why are not lightning-conductors more generally used?
A. Because they are often productive of more harm than good.
A. Because they are often productive of more harm than good.
Q.How can lightning-conductors be productive ofharm?A. If the rod bebrokenby weather or accident, the electric fluid (being obstructed in its path) will rend the building into fragments.
Q.How can lightning-conductors be productive ofharm?
Q.How can lightning-conductors be productive ofharm?
A. If the rod bebrokenby weather or accident, the electric fluid (being obstructed in its path) will rend the building into fragments.
A. If the rod bebrokenby weather or accident, the electric fluid (being obstructed in its path) will rend the building into fragments.
Q.Is there anyotherevil to be apprehended from a lightning rod?A. Yes; if the rod be not big enough to conduct thewholecurrent to the earth, the lightning willfusethe metal, and greatly injure the building.
Q.Is there anyotherevil to be apprehended from a lightning rod?
Q.Is there anyotherevil to be apprehended from a lightning rod?
A. Yes; if the rod be not big enough to conduct thewholecurrent to the earth, the lightning willfusethe metal, and greatly injure the building.
A. Yes; if the rod be not big enough to conduct thewholecurrent to the earth, the lightning willfusethe metal, and greatly injure the building.
Q.How stout is it needful for the copper wire to be, that it may conduct the fluid safely to the earth?A. It should be (at least)one inchin diameter.
Q.How stout is it needful for the copper wire to be, that it may conduct the fluid safely to the earth?
Q.How stout is it needful for the copper wire to be, that it may conduct the fluid safely to the earth?
A. It should be (at least)one inchin diameter.
A. It should be (at least)one inchin diameter.
Q.Why doeslightningsometimesknock down housesand churches?A. The steeple, or chimney is first struck; the lightning then darts to the iron bars and cramps employed in the building; and (as it darts from bar to bar) shatters to atoms the bricks and stones, which oppose its progress.
Q.Why doeslightningsometimesknock down housesand churches?
Q.Why doeslightningsometimesknock down housesand churches?
A. The steeple, or chimney is first struck; the lightning then darts to the iron bars and cramps employed in the building; and (as it darts from bar to bar) shatters to atoms the bricks and stones, which oppose its progress.
A. The steeple, or chimney is first struck; the lightning then darts to the iron bars and cramps employed in the building; and (as it darts from bar to bar) shatters to atoms the bricks and stones, which oppose its progress.
Q.Can you tell me how St. Bride’s Church (London) was nearly destroyed by lightning, about 100 years ago?A. The lightning first struck the metal vane, and ran down the rod; it then darted to the iron cramps, employed to support the building; and (as it flew from bar to bar) smashed the stones of the church, which lay between.
Q.Can you tell me how St. Bride’s Church (London) was nearly destroyed by lightning, about 100 years ago?
Q.Can you tell me how St. Bride’s Church (London) was nearly destroyed by lightning, about 100 years ago?
A. The lightning first struck the metal vane, and ran down the rod; it then darted to the iron cramps, employed to support the building; and (as it flew from bar to bar) smashed the stones of the church, which lay between.
A. The lightning first struck the metal vane, and ran down the rod; it then darted to the iron cramps, employed to support the building; and (as it flew from bar to bar) smashed the stones of the church, which lay between.
Q.Why did the lightning fly about from place to place, and not pass down in a straight course?A. Because it always takes in its course thebest conductors; and will fly both right and left, in order to reach them.
Q.Why did the lightning fly about from place to place, and not pass down in a straight course?
Q.Why did the lightning fly about from place to place, and not pass down in a straight course?
A. Because it always takes in its course thebest conductors; and will fly both right and left, in order to reach them.
A. Because it always takes in its course thebest conductors; and will fly both right and left, in order to reach them.
Q.Why doeslightningturnmilk sour?A. Lightning causes the gases of the air (through which it passes) tocombine, and thus produces a poison, callednitric acid; some small portion of which, mixing with the milk, turns it sour.[2](N. B. Sometimes, the mereheatof the air, during the storm, turns milk sour.)[2]The air is composed of two gases, called oxygen and hydrogen,mixedtogether, butnot combined. If oxygen iscombinedwith nitrogen, it produces five deadly poisons, viz.—nitrous oxide, nitric oxide, hyponitrous acid, nitrous acid, and nitric acid, according to the proportion of each gas in the combination.
Q.Why doeslightningturnmilk sour?
Q.Why doeslightningturnmilk sour?
A. Lightning causes the gases of the air (through which it passes) tocombine, and thus produces a poison, callednitric acid; some small portion of which, mixing with the milk, turns it sour.[2](N. B. Sometimes, the mereheatof the air, during the storm, turns milk sour.)[2]The air is composed of two gases, called oxygen and hydrogen,mixedtogether, butnot combined. If oxygen iscombinedwith nitrogen, it produces five deadly poisons, viz.—nitrous oxide, nitric oxide, hyponitrous acid, nitrous acid, and nitric acid, according to the proportion of each gas in the combination.
A. Lightning causes the gases of the air (through which it passes) tocombine, and thus produces a poison, callednitric acid; some small portion of which, mixing with the milk, turns it sour.[2]
(N. B. Sometimes, the mereheatof the air, during the storm, turns milk sour.)
[2]The air is composed of two gases, called oxygen and hydrogen,mixedtogether, butnot combined. If oxygen iscombinedwith nitrogen, it produces five deadly poisons, viz.—nitrous oxide, nitric oxide, hyponitrous acid, nitrous acid, and nitric acid, according to the proportion of each gas in the combination.
[2]The air is composed of two gases, called oxygen and hydrogen,mixedtogether, butnot combined. If oxygen iscombinedwith nitrogen, it produces five deadly poisons, viz.—nitrous oxide, nitric oxide, hyponitrous acid, nitrous acid, and nitric acid, according to the proportion of each gas in the combination.
Q.What is the difference betweencombiningandmixing?A. When different ingredients minglewithout undergoing any chemical change, they are said to bemixed; but when the natural properties of each arealtered by the union, then those ingredients are said to becombined.
Q.What is the difference betweencombiningandmixing?
Q.What is the difference betweencombiningandmixing?
A. When different ingredients minglewithout undergoing any chemical change, they are said to bemixed; but when the natural properties of each arealtered by the union, then those ingredients are said to becombined.
A. When different ingredients minglewithout undergoing any chemical change, they are said to bemixed; but when the natural properties of each arealtered by the union, then those ingredients are said to becombined.
Q.Give me an example.A. If different coloured sands be shaken together in a bottle, the various grains willmixtogether, but not combine: but if water be poured on quick lime, the water willcombinewith the lime, and not mix with it.
Q.Give me an example.
Q.Give me an example.
A. If different coloured sands be shaken together in a bottle, the various grains willmixtogether, but not combine: but if water be poured on quick lime, the water willcombinewith the lime, and not mix with it.
A. If different coloured sands be shaken together in a bottle, the various grains willmixtogether, but not combine: but if water be poured on quick lime, the water willcombinewith the lime, and not mix with it.
Q.Why are the different grains of sand said to bemixed, when they are shaken together?A. Because they are mingled together, but the property of each grain remains thesame as it was before.
Q.Why are the different grains of sand said to bemixed, when they are shaken together?
Q.Why are the different grains of sand said to bemixed, when they are shaken together?
A. Because they are mingled together, but the property of each grain remains thesame as it was before.
A. Because they are mingled together, but the property of each grain remains thesame as it was before.
Q.Why is water poured on lime, said tocombinewith it?A. Because the properties, both of the water and the lime, arealteredby the mixture: the lime alters the character of the water, and the water alters the character of the lime.
