Chemistry test
Chemistry is happening in every kitchen, and most of us carry a few wrong ideas about it: that boiling bubbles are air, that burning destroys things, that anything natural is safe.
What’s inside the bubbles when water boils?
About this test
Every wrong answer here is a named misconception, explained after each question. At the end you get a course that starts from the ones you held.
Questions people ask
What are the bubbles in boiling water?
Water vapour. Liquid water at the bottom of the pan turns into gas, which rises through the water as bubbles.
Does burning destroy matter?
No. The atoms are rearranged into new substances, mostly gases like carbon dioxide and water vapour. Mass is conserved.
Is anything chemical-free?
Nothing made of matter is. Water, air and food are all chemicals. The phrase is marketing, not chemistry.
Is anything really chemical-free?
No. Everything made of matter is made of chemicals, including water, air and you. When a label says chemical-free it means it contains no synthetic additives, which is a different claim and not necessarily a safer one.
Is this chemistry quiz for beginners?
Yes. It tests common beliefs rather than formulas, so no memorising is needed. Each question has a short explanation, which makes it a quick way to find out where your picture of everyday chemistry is off.
