Oh dear!
PMR, what a drag......
I spent most of my time not updating this blog by studying intensively for my PMR...
It turns out, PMR is not all that bad, at least, I will stil have Add. Math to look forward to next year.
Meanwhile, theres nothing much I can do, except to sit and wait for my results to come out.
As a matter of fact, I have nothing to do now except to play computer games and updating my blog...
Anyway, happy reading!!!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Liger~ What are they?
The ultimate cat,
Bred from genes of two wildest cats on Earth...
Its father, a male lion,
Its mother, a female tiger...
Behold, the LIGER!!!
Ligers are hybrids between a male lion and a female tiger.
They are similar to their parents in most traits...however, they are prone to outgrow their parents.
Scientist has been trying in vain to explain the phenomenon.
One of the most satisfactory explanation states that the growth inhibitor genes lies in the female lion and male tiger's DNA, so, when you mate a male lion with a female tiger, the off spring produced will have no growth inhibitor gene.
Thesetiger, Ligers are fairly lazy animals.
They eats a lot, but are not able to hunt any animals due to their obese bodies.
To fuel their overly fat body, ligers need to take twice the amount of food taken by tigers and lions each day.
Since they couldn't hunt any animals, ligers could only survive in captivity.
Bred from genes of two wildest cats on Earth...
Its father, a male lion,
Its mother, a female tiger...
Behold, the LIGER!!!
 |
| http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Liger_couple.jpg |
They are similar to their parents in most traits...however, they are prone to outgrow their parents.
Scientist has been trying in vain to explain the phenomenon.
One of the most satisfactory explanation states that the growth inhibitor genes lies in the female lion and male tiger's DNA, so, when you mate a male lion with a female tiger, the off spring produced will have no growth inhibitor gene.
These
They eats a lot, but are not able to hunt any animals due to their obese bodies.
To fuel their overly fat body, ligers need to take twice the amount of food taken by tigers and lions each day.
Since they couldn't hunt any animals, ligers could only survive in captivity.
Posted by
Gabriel
comments (0)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Mirror of the Universe -- Antimatters
At the beginning of our universe, there was a big bang...
At that point, particles are created from virtually nothing...
What are particles made out of?
This question troubled scientists for centuries...
Scientists investigating the structure of subatomic particles are just like cavemen investigating the structure of stone...
To investigate what are stones made up of, cavemen bring two stones together, colliding them...
To investigate what subatomic particles are made up of, scientist do the same thing......
Have you ever heard of the LHC?
If you are an avid reader, or if you had watched the movie 'Angels and Demons', no doubt, you would know what it is...
LHC, or Large Hadron Collider is a particle accelerator located underground in Geneva, Switzerland.
This gigantic machine/research facility
In the LHC, experiments are constantly carried out to investigate the nature of matter.
Superconducting magnets in the collider accelerates particles such as protons to bear 99.9% the speed of light in opposite directions
When these particles collide, scientist could then obtain information about the structure of the subatomic particles.
In November 2008, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced that they had successfully produced antimatter in the form of positrons (the opposite of electron)
So, what exactly are these anti-matters?
Fundamental physical particles are defined by their mass, charge and magnetic moment (interaction with magnetic field).
Matter as learnt by any secondary-school student, has mass, occupies volume and are made up of particles.
These particles such as atoms or ions are made up of even smaller particles such as electron, proton and neutron.
Different elements has different structures made up from subatomic particles.
For example, hydrogen is made up of one proton and one electron, where the electron orbits around a nucleus made up of one proton
Helium,on the other hand, is made up of two proton, two electrons and two neutrons where the two electrons orbits around a nucleus made up of two protons and two neutron held together by nuclear strong force.
For antimatters, the same rules apply, but with anti-particles. For instance, an anti-hydrogen is made up of a positron (positively charged electron) orbiting around an antiproton. While an anti-helium is made up of two positrons orbiting around a nucleus made up of two antiprotons and two antineutrons.
When an antiparticle meets its counterpart (the particle), they destroy each other completely in a process known as annihilation. This process converts the masses of the antiparticle and particle into energy and releases high energy gamma ray photons.
The total amount of energy release in this reaction is governed by the formula, E=MC^2 where E is the total amount of energy released, M is the combined mass of the matter and anti-matter, and C^2 is the speed of light squared.
Since annihilation process is a 100% efficient reaction, the energy released is stronger than nuclear reactions.
