The ChemPod

The 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!

Some 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

Have 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.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in almost all of our everyday devices, but they pose many harms to the environment, such as contaminating water supplies. The recent invention of sodium batteries may be able to overcome these disadvantages. This makes us wonder, what's to come for this new generation of batteries?

Who invented dynamite? Who contributed to the early establishment of the conservation of mass? Chemistry has revolutionised the way we live our lives, and this episode will give you an insight into some of the most influential chemists that continue to shape the world of modern chemistry even to this day.

In this intriguing episode, we explore the fascinating world of pH and its impact on our daily lives. Discover how pH affects our bodies, the environment, and the preservation of everyday items. Learn about the distinction between acids and alkaline substances, and uncover their chemical behaviours. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of pH and unlock the secrets behind acidity, bases, and alkalinity.

Roman concrete has allowed buildings like the Pantheon to last for centuries, while modern roads deteriorate in years, and most buildings crumble in 50 to 100 years. What was their secret? How did the Romans do it better, 2000 years ago?

In a world filled with astonishing microbial wonders, there exists a group of organisms with an appetite for the extraordinary. Join us on a journey as we unravel the secrets of these metal-eating bacteria!