It's Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything

by Kate Biberdorf

Overview

In this fresh and engaging guide to chemistry, Dr. Kate Biberdorf, aka "Kate the Chemist," reveals the fascinating science we experience every day

Have you ever wondered what makes dough rise? Or how your morning coffee gives you that energy boost? Or why your shampoo is making your hair look greasy? The answer is chemistry. From the moment we wake up until the time we go to sleep (and even while we sleep), chemistry is at work—and it doesn't take a PhD in science to understand it.

Dr. Biberdorf has appeared on TV programs from the Today show to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, lighting the world on fire and changing the face of chemistry as we know it. In It's Elemental, she demystifies the fundamental principles of the science that may have eluded you in high school and shows how chemistry comes alive in everything we do. With wry wit and infectious enthusiasm, this entertaining guide will ignite your passion for science and change the way you experience the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780778333074
Publisher:	Park Row Books
Publication date:	06/14/2022
Edition description:	First Time Trade
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 7.98(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Dr. Kate Biberdorf is a scientist and a chemistry professor at The University of Texas. She has a PhD in inorganic chemistry and has published her work in Catalysis, Science, and Technology. Her 6-book series for kids with Penguin breaks down the image of the stereotypical scientist, while reaching those who may be intimidated by science. She has appeared on The Today Show, Wendy Williams Show, and Late Night with Stephen Colbert. She lives in Austin TX with her family.

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

Part I Not Your High School Chemistry 13

1 The Little Things Matter: The Atom 15

2 All About the Shape: Atoms in Space 35

3 Let's Get Physical: Solids, Liquids, and Gases 61

4 Bonds Are Meant to Be Broken: Chemical Reactions 81

Part II Chemistry Here, There, and Everywhere 103

5 The Best Part of Waking Up: Breakfast 105

6 Feel the Burn: Working Out 125

7 Be·YOU·tiful: Getting Dressed 145

8 Give Me Sunshine: At the Beach 167

9 Pie Kid You Not: In the Kitchen 191

10 Whistle While You Work: Cleaning the House 211

11 Happy Hour Is the Best Hour: At the Bar 235

12 Sunset & Chill: In the Bedroom 259

Acknowledgments 285

Selected Bibliography 287

Glossary 297

Editorial Reviews

"Whether you’re baking a pie, washing your hands, or watching a sunset, Dr. Biberdorf shows that science is everywhere and it’s fun! She’s a proud nerd, and in the pages of this essential book you’ll discover the great wonder of chemistry…After all, it’s elemental." —Bill Nye

“Readers will come away with an appreciation of how crucial—and how cool—chemistry actually is.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“With a wittiness that most science-explainers lack, It’s Elemental should be a welcome respite for those seeking knowledge.” —Booklist

“Kudos to Kate Biberdorf for reminding us how fun it is to explore life’s mysteries, even here on planet earth.” —Peggy A. Whitson, Ph.D., Astronaut, Former Commander of the International Space Station and Chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office

From the Publisher