Q.Why is water poured on lime, said tocombinewith it?
Q.Why is water poured on lime, said tocombinewith it?
A. Because the properties, both of the water and the lime, arealteredby the mixture: the lime alters the character of the water, and the water alters the character of the lime.
A. Because the properties, both of the water and the lime, arealteredby the mixture: the lime alters the character of the water, and the water alters the character of the lime.
Q.Do oxygen and nitrogencombine, or onlymixtogether, in common atmospheric air?A. They onlymixtogether, as grains of sand would do, when shaken in a bottle. When oxygen and nitrogencombine, they do not constituteair, but acidpoisons.
Q.Do oxygen and nitrogencombine, or onlymixtogether, in common atmospheric air?
Q.Do oxygen and nitrogencombine, or onlymixtogether, in common atmospheric air?
A. They onlymixtogether, as grains of sand would do, when shaken in a bottle. When oxygen and nitrogencombine, they do not constituteair, but acidpoisons.
A. They onlymixtogether, as grains of sand would do, when shaken in a bottle. When oxygen and nitrogencombine, they do not constituteair, but acidpoisons.
Q.Why doeslightningturnbeer sour, although contained in a close cask?A. If the beer benew, and the process of fermentation not complete, lightning will soacceleratethe process, as to turn the liquor sour.
Q.Why doeslightningturnbeer sour, although contained in a close cask?
Q.Why doeslightningturnbeer sour, although contained in a close cask?
A. If the beer benew, and the process of fermentation not complete, lightning will soacceleratethe process, as to turn the liquor sour.
A. If the beer benew, and the process of fermentation not complete, lightning will soacceleratethe process, as to turn the liquor sour.
Q.Why isnotold beer and strongportermadesourby lightning?A. Because thefermentation is completealready; and, therefore, is not affected by electrical influence.
Q.Why isnotold beer and strongportermadesourby lightning?
Q.Why isnotold beer and strongportermadesourby lightning?
A. Because thefermentation is completealready; and, therefore, is not affected by electrical influence.
A. Because thefermentation is completealready; and, therefore, is not affected by electrical influence.
Q.Why ismetalsometimesfusedby lightning?A. Because the dimension of the metal istoo small, to afford a path for the electric current.
Q.Why ismetalsometimesfusedby lightning?
Q.Why ismetalsometimesfusedby lightning?
A. Because the dimension of the metal istoo small, to afford a path for the electric current.
A. Because the dimension of the metal istoo small, to afford a path for the electric current.
Q.Why doeslightning purifytheair?A. For two reasons: 1st—Because the oxygen and nitrogen of the aircombine,[3]and produce “nitric acid:”2ndly—Because the agitation of the stormstirs up the air.[3]The oxygen and hydrogen are notcombined, but simplymixedin the ordinary air; but the lightning causes the mixed elements tocombine.
Q.Why doeslightning purifytheair?
Q.Why doeslightning purifytheair?
A. For two reasons: 1st—Because the oxygen and nitrogen of the aircombine,[3]and produce “nitric acid:”2ndly—Because the agitation of the stormstirs up the air.[3]The oxygen and hydrogen are notcombined, but simplymixedin the ordinary air; but the lightning causes the mixed elements tocombine.
A. For two reasons: 1st—Because the oxygen and nitrogen of the aircombine,[3]and produce “nitric acid:”
2ndly—Because the agitation of the stormstirs up the air.
[3]The oxygen and hydrogen are notcombined, but simplymixedin the ordinary air; but the lightning causes the mixed elements tocombine.
[3]The oxygen and hydrogen are notcombined, but simplymixedin the ordinary air; but the lightning causes the mixed elements tocombine.
Q.How does the production of nitric acid purify the air?A. Nitric acid acts very powerfully indestroying exhalations, arising from putrid vegetable and animal matters.
Q.How does the production of nitric acid purify the air?
Q.How does the production of nitric acid purify the air?
A. Nitric acid acts very powerfully indestroying exhalations, arising from putrid vegetable and animal matters.
A. Nitric acid acts very powerfully indestroying exhalations, arising from putrid vegetable and animal matters.
Q.Why islightningmore common insummerandautumn, than in spring and winter?A. The heat of summer and autumn producesgreat evaporation; and the conversion ofwater to vapour, always developselectricity.
Q.Why islightningmore common insummerandautumn, than in spring and winter?
Q.Why islightningmore common insummerandautumn, than in spring and winter?
A. The heat of summer and autumn producesgreat evaporation; and the conversion ofwater to vapour, always developselectricity.
A. The heat of summer and autumn producesgreat evaporation; and the conversion ofwater to vapour, always developselectricity.
Q.Why does athunder-stormgenerally follow verydryweather, and rarely succeeds continuedwet?A. The clouds arealwayscharged with electricity; butdry air(being a non-conductor), will not conduct the surplus fluid from the clouds to the earth: so it violentlyrends the dry airwith a flash, in order to relieve the cloud, and reach the earth.
Q.Why does athunder-stormgenerally follow verydryweather, and rarely succeeds continuedwet?
Q.Why does athunder-stormgenerally follow verydryweather, and rarely succeeds continuedwet?
A. The clouds arealwayscharged with electricity; butdry air(being a non-conductor), will not conduct the surplus fluid from the clouds to the earth: so it violentlyrends the dry airwith a flash, in order to relieve the cloud, and reach the earth.
A. The clouds arealwayscharged with electricity; butdry air(being a non-conductor), will not conduct the surplus fluid from the clouds to the earth: so it violentlyrends the dry airwith a flash, in order to relieve the cloud, and reach the earth.
Q.What is the generaldirectionof athunder-storm?A. Either from east to west; or else from north to south.
Q.What is the generaldirectionof athunder-storm?
Q.What is the generaldirectionof athunder-storm?
A. Either from east to west; or else from north to south.
A. Either from east to west; or else from north to south.
Q.Why iselectricityexcited byfriction?A. Electricity, like heat, exists inallmatter; but is often in alatent state: frictiondisturbsit, and brings it into active operation. (see p.31.)
Q.Why iselectricityexcited byfriction?
Q.Why iselectricityexcited byfriction?
A. Electricity, like heat, exists inallmatter; but is often in alatent state: frictiondisturbsit, and brings it into active operation. (see p.31.)
A. Electricity, like heat, exists inallmatter; but is often in alatent state: frictiondisturbsit, and brings it into active operation. (see p.31.)
Q.Why is atreesometimesscorchedby lightning, as if it had been set on fire?A. Lightning scorches it by its ownpositive heat, just the same as fire would.
Q.Why is atreesometimesscorchedby lightning, as if it had been set on fire?
Q.Why is atreesometimesscorchedby lightning, as if it had been set on fire?
A. Lightning scorches it by its ownpositive heat, just the same as fire would.
A. Lightning scorches it by its ownpositive heat, just the same as fire would.
Q.Why is thebarkof atreeoften ripped quite off by a flash of lightning?A. As the lightning runs down the tree, it develops the latent heat sorapidly, that it carries the bark of the tree along with it, while it seeks to escape.
Q.Why is thebarkof atreeoften ripped quite off by a flash of lightning?
Q.Why is thebarkof atreeoften ripped quite off by a flash of lightning?
A. As the lightning runs down the tree, it develops the latent heat sorapidly, that it carries the bark of the tree along with it, while it seeks to escape.
