Bose Einstein Condensate- the fifth state of matter!

 In my previous blog I have discussed about fourth state of matter known as PLASMA. In this blog I will be talking about the coolest state of matter known so far! Quite interesting right?

Exactly! This state is known as the coolest among all states of matter. 

Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) is a state of matter that occurs at temperatures close to absolute zero (about -273.15 degrees Celsius or -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit). This unique state was predicted by Satyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein in the 1920s.

                        Pictorial overview of BEC state

In a BEC, a group of atoms is cooled to near absolute zero, causing them to occupy the same quantum state. At such low temperatures, the individual identity of the atoms becomes indistinguishable, and they behave as a single quantum entity. This phenomenon is described by Bose-Einstein statistics.

Key features of Bose-Einstein Condensate:

1. Ultra-Low Temperatures: BECs are formed at temperatures near absolute zero, typically a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero.

2. Quantum Effects: At these extremely low temperatures, the wave nature of particles becomes significant, and quantum effects dominate the behavior of the condensed atoms.

3. Coherence: All the atoms in a BEC share the same quantum state, resulting in a high degree of coherence. This coherence is a key feature that distinguishes BECs from other states of matter.

4. Superfluidity: BECs exhibit superfluidity, meaning they can flow without dissipating energy. This property is a consequence of the high degree of coherence among the atoms.

Applications: 

●BECs have been used in scientific research to study fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics.

 ●They also have potential applications in precision measurements, quantum computing, and the development of new technologies.

BECs were first experimentally realized in 1995 by Eric Cornell, Carl Wieman, and Wolfgang Ketterle, leading to the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2001. The discovery opened up new avenues for exploring the behavior of matter at the quantum level and has had significant implications for applied technology.

Ways to declutter your mind!

 Decluttering the mind could be quite challenging and bit difficult but it is quite necessary to remove the unwanted scenarios from our head to move ahead in life! 

1. Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, exhale slowly. This simple act can bring your attention back to the present and calm your mind.

2. Prioritize Tasks: Make a to-do list and prioritize tasks. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Tackling one thing at a time can reduce overwhelm.

3. Digital Detox: Limit your screen time and declutter your digital space. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, organize your files, and declutter your desktop or phone apps.

4. Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings. This can help you process emotions, gain clarity, and declutter your mind by putting things on paper.

5. Mindful Walking or Exercise: Physical activity can be a great way to clear your mind. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or another form of exercise, it helps release tension and promotes mental clarity.

6. Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals for the day. Setting realistic expectations can prevent feelings of failure and reduce mental clutter.

7. Practice Gratitude: Reflect on positive aspects of your life. Focusing on gratitude can shift your mindset and reduce stress by bringing attention to positive experiences.

8. Mindfulness Meditation: Engage in mindfulness meditation to bring awareness to the present moment. This practice can help calm the mind and improve overall mental clarity.

9. Establish Routine: Create a daily routine that includes time for work, relaxation, and self-care. Knowing what to expect can provide a sense of order and reduce mental chaos.

10. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can contribute to mental clutter and decrease overall productivity.

Remove all the excess and unwanted thoughts from your mind!

Plasma- 4th State of Matter

You all are aware of the first three states of matter that are Solid, Liquid and Gaseous states. PLASMA is considered as the fourth state of matter that consists of massive free electrons and positively charged particles called cations.

Plasma can easily flow and evenly fills the container and take the shape of container. Although properties of plasma and gases are similar but they are not the same thing! 

In Plasma electrons are released from their orbits around a nucleus forming new electrons and nuclei and because of the free electrons plasma easily conducts electricity. 

Discovery 

Existence of Plasma was first discovered by Sir William Crookes in 1879 using 'Crookes Tube'.

Plasma is created when a gas is either exposed to high temperature or when high voltage of electricity is passed through it in Crookes tube. The heat and electricity makes the atoms in the gas moves so quickly and collides so violently with one another that electrons are knocked from their orbits. The ionized gas mixture of consisting ions, electrons and neutral atoms is called PLASMA. This state exists at extremely high temperature. 

