Chemist discusses the scientific accuracy of movie portrayals
Summary
Dr. Kate Bieberdor, a chemist and science entertainer, breaks down scenes involving chemical experiments shown in various movies and TV shows. She analyzes the inaccuracies in these scenes and provides insight into what would actually happen in these situations. In this article, we summarize various scenarios from movies involving chemistry and how they relate to scientific accuracy.
Table of Contents
- Elephant’s Toothpaste: The Reaction between Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap
- Safety First: Handling Chemicals in the Lab
- The Science behind a Nuclear Reactor and the Chernobyl Disaster
- Liquid Nitrogen in Movies and TV Shows
- Toxicity of Ingesting Cyanide
- The Effects of the VX Nerve Agent
- Chemistry in Movies and TV Shows
Elephant’s Toothpaste: The Reaction between Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap
Q: What is the “Elephant’s Toothpaste” reaction?
A: Elephant’s Toothpaste is the result of mixing hydrogen peroxide with dish soap and potassium iodide, causing a large foamy reaction. This reaction is also known as the iodine clock reaction, which is commonly used in chemistry experiments.
Q: Can this reaction be dangerous?
A: The reaction itself is relatively safe as long as proper safety precautions are taken. However, handling any chemicals should always be done with proper safety gear and supervision.
Safety First: Handling Chemicals in the Lab
Q: What are some examples of dangerous chemicals portrayed in movies?
A: Many movies portray dangerous chemicals such as cyanide and hydrazine, which can be lethal if ingested or inhaled.
Q: What are some important safety protocols for handling chemicals in a lab?
A: Some important safety protocols include wearing proper safety gear, working in a well-ventilated area, knowing the properties of the chemicals being used, and properly storing and disposing of chemicals.
The Science behind a Nuclear Reactor and the Chernobyl Disaster
Q: How do nuclear reactors work?
A: Nuclear reactors use nuclear fission to create heat, which then produces steam that turns turbines to generate electricity.
Q: What led to the Chernobyl disaster?
A: The Chernobyl disaster was the result of a combination of human error, design flaws, and improper safety protocols.
Liquid Nitrogen in Movies and TV Shows
Q: How is liquid nitrogen portrayed in movies and TV shows?
A: Liquid nitrogen is often portrayed as a freezing agent that can instantly freeze anything it touches.
Q: What are the dangers of using liquid nitrogen?
A: Liquid nitrogen can cause severe burns and frostbite upon contact with skin, and inhaling it can cause asphyxiation.
Toxicity of Ingesting Cyanide
Q: How lethal is cyanide?
A: Cyanide is a lethal poison that can cause death within minutes of ingestion.
Q: How is cyanide portrayed in movies?
A: Cyanide is often portrayed as a fast-acting poison that can instantly kill a person.
The Effects of the VX Nerve Agent
Q: What are the effects of the VX nerve agent?
A: The VX nerve agent is a lethal toxin that can cause seizures, respiratory failure, and death within minutes of exposure.
Q: How is the VX nerve agent portrayed in movies?
A: The VX nerve agent is often portrayed as a fast-acting poison that can instantly incapacitate or kill a person.
Chemistry in Movies and TV Shows
Q: Overall, how accurate are movie and TV portrayals of chemistry?
A: Movie and TV portrayals of chemistry tend to be exaggerated and sensationalized, but they can still spark interest in the subject.
Q: What are some examples of inaccurate chemistry portrayals in movies?
A: Examples of inaccurate portrayals include the use of hydrazine in Rocketman and Breaking Bad’s portrayal of cooking meth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while movies and TV shows tend to portray chemistry in an explosive, dangerous way that is not entirely accurate, it is still enjoyable to see chemistry being included in entertainment. Proper safety protocols should always be followed when handling chemicals, and inaccuracies in movie portrayals should be taken with a grain of salt. Ultimately, we hope that movie and TV portrayals of chemistry inspire interest in the subject and encourage safer scientific practices.