A. As the lightning runs down the tree, it develops the latent heat sorapidly, that it carries the bark of the tree along with it, while it seeks to escape.
Q.Why areboughsoftreesbroken off by lightning?A. Themechanical forceof lightning is very great; and when the flash strikes a tree, it will often break off the boughs by theforcewith which it strikes against it.
Q.Why areboughsoftreesbroken off by lightning?
Q.Why areboughsoftreesbroken off by lightning?
A. Themechanical forceof lightning is very great; and when the flash strikes a tree, it will often break off the boughs by theforcewith which it strikes against it.
A. Themechanical forceof lightning is very great; and when the flash strikes a tree, it will often break off the boughs by theforcewith which it strikes against it.
Q.Why is an electric shock feltmostat theelbow joint?A. Because the path of the fluid isobstructed by the joint: and the shock felt at the elbow is caused by the fluidleaping from one bone to another.
Q.Why is an electric shock feltmostat theelbow joint?
Q.Why is an electric shock feltmostat theelbow joint?
A. Because the path of the fluid isobstructed by the joint: and the shock felt at the elbow is caused by the fluidleaping from one bone to another.
A. Because the path of the fluid isobstructed by the joint: and the shock felt at the elbow is caused by the fluidleaping from one bone to another.
Q.What is the third chief source of heat?A.Chemical Action.
Q.What is the third chief source of heat?
Q.What is the third chief source of heat?
A.Chemical Action.
A.Chemical Action.
Q.What is meant by chemical action being the source of heat?A. Many things, when their chemical constitution is changed, (either by the abstraction of some of their gases, or by the combination of others not before united,) evolveheat, while the change is going on.
Q.What is meant by chemical action being the source of heat?
Q.What is meant by chemical action being the source of heat?
A. Many things, when their chemical constitution is changed, (either by the abstraction of some of their gases, or by the combination of others not before united,) evolveheat, while the change is going on.
A. Many things, when their chemical constitution is changed, (either by the abstraction of some of their gases, or by the combination of others not before united,) evolveheat, while the change is going on.
Q.Explain by illustration what you mean.A. Water is cold, and sulphuric acid is cold; but if these twocoldliquids be mixed together, they will produceboiling heat.
Q.Explain by illustration what you mean.
Q.Explain by illustration what you mean.
A. Water is cold, and sulphuric acid is cold; but if these twocoldliquids be mixed together, they will produceboiling heat.
A. Water is cold, and sulphuric acid is cold; but if these twocoldliquids be mixed together, they will produceboiling heat.
Q.Why willcold water, mixed withsulphuric acid, produce heat?A. Because water (beinglighterthan sulphuric acid), iscondensedby the heavier liquid; and its heat issqueezed out, as water from a sponge.
Q.Why willcold water, mixed withsulphuric acid, produce heat?
Q.Why willcold water, mixed withsulphuric acid, produce heat?
A. Because water (beinglighterthan sulphuric acid), iscondensedby the heavier liquid; and its heat issqueezed out, as water from a sponge.
A. Because water (beinglighterthan sulphuric acid), iscondensedby the heavier liquid; and its heat issqueezed out, as water from a sponge.
Q.Why doescold water, poured onlime, make it intenselyhot?A. The heat is evolved by the chemical action, produced by the cold water combining with the lime.
Q.Why doescold water, poured onlime, make it intenselyhot?
Q.Why doescold water, poured onlime, make it intenselyhot?
A. The heat is evolved by the chemical action, produced by the cold water combining with the lime.
A. The heat is evolved by the chemical action, produced by the cold water combining with the lime.
Q.Where does the heat come from?A. It was in the water and lime before; but was in alatent state.
Q.Where does the heat come from?
Q.Where does the heat come from?
A. It was in the water and lime before; but was in alatent state.
A. It was in the water and lime before; but was in alatent state.
Q.Was there heat in the cold water and lime, before they were mixed together?A. Yes.Allbodies contain heat; the coldest ice, as well as the hottest fire.
Q.Was there heat in the cold water and lime, before they were mixed together?
Q.Was there heat in the cold water and lime, before they were mixed together?
A. Yes.Allbodies contain heat; the coldest ice, as well as the hottest fire.
A. Yes.Allbodies contain heat; the coldest ice, as well as the hottest fire.
Q.Is thereheateven inice?A. Yes. But it islatent, (i. e. not perceptible to our senses).[4][4]Latent, from the Latin word, Lateo, (to lie hid.)
Q.Is thereheateven inice?
Q.Is thereheateven inice?
A. Yes. But it islatent, (i. e. not perceptible to our senses).[4][4]Latent, from the Latin word, Lateo, (to lie hid.)
A. Yes. But it islatent, (i. e. not perceptible to our senses).[4]
[4]Latent, from the Latin word, Lateo, (to lie hid.)
[4]Latent, from the Latin word, Lateo, (to lie hid.)
Q.How do you know there is heat, if you cannot perceive it?A. Thus:—Ice is 32° by the thermometer; but if ice bemeltedover a fire, (though 140° of heat are thus absorbed,) it will feel nohotterthan it was before. (i. e. it will be only 32°, and not 172°)[5].[5]32°, i. e. 32 degrees; 140°, i. e. 140 degrees, &c.
Q.How do you know there is heat, if you cannot perceive it?
Q.How do you know there is heat, if you cannot perceive it?
A. Thus:—Ice is 32° by the thermometer; but if ice bemeltedover a fire, (though 140° of heat are thus absorbed,) it will feel nohotterthan it was before. (i. e. it will be only 32°, and not 172°)[5].[5]32°, i. e. 32 degrees; 140°, i. e. 140 degrees, &c.
A. Thus:—Ice is 32° by the thermometer; but if ice bemeltedover a fire, (though 140° of heat are thus absorbed,) it will feel nohotterthan it was before. (i. e. it will be only 32°, and not 172°)[5].
[5]32°, i. e. 32 degrees; 140°, i. e. 140 degrees, &c.
[5]32°, i. e. 32 degrees; 140°, i. e. 140 degrees, &c.
Q.What becomes of the 140°, which went into the ice to melt it?A. It is hidden in the water; or (to speak more scientifically) it is stored up in alatent state.
Q.What becomes of the 140°, which went into the ice to melt it?
Q.What becomes of the 140°, which went into the ice to melt it?
A. It is hidden in the water; or (to speak more scientifically) it is stored up in alatent state.
A. It is hidden in the water; or (to speak more scientifically) it is stored up in alatent state.
Q.How much heat may be thus secreted or made latent?A.Allthings contain a vast quantity of latent heat; but, as much as 1140° of heat may remain latent inwater.
Q.How much heat may be thus secreted or made latent?A.Allthings contain a vast quantity of latent heat; but, as much as 1140° of heat may remain latent inwater.
Q.How much heat may be thus secreted or made latent?
A.Allthings contain a vast quantity of latent heat; but, as much as 1140° of heat may remain latent inwater.
Q.How can 1140° of heat be added to water, without being perceptible to our feelings?A. 1st—140° of heat are hidden in the water, when ice is melted by the sun or fire.2ndly—1000° more of heat are secreted, when water is converted into steam. Thus, before ice is converted into steam, 1140° of heat becomelatent.[6][6]Thus, one pint of boiling water, (212° according to the thermometer,) will make 1800 pints of steam; but the steam is no hotter to the touch than boiling water, both are 212°: therefore, when water is converted into steam, 1000° of heat become latent. Hence, before ice is converted to steam, it must contain 1140° of latent heat.