Applications of Plasma

• Plasma gives neons or fluorescent bulbs the glow.
• Plasma is formed during lightening strike.
• It is also present in Plasma televisions.
• Chemistry also classify fire as Plasma.
• It is also used in making semiconductors. 

Amazing facts about Plasma

》Space is not vacuum. It is actually filled with Plasma. It is the most common states of matter making up of the 99% of the universe. 

》Plasma also makes up our sun which exists in 99.85% Plasma state.

》The source of intense glow in welder's torch is an ionized arc of gas called 'Plasma'.

Can Water be converted into Plasma? 

The answer is no, it can only exist in solid, liquid and gaseous state. To become Plasma each hydrogen and oxygen atom has to break down and ionized separately, in which water is no longer water.

Natural Rubber

Rubber-- an alkene polymer (number of small monomer units), also known as elastomers which have high elastic properties due to weak Vander Waal force of attractions. Rubber can be obtained from 400 different plants. The major source, however, is the rubber tree Hevea Brasiliensis.

The term rubber was coined by Joseph Priestley. 

    

Polyisoprene (a natural rubber) can be prepared by polymerisation of isoprene in the presence of Ziegler- Natta catalyst.                                                                                             

Process to obtain natural rubber: 
Rubber is harvested from the bark of tree in the form of latex (milky fluid in rubber tree).            
It includes following steps :  

1) Collection of latex-- Latex is collected in  some bowls fixed on the bottom of trees. Thin  shaving of bark to collect latex is done by tapping knife. Then large amount of latex is collected in plastic or aluminium vessels.                                    

2) Coagulation-- Collected latex is kept for 9-10 hours to coagulate. Coagulation of latex is done by adding formic acid to latex.                              
Pre- coagulation highly affects the quality of rubber sheet.                                                              

3)Removal of excess water-- Coagulated latex also contains water in high proportions, and    excess of which is squeezed using rollers, which  also results into thin sheets of rubber.                      

4) Drying of rubber sheet-- After that, rubber  sheets are dried up and then sent to factories. 

Vulcanisation of rubber : 

In this process, a certain amount of molten sulfur is added to molten rubber at a temperature ranging between 373 to 415k. This was first performed by Charles Goodyear in 1839. 

The purpose of vulcanisation is to introduce stiffness to the rubber. 

The extent of stiffness depends upon amount of sulfur added. For example, rubber containing about 5% sulfur is used in making rubber tyres while rubber containing 30% sulfur is employed for making cases of batteries. 

Vulcanised rubber shows many improved properties over natural rubber: 

a) It is tough and non- sticky. 

b) It is non- oxidized.

c) It shows resistance to attack by organic- acids.

d) It is more elastic.

                                   

  

                           

Chemicals, Toxicity and Risk

In the context of today's scenario, we are using various substances despite knowing the fact of dangerous chemicals they contain - like pesticides,  food additives,  unsafe medicines and many more.

 

Life is not risk free : a cancer patient is treated by giving arsenic trioxide AsO3 a well known poison which can lead to multiple organ damage yet recent work have shown it to induce remissions in some leukemias. 

Are all substances toxic? 

The answer is Yes!! 

All are toxic to some quantifiable degree or we can say depends on amount of consumption.  Vitamin A for example is necessary for vision, yet it can cause cancer at high dosages.

Signal Words:

'Warning' reflects an intermediate degree of relative toxicity. 

'Danger' reflects the highest degree of relative toxicity. 

What about risk from chemicals? 

Risk evaluation of a chemical is carried out by exposing test animals (usually rats) *which is illegal ofcourse* and then monitoring for signs of harm. 

In 1927, J.W. Trevan invented the idea of LD50.

LD50 (Lethal Dose) is the dose which kill 50% of the sample population in a specified period through exposure. 

LD50 - measured as the amount of substance per kilogram body weight/mass.

LD50 is essentially helping you into the question how much is too much for a given substance. 

In general, 

Smaller the LD50 = more toxicity of chemical

Greater the LD50 = less toxicity of chemical

LD50 values of selected Chemicals given below: