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15. The Chemistry of Forensics
17:53||Season 2, Ep. 15From a targeted attack at sunrise to the high-tech forensic labs, this episode pulls back the yellow tape to reveal the chemistry of crime-solving. We explore the critical toolkit of forensic scientists, starting with the high-stakes difference between quick presumptive tests—like the pink-turning Kastle-Meyer test—and the definitive confirmatory tests that hold up in a court of law.We dive into the investigation of firearms, explaining how the Modified Griess Test uncovers invisible gunpowder residue and how GC-MS technology creates a "molecular fingerprint" to identify unknown substances. Finally, we demystify the world of DNA analysis, from the "copy machine" power of PCR to the specialised Y-STR testing used to isolate genetic profiles. Whether it’s analysing a stained kitchen knife or searching the CODIS database for a match, discover how hard evidence ensures justice is served.
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14. The Chemistry Behind Caramelisation
15:02||Season 2, Ep. 14Caramelisation is an essential culinary process that turns simple ingredients into mouth-watering dishes, but what's actually happening when sugar goes from white crystals to that complex, nutty, bittersweet liquid?In today's episode of the chempod, we will explore the sticky but rich world of caramelisation, how it works, what foods it is involved with, and practical tips in the kitchen so that you can finesse the art of creating the perfect caramelised treat.
13. Valence Bond Theory Versus Molecular Orbital Theory
25:55||Season 2, Ep. 13Everything in the world is made of atoms, and all atoms are connected by bonds—but what exactly are bonds, and how do they hold things together? Scientists have contemplated this throughout the 20th century, and two major theories have emerged from their musings: valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory. In this episode, we uncover how these theories rose as one of the first applications of quantum mechanics, opening in chemistry and physics a new area of study, as well as how they began a century-long feud yet to be resolved.
12. Season 2: Chempod is Back!
01:46||Season 2, Ep. 12The Chempod is an outlet for the curious minds of potential chemists, a dedicated platform for your eager questions to be answered, a home to all life-long learners - that is what the ChemPod is here for. We are your hosts and Co-Presidents, Charlize and Vanessa. If you have any topics you would like to learn more about, or would like to join the team as a producer, editor or artist, please email chempod@harrowschool.hk or contact both of us.Let's get bonding!
11. Spectroscopy and Spectrophotometry: Development, Mechanism and Applications
13:46||Season 1, Ep. 11What is the methodology behind forensics? How are proteins quantified? How do you tell if the compounds in your experiment are impure (to answer that 3 marker on your chemistry test)? Well then, spectroscopy and spectrophotometry will answer all your questions!
10. Samsung Batteries: Expanding... and Exploding?
05:30||Season 1, Ep. 10Some of you may have heard of or remember the incident back in 2016 when Samsung released the Galaxy Note 7, the phone infamous for its exploding battery. Recently, many content creators have discovered that several of their devices are expanding, with a notable trend – the majority of these problematic devices are Samsung's. Join us as we delve into this concerning revelation and explore the implications of Samsung batteries expanding, and possibly, exploding
9. Blood in the Lab: The Chemistry Behind Fake blood
05:02||Season 1, Ep. 9Have you ever wanted to fake an injury to skip a class? Have you ever wanted to pretend to be a soldier in a war, fighting for their country? Or, even better, have you ever wanted to act like a surgeon performing surgery? Well… I have just the perfect solution for you.