Q.How can 1140° of heat be added to water, without being perceptible to our feelings?
Q.How can 1140° of heat be added to water, without being perceptible to our feelings?
A. 1st—140° of heat are hidden in the water, when ice is melted by the sun or fire.2ndly—1000° more of heat are secreted, when water is converted into steam. Thus, before ice is converted into steam, 1140° of heat becomelatent.[6][6]Thus, one pint of boiling water, (212° according to the thermometer,) will make 1800 pints of steam; but the steam is no hotter to the touch than boiling water, both are 212°: therefore, when water is converted into steam, 1000° of heat become latent. Hence, before ice is converted to steam, it must contain 1140° of latent heat.
A. 1st—140° of heat are hidden in the water, when ice is melted by the sun or fire.
2ndly—1000° more of heat are secreted, when water is converted into steam. Thus, before ice is converted into steam, 1140° of heat becomelatent.[6]
[6]Thus, one pint of boiling water, (212° according to the thermometer,) will make 1800 pints of steam; but the steam is no hotter to the touch than boiling water, both are 212°: therefore, when water is converted into steam, 1000° of heat become latent. Hence, before ice is converted to steam, it must contain 1140° of latent heat.
[6]Thus, one pint of boiling water, (212° according to the thermometer,) will make 1800 pints of steam; but the steam is no hotter to the touch than boiling water, both are 212°: therefore, when water is converted into steam, 1000° of heat become latent. Hence, before ice is converted to steam, it must contain 1140° of latent heat.
Q.Can we be made tofeelthe heat oficeor snow?A. Yes. Into a pint of snow put half as much salt; then plunge your hand into the liquid; and it will feel so intensely cold, that the snow itself will seem quitewarmin comparison to it.
Q.Can we be made tofeelthe heat oficeor snow?
Q.Can we be made tofeelthe heat oficeor snow?
A. Yes. Into a pint of snow put half as much salt; then plunge your hand into the liquid; and it will feel so intensely cold, that the snow itself will seem quitewarmin comparison to it.
A. Yes. Into a pint of snow put half as much salt; then plunge your hand into the liquid; and it will feel so intensely cold, that the snow itself will seem quitewarmin comparison to it.
Q.Issaltandsnowreallycolderthan snow?A. Yes, many degrees; and bydipping your hand into the mixturefirst, and into snowafterwards, the mere snow will seem to be comparatively warm.
Q.Issaltandsnowreallycolderthan snow?
Q.Issaltandsnowreallycolderthan snow?
A. Yes, many degrees; and bydipping your hand into the mixturefirst, and into snowafterwards, the mere snow will seem to be comparatively warm.
A. Yes, many degrees; and bydipping your hand into the mixturefirst, and into snowafterwards, the mere snow will seem to be comparatively warm.
Q.What isfire?A. Combustion is another instance of heat, arising from chemical action.
Q.What isfire?
Q.What isfire?
A. Combustion is another instance of heat, arising from chemical action.
A. Combustion is another instance of heat, arising from chemical action.
Q.What two things are essential to produce combustion?A. Fuel and air.
Q.What two things are essential to produce combustion?
Q.What two things are essential to produce combustion?
A. Fuel and air.
A. Fuel and air.
Q.What are the elements of fuel?A. As bread is a compound of flour, yeast, and salt; so fuel is a compound of hydrogen and carbon.
Q.What are the elements of fuel?
Q.What are the elements of fuel?
A. As bread is a compound of flour, yeast, and salt; so fuel is a compound of hydrogen and carbon.
A. As bread is a compound of flour, yeast, and salt; so fuel is a compound of hydrogen and carbon.
Q.What are theelementsof atmosphericair?A. The air is a compound of oxygen and nitrogenmixedtogether; in the proportion of five gallons of nitrogen, to one of oxygen.
Q.What are theelementsof atmosphericair?
Q.What are theelementsof atmosphericair?
A. The air is a compound of oxygen and nitrogenmixedtogether; in the proportion of five gallons of nitrogen, to one of oxygen.
A. The air is a compound of oxygen and nitrogenmixedtogether; in the proportion of five gallons of nitrogen, to one of oxygen.
Q.What iscarbon?A. The solid part of fuel. It abounds also in all animal bodies, earths, and minerals.
Q.What iscarbon?
Q.What iscarbon?
A. The solid part of fuel. It abounds also in all animal bodies, earths, and minerals.
A. The solid part of fuel. It abounds also in all animal bodies, earths, and minerals.
Q.Mention some differentspeciesofcarbon.A. Common charcoal, lamp-black, coke, black lead, and the diamond, are all varieties of carbon.
Q.Mention some differentspeciesofcarbon.
Q.Mention some differentspeciesofcarbon.
A. Common charcoal, lamp-black, coke, black lead, and the diamond, are all varieties of carbon.
A. Common charcoal, lamp-black, coke, black lead, and the diamond, are all varieties of carbon.
Q.What ishydrogen?A. An inflammable gas. The gas used in our streets, is only the hydrogen gasdriven out of coals by heat.
Q.What ishydrogen?
Q.What ishydrogen?
A. An inflammable gas. The gas used in our streets, is only the hydrogen gasdriven out of coals by heat.
A. An inflammable gas. The gas used in our streets, is only the hydrogen gasdriven out of coals by heat.
Q.What are the peculiar characteristics of hydrogen gas?A. Though this gasitselfwillburn, yet a candle willnotburn when immersed in it; nor can an animal live in it. Hydrogen gas is the lightest of all known substances.[7][7]Hydrogen gas may be made thus:—Put some pieces of zinc or iron filings into a glass: pour over them a little sulphuric acid (vitriol), diluted with twice the quantity of water; then cover the glass over for a few minutes, and hydrogen gas will be given off.Exp.If a flame be put into the glass, anexplosionwill be made.If the experiment be tried in a phial, which has a piece of tobacco-pipe run through the cork; and a light held a few moments to the top of the pipe, aflamewill be made.If a balloon be held over the phial, (so that the gas can inflate it,) the balloon will ascend in a very few minutes.
Q.What are the peculiar characteristics of hydrogen gas?
Q.What are the peculiar characteristics of hydrogen gas?
A. Though this gasitselfwillburn, yet a candle willnotburn when immersed in it; nor can an animal live in it. Hydrogen gas is the lightest of all known substances.[7][7]Hydrogen gas may be made thus:—Put some pieces of zinc or iron filings into a glass: pour over them a little sulphuric acid (vitriol), diluted with twice the quantity of water; then cover the glass over for a few minutes, and hydrogen gas will be given off.Exp.If a flame be put into the glass, anexplosionwill be made.If the experiment be tried in a phial, which has a piece of tobacco-pipe run through the cork; and a light held a few moments to the top of the pipe, aflamewill be made.If a balloon be held over the phial, (so that the gas can inflate it,) the balloon will ascend in a very few minutes.
A. Though this gasitselfwillburn, yet a candle willnotburn when immersed in it; nor can an animal live in it. Hydrogen gas is the lightest of all known substances.[7]
[7]Hydrogen gas may be made thus:—Put some pieces of zinc or iron filings into a glass: pour over them a little sulphuric acid (vitriol), diluted with twice the quantity of water; then cover the glass over for a few minutes, and hydrogen gas will be given off.Exp.If a flame be put into the glass, anexplosionwill be made.If the experiment be tried in a phial, which has a piece of tobacco-pipe run through the cork; and a light held a few moments to the top of the pipe, aflamewill be made.If a balloon be held over the phial, (so that the gas can inflate it,) the balloon will ascend in a very few minutes.
[7]Hydrogen gas may be made thus:—Put some pieces of zinc or iron filings into a glass: pour over them a little sulphuric acid (vitriol), diluted with twice the quantity of water; then cover the glass over for a few minutes, and hydrogen gas will be given off.
Exp.If a flame be put into the glass, anexplosionwill be made.
If the experiment be tried in a phial, which has a piece of tobacco-pipe run through the cork; and a light held a few moments to the top of the pipe, aflamewill be made.
If a balloon be held over the phial, (so that the gas can inflate it,) the balloon will ascend in a very few minutes.
Q.What isoxygen?A. A gas, much heavier than hydrogen; which gives brilliancy to flame, and is essential to animal life.[8][8]Oxygen gas is much more troublesome to make than hydrogen. Thecheapestplan is to put a few ounces of manganese (called the black oxide of manganese) into aniron bottle, furnished with a bent tube; set the bottle on a fire till it becomes red hot, and put the end of the tube into a pan of water. In a few minutes, bubbles will rise through the water; these bubbles are oxygen gas.These bubbles may be collected thus:—Fill a common bottle with water; hold it topsy-turvy over the bubbles which rise through the pan, but be sure the mouth of the bottle be heldin the water. As the bubbles rise into the bottle, the water will run out; and when all the water has run out, the bottle is full of gas. Cork the bottle while themouth remains under water; set the bottle on its base; cover the cork with lard or wax, and the gas will keep till it be wanted.N. B. Thequickestway of making oxygen gas, is to rub together in a mortar half an ounce of oxide of copper, and half an ounce of chlorate of potassa. Put the mixture into a common oil flask, furnished with a cork which has a bent tube thrust through it. Heat the bottom of the flask over a candle or lamp; and when the mixture is red hot, oxygen gas will be given off. Note—the tube must be immersed in a pan of water, and the gas collected as before.(Chlorate of potassa may be bought at any chemist’s; and oxide of copper may be procured by heating a sheet of copper red hot, and when cool, striking it with a hammer: the scales that peel off, are oxide of copper.)Exp.Put a piece of red hot charcoal, (fixed to a bit of wire,) into your bottle of oxygen gas; and it will throw out most dazzling sparks of light.Blow a candle out; and while the wick is still red, hold the candle (by a piece of wire,) in the bottle of oxygen gas; the wick will instantly ignite, and burn brilliantly.(Burning sulphur emits ablueflame, when immersed in oxygen gas.)
Q.What isoxygen?
Q.What isoxygen?
A. A gas, much heavier than hydrogen; which gives brilliancy to flame, and is essential to animal life.[8][8]Oxygen gas is much more troublesome to make than hydrogen. Thecheapestplan is to put a few ounces of manganese (called the black oxide of manganese) into aniron bottle, furnished with a bent tube; set the bottle on a fire till it becomes red hot, and put the end of the tube into a pan of water. In a few minutes, bubbles will rise through the water; these bubbles are oxygen gas.These bubbles may be collected thus:—Fill a common bottle with water; hold it topsy-turvy over the bubbles which rise through the pan, but be sure the mouth of the bottle be heldin the water. As the bubbles rise into the bottle, the water will run out; and when all the water has run out, the bottle is full of gas. Cork the bottle while themouth remains under water; set the bottle on its base; cover the cork with lard or wax, and the gas will keep till it be wanted.N. B. Thequickestway of making oxygen gas, is to rub together in a mortar half an ounce of oxide of copper, and half an ounce of chlorate of potassa. Put the mixture into a common oil flask, furnished with a cork which has a bent tube thrust through it. Heat the bottom of the flask over a candle or lamp; and when the mixture is red hot, oxygen gas will be given off. Note—the tube must be immersed in a pan of water, and the gas collected as before.(Chlorate of potassa may be bought at any chemist’s; and oxide of copper may be procured by heating a sheet of copper red hot, and when cool, striking it with a hammer: the scales that peel off, are oxide of copper.)Exp.Put a piece of red hot charcoal, (fixed to a bit of wire,) into your bottle of oxygen gas; and it will throw out most dazzling sparks of light.Blow a candle out; and while the wick is still red, hold the candle (by a piece of wire,) in the bottle of oxygen gas; the wick will instantly ignite, and burn brilliantly.(Burning sulphur emits ablueflame, when immersed in oxygen gas.)
A. A gas, much heavier than hydrogen; which gives brilliancy to flame, and is essential to animal life.[8]
[8]Oxygen gas is much more troublesome to make than hydrogen. Thecheapestplan is to put a few ounces of manganese (called the black oxide of manganese) into aniron bottle, furnished with a bent tube; set the bottle on a fire till it becomes red hot, and put the end of the tube into a pan of water. In a few minutes, bubbles will rise through the water; these bubbles are oxygen gas.These bubbles may be collected thus:—Fill a common bottle with water; hold it topsy-turvy over the bubbles which rise through the pan, but be sure the mouth of the bottle be heldin the water. As the bubbles rise into the bottle, the water will run out; and when all the water has run out, the bottle is full of gas. Cork the bottle while themouth remains under water; set the bottle on its base; cover the cork with lard or wax, and the gas will keep till it be wanted.N. B. Thequickestway of making oxygen gas, is to rub together in a mortar half an ounce of oxide of copper, and half an ounce of chlorate of potassa. Put the mixture into a common oil flask, furnished with a cork which has a bent tube thrust through it. Heat the bottom of the flask over a candle or lamp; and when the mixture is red hot, oxygen gas will be given off. Note—the tube must be immersed in a pan of water, and the gas collected as before.(Chlorate of potassa may be bought at any chemist’s; and oxide of copper may be procured by heating a sheet of copper red hot, and when cool, striking it with a hammer: the scales that peel off, are oxide of copper.)Exp.Put a piece of red hot charcoal, (fixed to a bit of wire,) into your bottle of oxygen gas; and it will throw out most dazzling sparks of light.Blow a candle out; and while the wick is still red, hold the candle (by a piece of wire,) in the bottle of oxygen gas; the wick will instantly ignite, and burn brilliantly.(Burning sulphur emits ablueflame, when immersed in oxygen gas.)
[8]Oxygen gas is much more troublesome to make than hydrogen. Thecheapestplan is to put a few ounces of manganese (called the black oxide of manganese) into aniron bottle, furnished with a bent tube; set the bottle on a fire till it becomes red hot, and put the end of the tube into a pan of water. In a few minutes, bubbles will rise through the water; these bubbles are oxygen gas.
These bubbles may be collected thus:—Fill a common bottle with water; hold it topsy-turvy over the bubbles which rise through the pan, but be sure the mouth of the bottle be heldin the water. As the bubbles rise into the bottle, the water will run out; and when all the water has run out, the bottle is full of gas. Cork the bottle while themouth remains under water; set the bottle on its base; cover the cork with lard or wax, and the gas will keep till it be wanted.
N. B. Thequickestway of making oxygen gas, is to rub together in a mortar half an ounce of oxide of copper, and half an ounce of chlorate of potassa. Put the mixture into a common oil flask, furnished with a cork which has a bent tube thrust through it. Heat the bottom of the flask over a candle or lamp; and when the mixture is red hot, oxygen gas will be given off. Note—the tube must be immersed in a pan of water, and the gas collected as before.
(Chlorate of potassa may be bought at any chemist’s; and oxide of copper may be procured by heating a sheet of copper red hot, and when cool, striking it with a hammer: the scales that peel off, are oxide of copper.)
