Everyday chemistry
From dyeing your hair to drinking milk with spicy food, take a stroll through the chemistry of ordinary things
Why do aeroplanes leave lines in the sky?
Debunk conspiracies and discover the chemistry behind contrails, suction toilets and infamous airline food
What was the first paint colour?
Uncover the colourful (and deadly) chemistry of paint, from the Stone Age to today
The chemistry of football
Discover the ways that scientists help the players on the pitch up their game
What’s the strongest base in the world?
Take a closer look at alkalis and superbases and explore how we use them
What are forever chemicals?
Discover the positives and negatives of PFAS and how scientists are mitigating their risks
What makes soft drinks fizzy?
Learn the science behind your soda’s sparkle and how to avoid too many bubbles
Why does your sweat smell?
Sniff out the science of body odour, deodorants and antiperspirants
What’s the stretchiest cheese?
Explore the delicious chemistry of cheesemaking and discover the world’s longest cheese pull
Why does copper jewellery turn your skin green?
Discover the metal’s enduring appeal and engage students with an example of chemistry in action
Will we run out of elements?
From helium to lithium and more, chemists are developing circular economies to preserve precious elements
What’s the world’s strongest glue?
Find out about the world’s stickiest glue and how adhesives bond things together
Why are some plants poisonous to you and your pets?
Dig up the toxic secrets of nature’s blooms
What’s the history and science of tea?
Look into the chemistry in your cup of tea, the global origins of its leaves and why you should add salt
How does washing detergent work?
Discover the chemistry behind bright whites and clean coloured clothes, and the differences between washing powders, liquids and pods
How do brewers make alcohol-free beer taste good?
Distil the chemical processes used to keep beer’s flavour, smell, colour and stability
The chemistry behind leaves changing colour and falling from trees
Explore what causes the seasonal shift in foliage and how to use this as context when teaching colour changes
What’s in nail polish?
Uncover the polymers and pigments in liquid nail polishes, acrylics and gels
How do fireflies produce light?
Find out how fireflies and other creatures use bioluminescence
Butter and margarine: what’s the difference?
Discover the chemistry and history of these so similar, but very different solidified emulsions
Brush up on the science of mouthwash
What chemicals are in mouthwash and is the time you use it important?
How do whiteboard markers work?
Learn about the chemistry behind whiteboards and pens – and how to clean their stains
What are Halloween costume masks made from?
Find out about the creative chemistry behind costume masks
How car engines work
What makes cars go? Discover the science that powers our vehicles
Why does jelly wobble?
Find out how gelatin’s bonds, structure and properties make jelly jiggle
What state of matter is fire?
The burning question – is fire a solid, liquid, gas or plasma?
How de-icers work
Discover the science behind ice removal and prevention
The colourful world of hair dye
How synthetic dye alters our natural hair colour
More everyday chemistry from the Soundbite series
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