In nuclear reaction, the total mass loss is a fraction of the total mass, for example, when uranium undergoes radioactive decay, it is transmuted into plutonium that has a lower mass. The loss mass in this reaction appears as high energy gamma rays released, alpha and beta emission.
In antimatter-matter reaction, the total mass loss is equal to the total mass annihilated which, in turn, is the total amount of mass in the whole reaction.
To understand more about the LHC and Antimatter, listen to the song below:
As a conclusion, it is save to assume that Antimatter may, one day, replace all other sources of energy as the cleanest source of energy.
At that point, particles are created from virtually nothing...
What are particles made out of?
This question troubled scientists for centuries...
Scientists investigating the structure of subatomic particles are just like cavemen investigating the structure of stone...
To investigate what are stones made up of, cavemen bring two stones together, colliding them...
To investigate what subatomic particles are made up of, scientist do the same thing......
Have you ever heard of the LHC?
 |
| http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/05/14/science/15cern.xlarge1.jpg |
If you are an avid reader, or if you had watched the movie 'Angels and Demons', no doubt, you would know what it is...
LHC, or Large Hadron Collider is a particle accelerator located underground in Geneva, Switzerland.
This gigantic machine/research facility
 |
| http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/CMS_Higgs-event.jpg Higgs Bosons created in a particle collision |
 |
| http://www.ift.uam.es/en/system/files/lhc_hall_1.jpg |
When these particles collide, scientist could then obtain information about the structure of the subatomic particles.
In November 2008, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced that they had successfully produced antimatter in the form of positrons (the opposite of electron)
So, what exactly are these anti-matters?
Fundamental physical particles are defined by their mass, charge and magnetic moment (interaction with magnetic field).
Matter as learnt by any secondary-school student, has mass, occupies volume and are made up of particles.
 |
| http://spm-chemistry.wikispaces.com/file/view/states_of_matter.gif/32349521/states_of_matter.gif The different state of matter |
These particles such as atoms or ions are made up of even smaller particles such as electron, proton and neutron.
 |
| http://www.biocrawler.com/w/images/d/d8/Atom_diagram.png Subatomic particles of an atom |
Different elements has different structures made up from subatomic particles.
For example, hydrogen is made up of one proton and one electron, where the electron orbits around a nucleus made up of one proton
Helium,on the other hand, is made up of two proton, two electrons and two neutrons where the two electrons orbits around a nucleus made up of two protons and two neutron held together by nuclear strong force.
For antimatters, the same rules apply, but with anti-particles. For instance, an anti-hydrogen is made up of a positron (positively charged electron) orbiting around an antiproton. While an anti-helium is made up of two positrons orbiting around a nucleus made up of two antiprotons and two antineutrons.
 |
| http://www.futuretimeline.net/22ndcentury/images/antimatter-power-plant.jpg Antimatter-matter annihilation reaction |
The total amount of energy release in this reaction is governed by the formula, E=MC^2 where E is the total amount of energy released, M is the combined mass of the matter and anti-matter, and C^2 is the speed of light squared.
Since annihilation process is a 100% efficient reaction, the energy released is stronger than nuclear reactions.
In nuclear reaction, the total mass loss is a fraction of the total mass, for example, when uranium undergoes radioactive decay, it is transmuted into plutonium that has a lower mass. The loss mass in this reaction appears as high energy gamma rays released, alpha and beta emission.
In antimatter-matter reaction, the total mass loss is equal to the total mass annihilated which, in turn, is the total amount of mass in the whole reaction.
To understand more about the LHC and Antimatter, listen to the song below:
As a conclusion, it is save to assume that Antimatter may, one day, replace all other sources of energy as the cleanest source of energy.
Posted by
Gabriel
comments (1)
Alkali Metals
Alkali metals intrigues me...
Flame appears when they are thrown into water.....
Alkali metals are extremely reactive metals with only one valence electron*, making easy for them to donate the valence electron and form an ionic bond with oxygen. The result is an ionic compound with lower energy level.
*Valence electrons are electrons on the outermost orbit of an atom.
The alkali metals are: Lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, francium....(in the order of the periodic table)
The reactivity of these metals increases as we go down the periodic table, with the least reactive metal being Lithium and the most reactive metal being francium.
One of the most notable things about alkali metal is its ability to undergo "combustion" in cold water, releasing heat and light energy.
This property makes alkali metal interesting to study at because most reactive metals need to be burnt to oxidize it. For example, magnesium undergoes a vigorous reaction with oxygen when it is burnt, but potassium burns with bright lilac flame when it is in contact with water.
While the reaction between lithium, sodium and potassium could be done in a school lab, rubidium and caesium reactions are not allowed to be done in school. Francium, on the other hand, is radioactive, an will only exist for few seconds in microscopic quantities, therefore, not enough to produce a reaction.
The video below is an interesting educational video I've found on youtube about rubidium and caesium reaction:
thats what science is all about!!
Flame appears when they are thrown into water.....
 |
| http://www.planet-scicast.com/_db/_images/SciCast-T2333-The_Alkali_Metals-Thumb.jpg |
Alkali metals are extremely reactive metals with only one valence electron*, making easy for them to donate the valence electron and form an ionic bond with oxygen. The result is an ionic compound with lower energy level.
*Valence electrons are electrons on the outermost orbit of an atom.
 |
| http://visual.merriam-webster.com/images/science/chemistry/chemical-elements/alkali-metals.jpg |
The alkali metals are: Lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, francium....(in the order of the periodic table)
The reactivity of these metals increases as we go down the periodic table, with the least reactive metal being Lithium and the most reactive metal being francium.
One of the most notable things about alkali metal is its ability to undergo "combustion" in cold water, releasing heat and light energy.
This property makes alkali metal interesting to study at because most reactive metals need to be burnt to oxidize it. For example, magnesium undergoes a vigorous reaction with oxygen when it is burnt, but potassium burns with bright lilac flame when it is in contact with water.
 |
| http://people.virginia.edu/~har4y/storyboard/sodium_soft.jpg |
While the reaction between lithium, sodium and potassium could be done in a school lab, rubidium and caesium reactions are not allowed to be done in school. Francium, on the other hand, is radioactive, an will only exist for few seconds in microscopic quantities, therefore, not enough to produce a reaction.
The video below is an interesting educational video I've found on youtube about rubidium and caesium reaction:
thats what science is all about!!
Posted by
Gabriel
comments (0)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Canine - men's best friend!!
MosaicLand, home to the most elusive Mosaic Dog...
A weird dog species that is said to have all the knowledge about real-world dogs.....
Talk about weird dogs...
I remember reading about them a few weeks ago....
These are a few dogs that I remembered from my read.....
Basenji
The Basenji is a native dog of Africa....
What makes it so unique when it looks just like any other dogs?
Well, the Basenji does not bark. In fact, it is the only known species of dog on Earth that doesn't bark!
Great Danes
The great dane is a notable dog due to its height.
Originally bred in Germany about 400 years ago for hunting.
An average adult great dane can reach up to 81 centimeters high at the shoulder
Chihuahuas
The Chihuahua was named after a Mexican mining town.
It is one of the smallest breed of dogs on earth.
Other dogs of similar sizes includes the toy poodle and the Yorkshire terrier.
Doggy Facts
Why do dogs bury bones?
It is believed that when dogs are still living in the wilderness, they are always threatened by other animals such as wolves, tigers and even other dogs.
Therefore, they usually eat as fast as possible and bury any leftovers for the future.
Experts also belief that burying a meaty bone underground softens the meat, making it easier for the dog to chew on.
Although domesticated dogs living today need not do this, the habit remains.
Why do dogs turn around before lying down?
Again, the story begins long time ago when dogs are still wild. In the wilderness, dogs would turn round and round before lying down on the grass. This action softens the grass, making it more comfortable for the dogs to sleep on.
However, even though comfortable beds has been prepared for dogs nowadays, their old habit still remains.
A weird dog species that is said to have all the knowledge about real-world dogs.....
Talk about weird dogs...
I remember reading about them a few weeks ago....
These are a few dogs that I remembered from my read.....
Basenji
 |
| http://static.squidoo.com/resize/squidoo_images/590/draft_lens3540782module64812921photo_1256394550dog1.jpg |
 |
| http://www.kennels.co.uk/images/Basenji2.jpg |
The Basenji is a native dog of Africa....
What makes it so unique when it looks just like any other dogs?
Well, the Basenji does not bark. In fact, it is the only known species of dog on Earth that doesn't bark!
Great Danes
 |
| http://puppies-and-dogs.com/images/great%20dane%20puppies%20and%20dogs.jpg |
 |
| http://daneanne.com/images/Great-Dane-and-Chihuahua.jpeg |
The great dane is a notable dog due to its height.
Originally bred in Germany about 400 years ago for hunting.
An average adult great dane can reach up to 81 centimeters high at the shoulder
Chihuahuas
 |
| http://www.pictures-of-puppies-and-dogs.com/images/breed/Chihuahua-big.jpg |
 |
| http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/chihuahua.jpg |
It is one of the smallest breed of dogs on earth.
Other dogs of similar sizes includes the toy poodle and the Yorkshire terrier.
Doggy Facts
Why do dogs bury bones?
 |
| http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/DIG6.JPG |
It is believed that when dogs are still living in the wilderness, they are always threatened by other animals such as wolves, tigers and even other dogs.
Therefore, they usually eat as fast as possible and bury any leftovers for the future.
Experts also belief that burying a meaty bone underground softens the meat, making it easier for the dog to chew on.
Although domesticated dogs living today need not do this, the habit remains.
Why do dogs turn around before lying down?
 |
| http://www.itchmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/6-1-07.jpg |
 |
| http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/1024x768/2008/Animals_Dogs_Sleep_so_Well_005506_.jpg |
Again, the story begins long time ago when dogs are still wild. In the wilderness, dogs would turn round and round before lying down on the grass. This action softens the grass, making it more comfortable for the dogs to sleep on.
However, even though comfortable beds has been prepared for dogs nowadays, their old habit still remains.
Posted by
Gabriel
comments (0)
Pitcher Plant
Carnivorous plants never ceased to amaze me...
Most plants obtain their nutrients from the sunlight...
These plants however, obtain them from insects and animals..
I wonder, is there any human-eating plants?
In the thick and dense Sarawakian forest, pitcher plants are found in abundant.
The pitcher plants grows elaborate pitchers at the tip of their leafs.
These pitchers are filled with sweet-smelling liquid which is akin to honey.
Attracted by this smell, insects may land on the rim of the plant to investigate.
At the rim of the plant, insect will find some sweet liquid. This sugary liquid was secreted by the pitcher plant to encourage the insect to stay.
Once the insect decided to investigate further, the shape of the pitcher plant will cause it to fall into the liquid inside the pitcher plant.
The pitcher plant have inward-curving hairs and slippery walls that prevents insects from escaping from the pitcher.
Slowly, the insect will rot inside the pitcher, while the nutrients of the insects will be absorbed by the pitcher plant.
Most plants obtain their nutrients from the sunlight...
These plants however, obtain them from insects and animals..
I wonder, is there any human-eating plants?
In the thick and dense Sarawakian forest, pitcher plants are found in abundant.
 |
| http://www.mongabay.com/images/indonesia/kalimantan/kali9838.JPG |
These pitchers are filled with sweet-smelling liquid which is akin to honey.
Attracted by this smell, insects may land on the rim of the plant to investigate.
At the rim of the plant, insect will find some sweet liquid. This sugary liquid was secreted by the pitcher plant to encourage the insect to stay.
Once the insect decided to investigate further, the shape of the pitcher plant will cause it to fall into the liquid inside the pitcher plant.
 |
| A bug trapped in pitcher plant http://ucanr.org/blogs/bugsquad/blogfiles/896.jpg |
Slowly, the insect will rot inside the pitcher, while the nutrients of the insects will be absorbed by the pitcher plant.
Posted by
Gabriel
comments (0)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tips to tackle exams
A cloud of despair is hanging in MosaicLand......
I wonder what happened......
Exams are near... UPSR, PMR and SPM...
No doubt, students now are exposed to a lot of stress...
How can we overcome those stresses?
Easy! Just follow the tips given below.
I wonder what happened......
Exams are near... UPSR, PMR and SPM...
No doubt, students now are exposed to a lot of stress...
How can we overcome those stresses?
Easy! Just follow the tips given below.
You can prepare yourself to succeed in your studies.
Try to develop and appreciate the following habits:
Tips acquired from http://www.studygs.net/attmot4.htm
Recognize that in order to succeed you need to make decisions about your priorities,
your time, and your resources
Don't let friends and acquaintances dictate what you consider important
Follow up on the priorities you have set for yourself, and don't let others, or other interests, distract you from your goals
Morning, afternoon, or evening?
Find spaces where you can be the most focused and productive.
Prioritize these for your most difficult study challenges
When you contribute your best to a class, you, your fellow students,
and even your teacher will benefit.
Your grade can then be one additional check on your performance
When you have an issue with an instructor (a questionable grade, an assignment deadline, etc.) put yourself in the instructor's place.
Now ask yourself how you can best make your argument given his/her situation
For example, if you don't understand the course material, don't just re-read it.
Try something else! Consult with the professor, a tutor, an academic advisor, a classmate, a study group, or your school's study skills center
Posted by
Gabriel
comments (0)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)