Exp.Put a piece of red hot charcoal, (fixed to a bit of wire,) into your bottle of oxygen gas; and it will throw out most dazzling sparks of light.
Blow a candle out; and while the wick is still red, hold the candle (by a piece of wire,) in the bottle of oxygen gas; the wick will instantly ignite, and burn brilliantly.
(Burning sulphur emits ablueflame, when immersed in oxygen gas.)
Q.What isnitrogen?A. Nitrogen is another invisible gas. Itwill notburn, like hydrogen; andan animal cannot live in it: it abounds in animal and vegetable substances, and is the chief ingredient of the common air.[9][9]Nitrogen gas may easily be obtained thus:—Put a piece of burning phosphorus on a little stand, in a plate of water; and cover a bell glass over. (Be sure the edge of the glass standsin the water.) In a few minutes the air will be decomposed, and nitrogen alone remain in the bell glass.(N.B. The white fume which will arise and be absorbed by the water in this experiment, is phosphoric acid; i. e. phosphorus combined with oxygen of the air.)
Q.What isnitrogen?
Q.What isnitrogen?
A. Nitrogen is another invisible gas. Itwill notburn, like hydrogen; andan animal cannot live in it: it abounds in animal and vegetable substances, and is the chief ingredient of the common air.[9][9]Nitrogen gas may easily be obtained thus:—Put a piece of burning phosphorus on a little stand, in a plate of water; and cover a bell glass over. (Be sure the edge of the glass standsin the water.) In a few minutes the air will be decomposed, and nitrogen alone remain in the bell glass.(N.B. The white fume which will arise and be absorbed by the water in this experiment, is phosphoric acid; i. e. phosphorus combined with oxygen of the air.)
A. Nitrogen is another invisible gas. Itwill notburn, like hydrogen; andan animal cannot live in it: it abounds in animal and vegetable substances, and is the chief ingredient of the common air.[9]
[9]Nitrogen gas may easily be obtained thus:—Put a piece of burning phosphorus on a little stand, in a plate of water; and cover a bell glass over. (Be sure the edge of the glass standsin the water.) In a few minutes the air will be decomposed, and nitrogen alone remain in the bell glass.(N.B. The white fume which will arise and be absorbed by the water in this experiment, is phosphoric acid; i. e. phosphorus combined with oxygen of the air.)
[9]Nitrogen gas may easily be obtained thus:—Put a piece of burning phosphorus on a little stand, in a plate of water; and cover a bell glass over. (Be sure the edge of the glass standsin the water.) In a few minutes the air will be decomposed, and nitrogen alone remain in the bell glass.
(N.B. The white fume which will arise and be absorbed by the water in this experiment, is phosphoric acid; i. e. phosphorus combined with oxygen of the air.)
Q.Why is there so much nitrogen in the air?A. In order todilutethe oxygen. If the oxygen were not thus diluted, fires would burn out, and life would be exhausted too quickly.
Q.Why is there so much nitrogen in the air?
Q.Why is there so much nitrogen in the air?
A. In order todilutethe oxygen. If the oxygen were not thus diluted, fires would burn out, and life would be exhausted too quickly.
A. In order todilutethe oxygen. If the oxygen were not thus diluted, fires would burn out, and life would be exhausted too quickly.
Q.What three elements are necessary to producecombustion?A. Hydrogen gas, carbon, and oxygen gas; the two former in thefuel, and the last in theairwhich surrounds the fuel.
Q.What three elements are necessary to producecombustion?
Q.What three elements are necessary to producecombustion?
A. Hydrogen gas, carbon, and oxygen gas; the two former in thefuel, and the last in theairwhich surrounds the fuel.
A. Hydrogen gas, carbon, and oxygen gas; the two former in thefuel, and the last in theairwhich surrounds the fuel.
Q.What causes the combustion of the fuel?A. The hydrogen gas of the fuel being set free, and excited by a piece of lighted paper, instantlyuniteswith theoxygen of the air, and makes a yellow flame: this flame heats thecarbon of thefuel, which also unites with the oxygen of the air, and producescarbonic acid gas.
Q.What causes the combustion of the fuel?
Q.What causes the combustion of the fuel?
A. The hydrogen gas of the fuel being set free, and excited by a piece of lighted paper, instantlyuniteswith theoxygen of the air, and makes a yellow flame: this flame heats thecarbon of thefuel, which also unites with the oxygen of the air, and producescarbonic acid gas.
A. The hydrogen gas of the fuel being set free, and excited by a piece of lighted paper, instantlyuniteswith theoxygen of the air, and makes a yellow flame: this flame heats thecarbon of thefuel, which also unites with the oxygen of the air, and producescarbonic acid gas.
Q.What is carbonic acid gas?A. Only carbon (or charcoal) combined with oxygen gas.
Q.What is carbonic acid gas?
Q.What is carbonic acid gas?
A. Only carbon (or charcoal) combined with oxygen gas.
A. Only carbon (or charcoal) combined with oxygen gas.
Q.Why doesfireproduceheat?A. 1st—By liberatinglatent heatfrom the air and fuel: and2ndly—By throwing intorapid motiontheatoms of matter.
Q.Why doesfireproduceheat?
Q.Why doesfireproduceheat?
A. 1st—By liberatinglatent heatfrom the air and fuel: and2ndly—By throwing intorapid motiontheatoms of matter.
A. 1st—By liberatinglatent heatfrom the air and fuel: and
2ndly—By throwing intorapid motiontheatoms of matter.
Q.How is latentheatliberated bycombustion?A. When theoxygenof the air combines with thehydrogenof the fuel, the two gasescondense into water; and latent heat issqueezed out, as water from a sponge.
Q.How is latentheatliberated bycombustion?
Q.How is latentheatliberated bycombustion?
A. When theoxygenof the air combines with thehydrogenof the fuel, the two gasescondense into water; and latent heat issqueezed out, as water from a sponge.
A. When theoxygenof the air combines with thehydrogenof the fuel, the two gasescondense into water; and latent heat issqueezed out, as water from a sponge.
Q.How are theatoms of matter disturbedbycombustion?A. 1st—Whenhydrogenof fuel andoxygenof aircondense into water, avacuumis made; and the air is disturbed, as apondwould be, if a pail of water were taken out of it: and2ndly—When thecarbonof fuel andoxygenof airexpand into carbonic acidgas, the air isagaindisturbed, as it would be by the explosion ofgunpowder.
Q.How are theatoms of matter disturbedbycombustion?
Q.How are theatoms of matter disturbedbycombustion?
A. 1st—Whenhydrogenof fuel andoxygenof aircondense into water, avacuumis made; and the air is disturbed, as apondwould be, if a pail of water were taken out of it: and2ndly—When thecarbonof fuel andoxygenof airexpand into carbonic acidgas, the air isagaindisturbed, as it would be by the explosion ofgunpowder.
A. 1st—Whenhydrogenof fuel andoxygenof aircondense into water, avacuumis made; and the air is disturbed, as apondwould be, if a pail of water were taken out of it: and
2ndly—When thecarbonof fuel andoxygenof airexpand into carbonic acidgas, the air isagaindisturbed, as it would be by the explosion ofgunpowder.
Q.How does fire condensehydrogenandoxygenintowater?A. Thehydrogen of fuelandoxygen of air(liberated by combustion) combining together,condense into water.
Q.How does fire condensehydrogenandoxygenintowater?
Q.How does fire condensehydrogenandoxygenintowater?
A. Thehydrogen of fuelandoxygen of air(liberated by combustion) combining together,condense into water.
A. Thehydrogen of fuelandoxygen of air(liberated by combustion) combining together,condense into water.
Q.How does fire expandcarbonintocarbonic acid gas?A. Thecarbon of fuelandoxygen of air(combining together in combustion) expand into a gas, calledcarbonic acid.
Q.How does fire expandcarbonintocarbonic acid gas?
Q.How does fire expandcarbonintocarbonic acid gas?
A. Thecarbon of fuelandoxygen of air(combining together in combustion) expand into a gas, calledcarbonic acid.
A. Thecarbon of fuelandoxygen of air(combining together in combustion) expand into a gas, calledcarbonic acid.
Q.Why is afire(after it has been long burning)red hot?A. When coals are heatedthroughout, the carbon is so completely mixed with the oxygen of the air, that thewhole surface is in a state of combustion, and thereforered hot.
Q.Why is afire(after it has been long burning)red hot?
Q.Why is afire(after it has been long burning)red hot?
A. When coals are heatedthroughout, the carbon is so completely mixed with the oxygen of the air, that thewhole surface is in a state of combustion, and thereforered hot.
A. When coals are heatedthroughout, the carbon is so completely mixed with the oxygen of the air, that thewhole surface is in a state of combustion, and thereforered hot.
Q.In ablazingfire, why is theuppersurface of thecoals black, and thelowersurfacered?A. Carbon (being very solid) requires a great degree of heat to make it unite with the oxygen of the air. When freshcoals are put on, theirundersurface is heated before the upper surface; and one isred(or in a state of combustion), while the other isblack.
Q.In ablazingfire, why is theuppersurface of thecoals black, and thelowersurfacered?
Q.In ablazingfire, why is theuppersurface of thecoals black, and thelowersurfacered?
A. Carbon (being very solid) requires a great degree of heat to make it unite with the oxygen of the air. When freshcoals are put on, theirundersurface is heated before the upper surface; and one isred(or in a state of combustion), while the other isblack.
A. Carbon (being very solid) requires a great degree of heat to make it unite with the oxygen of the air. When freshcoals are put on, theirundersurface is heated before the upper surface; and one isred(or in a state of combustion), while the other isblack.
Q.Which burns the quicker, ablazingfire, or ared hotone?A. Ablazingfire burns out the fuel quickest.
Q.Which burns the quicker, ablazingfire, or ared hotone?
Q.Which burns the quicker, ablazingfire, or ared hotone?
A. Ablazingfire burns out the fuel quickest.
A. Ablazingfire burns out the fuel quickest.
Q.Why doblazing coals burn quickerthan red hot ones?A. In red hot coals, only themere surfaceis in a state of combustion, because the carbon issolid; but in ablazingfire, (where the gases are escaping), thewhole volume of the coal throughoutis in a state of decomposition.
Q.Why doblazing coals burn quickerthan red hot ones?
Q.Why doblazing coals burn quickerthan red hot ones?
A. In red hot coals, only themere surfaceis in a state of combustion, because the carbon issolid; but in ablazingfire, (where the gases are escaping), thewhole volume of the coal throughoutis in a state of decomposition.
A. In red hot coals, only themere surfaceis in a state of combustion, because the carbon issolid; but in ablazingfire, (where the gases are escaping), thewhole volume of the coal throughoutis in a state of decomposition.
Q.What issmoke?A.Unconsumedparts of fuel (principally carbon), separated from the solid mass, and carried up the chimney by the current of hot air.
Q.What issmoke?
Q.What issmoke?
A.Unconsumedparts of fuel (principally carbon), separated from the solid mass, and carried up the chimney by the current of hot air.
A.Unconsumedparts of fuel (principally carbon), separated from the solid mass, and carried up the chimney by the current of hot air.
Q.Why is theremore smokewhencoalsarefreshadded, than when they are red hot?A. Carbon (being solid), requires a great degree of heat to make it unite with oxygen, (or, in other words, to bring itinto a state of perfect combustion): when coals are fresh laid on,more carbon is separatedthan can bereduced to combustion; and so it flies off in smoke.
Q.Why is theremore smokewhencoalsarefreshadded, than when they are red hot?
Q.Why is theremore smokewhencoalsarefreshadded, than when they are red hot?
A. Carbon (being solid), requires a great degree of heat to make it unite with oxygen, (or, in other words, to bring itinto a state of perfect combustion): when coals are fresh laid on,more carbon is separatedthan can bereduced to combustion; and so it flies off in smoke.
A. Carbon (being solid), requires a great degree of heat to make it unite with oxygen, (or, in other words, to bring itinto a state of perfect combustion): when coals are fresh laid on,more carbon is separatedthan can bereduced to combustion; and so it flies off in smoke.
Q.Why is there solittle smokewith ared hot fire?A. When a fire is red hot, theentire surfaceof the coals is in astate of combustion; so a very little flies off unconsumed, as smoke.
Q.Why is there solittle smokewith ared hot fire?
Q.Why is there solittle smokewith ared hot fire?
A. When a fire is red hot, theentire surfaceof the coals is in astate of combustion; so a very little flies off unconsumed, as smoke.
A. When a fire is red hot, theentire surfaceof the coals is in astate of combustion; so a very little flies off unconsumed, as smoke.
Q.Why are theredarkandbright spotsin aclearcinderfire?A. Because theintensityof the combustion isgreater in some partsof the fire, than it is inothers.
Q.Why are theredarkandbright spotsin aclearcinderfire?
Q.Why are theredarkandbright spotsin aclearcinderfire?
A. Because theintensityof the combustion isgreater in some partsof the fire, than it is inothers.
A. Because theintensityof the combustion isgreater in some partsof the fire, than it is inothers.
Q.Why is the intensity of the combustion so unequal?A. Because the air flies to the fire in various and unequal currents.
Q.Why is the intensity of the combustion so unequal?
Q.Why is the intensity of the combustion so unequal?
A. Because the air flies to the fire in various and unequal currents.
A. Because the air flies to the fire in various and unequal currents.
Q.Why do we see all sorts ofgrotesque figuresin hotcoals?A. Because theintensityof combustion is sounequal, (owing to the gusty manner in which the air flies to the fuel; and the various shades of red, yellow, and white heat mingling with the black of theunburnt coal), produce strange and fanciful resemblances.
Q.Why do we see all sorts ofgrotesque figuresin hotcoals?
Q.Why do we see all sorts ofgrotesque figuresin hotcoals?
A. Because theintensityof combustion is sounequal, (owing to the gusty manner in which the air flies to the fuel; and the various shades of red, yellow, and white heat mingling with the black of theunburnt coal), produce strange and fanciful resemblances.
A. Because theintensityof combustion is sounequal, (owing to the gusty manner in which the air flies to the fuel; and the various shades of red, yellow, and white heat mingling with the black of theunburnt coal), produce strange and fanciful resemblances.
Q.Why doespaper burnmore readily than wood?A. Merely because it is of amore fragile texture; and, therefore, its component parts are more easily heated.
Q.Why doespaper burnmore readily than wood?
Q.Why doespaper burnmore readily than wood?
A. Merely because it is of amore fragile texture; and, therefore, its component parts are more easily heated.
A. Merely because it is of amore fragile texture; and, therefore, its component parts are more easily heated.
Q.Why doeswood burnmore readily than coal?A. Because it is not sosolid; and, therefore, its elemental parts are more easily separated, and made hot.
Q.Why doeswood burnmore readily than coal?
Q.Why doeswood burnmore readily than coal?
A. Because it is not sosolid; and, therefore, its elemental parts are more easily separated, and made hot.
A. Because it is not sosolid; and, therefore, its elemental parts are more easily separated, and made hot.
Q.When afireislighted, why ispaperlaid at thebottom, against the grate?A. Because paper (in consequence of its fragile texture), so very readily catches fire.
Q.When afireislighted, why ispaperlaid at thebottom, against the grate?
Q.When afireislighted, why ispaperlaid at thebottom, against the grate?
A. Because paper (in consequence of its fragile texture), so very readily catches fire.
A. Because paper (in consequence of its fragile texture), so very readily catches fire.
Q.Why iswoodlaid on the top of the paper?A. Because wood, (being moresubstantial),burns longerthan paper; and, therefore, affords alonger contact of flameto heat the coals.
Q.Why iswoodlaid on the top of the paper?
Q.Why iswoodlaid on the top of the paper?
A. Because wood, (being moresubstantial),burns longerthan paper; and, therefore, affords alonger contact of flameto heat the coals.
A. Because wood, (being moresubstantial),burns longerthan paper; and, therefore, affords alonger contact of flameto heat the coals.
Q.Why would not paper do without wood?A. Because paper burns out sorapidly, that it would not afford sufficientcontact of flameto heat the coals to combustion.
Q.Why would not paper do without wood?
Q.Why would not paper do without wood?
A. Because paper burns out sorapidly, that it would not afford sufficientcontact of flameto heat the coals to combustion.
A. Because paper burns out sorapidly, that it would not afford sufficientcontact of flameto heat the coals to combustion.
Q.Why would notwooddowithoutshavings, straw, or paper?A. Because wood is toosubstantialto be heated into combustion, by the flame issuing from a merematch.
Q.Why would notwooddowithoutshavings, straw, or paper?
Q.Why would notwooddowithoutshavings, straw, or paper?
A. Because wood is toosubstantialto be heated into combustion, by the flame issuing from a merematch.
A. Because wood is toosubstantialto be heated into combustion, by the flame issuing from a merematch.
Q.Why would not the paper do as well, if placed on thetopof the coals?A. As every blazetends upwards, if the paper were placed on thetopof the fire, its blaze would affordno contact of flameto fuel lyingbelow.
Q.Why would not the paper do as well, if placed on thetopof the coals?
Q.Why would not the paper do as well, if placed on thetopof the coals?
A. As every blazetends upwards, if the paper were placed on thetopof the fire, its blaze would affordno contact of flameto fuel lyingbelow.
A. As every blazetends upwards, if the paper were placed on thetopof the fire, its blaze would affordno contact of flameto fuel lyingbelow.
Q.Why shouldcoalbe placedabovethe wood?A. As every flame tendsupwards, if the wood wereabove the coal, theflamewould not risethrough the coalto heat it.
Q.Why shouldcoalbe placedabovethe wood?
Q.Why shouldcoalbe placedabovethe wood?
A. As every flame tendsupwards, if the wood wereabove the coal, theflamewould not risethrough the coalto heat it.
A. As every flame tendsupwards, if the wood wereabove the coal, theflamewould not risethrough the coalto heat it.
Q.Why is afire kindledat thelowest barof a grate?A. As every flame tendsupwards; when a flame is made at thebottomof a fire, itascends through the fueland heats it: whereas, if the fire were lighted from thetop, the flame wouldnot come into contactwith the fuel piled below.
Q.Why is afire kindledat thelowest barof a grate?
Q.Why is afire kindledat thelowest barof a grate?
A. As every flame tendsupwards; when a flame is made at thebottomof a fire, itascends through the fueland heats it: whereas, if the fire were lighted from thetop, the flame wouldnot come into contactwith the fuel piled below.
A. As every flame tendsupwards; when a flame is made at thebottomof a fire, itascends through the fueland heats it: whereas, if the fire were lighted from thetop, the flame wouldnot come into contactwith the fuel piled below.
Q.Why doescoalmake suchexcellent fuel?A. Because it is so veryhardandcompact, that it burns away very slowly.
Q.Why doescoalmake suchexcellent fuel?
Q.Why doescoalmake suchexcellent fuel?
A. Because it is so veryhardandcompact, that it burns away very slowly.
A. Because it is so veryhardandcompact, that it burns away very slowly.
Q.Why willcindersbecomered hot, quicker thancoals?A. Because they aremore porousandless solid; and are, therefore, sooner reduced to a state of combustion.
Q.Why willcindersbecomered hot, quicker thancoals?
Q.Why willcindersbecomered hot, quicker thancoals?
A. Because they aremore porousandless solid; and are, therefore, sooner reduced to a state of combustion.
A. Because they aremore porousandless solid; and are, therefore, sooner reduced to a state of combustion.
Q.Why will notiron cindersburn?A. Iron cinders arecinders saturated with oxygen; they are unfit for fuel, because they can imbibeno more oxygen, being saturated already.
Q.Why will notiron cindersburn?
Q.Why will notiron cindersburn?
A. Iron cinders arecinders saturated with oxygen; they are unfit for fuel, because they can imbibeno more oxygen, being saturated already.
A. Iron cinders arecinders saturated with oxygen; they are unfit for fuel, because they can imbibeno more oxygen, being saturated already.
Q.Why arecinderslighter thancoals?A. Because their vapour, gases, and volatile parts, have been driven off byprevious combustion.
Q.Why arecinderslighter thancoals?
Q.Why arecinderslighter thancoals?
A. Because their vapour, gases, and volatile parts, have been driven off byprevious combustion.
A. Because their vapour, gases, and volatile parts, have been driven off byprevious combustion.
Q.Why will notstonesdo for fuel, as well ascoals?A. Because they contain nohydrogen(or inflammable gas) like coals.
Q.Why will notstonesdo for fuel, as well ascoals?
Q.Why will notstonesdo for fuel, as well ascoals?
A. Because they contain nohydrogen(or inflammable gas) like coals.
A. Because they contain nohydrogen(or inflammable gas) like coals.
Q.Why will notwet kindlinglight a fire?A. 1st—Because the moisture of the wet kindling prevents theoxygen of the air from getting to the fuelto form it into carbonic acid gas: and2ndly—The heat of the fire is perpetuallydrawn off, by the conversion ofwaterintosteam.
Q.Why will notwet kindlinglight a fire?
Q.Why will notwet kindlinglight a fire?
A. 1st—Because the moisture of the wet kindling prevents theoxygen of the air from getting to the fuelto form it into carbonic acid gas: and2ndly—The heat of the fire is perpetuallydrawn off, by the conversion ofwaterintosteam.
A. 1st—Because the moisture of the wet kindling prevents theoxygen of the air from getting to the fuelto form it into carbonic acid gas: and
2ndly—The heat of the fire is perpetuallydrawn off, by the conversion ofwaterintosteam.
Q.Why doesdrywood burnbetterthangreen?A. 1st—Because no heat iscarried away, by the conversion ofwater into steam: and2ndly—The pores of dry woodare filled with air, which supply the fire with oxygen.
Q.Why doesdrywood burnbetterthangreen?
Q.Why doesdrywood burnbetterthangreen?
A. 1st—Because no heat iscarried away, by the conversion ofwater into steam: and2ndly—The pores of dry woodare filled with air, which supply the fire with oxygen.
A. 1st—Because no heat iscarried away, by the conversion ofwater into steam: and
2ndly—The pores of dry woodare filled with air, which supply the fire with oxygen.