Strontium - Elements in Fireworks

Strontium - Elements in Fireworks Metal salts are important in fireworks and other pyrotechnics. One of the most common metallic elements is strontium, which is atomic number 38 on the periodic table, with element symbol Sr. However, the pure metal isnt used. Fireworks are made using strontium salts, especially  strontium carbonate (SrCO3) and strontium nitrate (Sr(NO3)2). Strontium nitrate acts as both a colorant (the strontium part) and an oxidizer (the nitrate portion). Strontium salts impart a red color to fireworks. Strontium compounds are also important for stabilizing fireworks mixtures. Youll find it in emergency flares, including road flares and flare guns. Is Strontium Toxic? Strontium is one of the safest metals found in fireworks (biologically speaking). As with other metals, it has its uses, but overexposure can lead to problems. Strontium chloride is found in some toothpastes intended to reduce tooth sensitivity. It forms a barrier over the nerve endings in tooth dentin that is exposed by receding gums. Strontium supplements are available, said to aid bone health. In Europe, strontium ranelate is available by prescription to reduce fracture rate from osteoporosis. The strontium compounds available online or in the United States are more commonly strontium citrate or strontium chloride, which have not been shown to be effective for osteoporosis. While exposure to trace levels of strontium isnt a concern, taking a large amount of it is associated with side effects, including blood clots and heart damage. Sources J. Paul MacMillan, Jai Won Park, Rolf Gerstenberg, Heinz Wagner, Karl Kà ¶hler, Peter Wallbrecht Strontium and Strontium Compounds in  Ullmanns Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 2005, Wiley-VCH: Weinheim.ONeill GT, Rolfe LR, Kaufman MH. Developmental potential and chromosome constitution of strontium-induced mouse parthenogenones (1991)  Mol. Reprod. Dev.30:214-219​.Pradyot Patnaik.  Handbook of Inorganic Chemicals. McGraw-Hill, 2002.

Hilarious French Idioms Using the French Word Chat

Hilarious French Idioms Using the French Word 'Chat' Because cats have been a presence in French households and businesses for centuries, references to them are common. Here are six of the most iconic French idioms using the French word for cat. Note that the French word for cat is un chat (silent t), when speaking generically or about a male cat. It is une chatte (t is pronounced) when speaking about a female cat. For both, the ch takes  the sh sound in shave, not the tch usually found in English.   Careful: The feminine word for cat (une chatte) has the same double entendre meaning as the English word pussy.   1. Appeler un chat un chat Translation: To call a cat a catMeaning: To say things as they are; to call a spade a spade   Patrice est un gros menteur. Il faut appeler un chat un chat.Patrice is a big liar. He needs to say things the way they are. 2. Avoir un chat dans la gorge Translation:  To have a cat in the throatMeaning:  To have a frog in the throat, an excess of mucus Et je pense que... hum, hum.  Dà ©solà ©e, javais un chat dans la gorge.And I think that... hmm, hmm. Sorry, I had a frog in the throat. 3. Donner sa langue au chat Translation:   To give your tongue to the catMeaning:  To not be able to guess.Careful: Its different from the English Cat got your tongue, which means to have nothing to say. Et alors? Qui vient dà ®ner demain ? Tu donnes ta langue au chat ? Cest Pierre!So? Who is coming for dinner tomorrow? You cant guess? Its Pierre! 4. Quand le chat n'est pas l, les souris dansent. Translation:  When the cat is away, the mice dance.Meaning:  People misbehave without supervision.Careful: The verb is danser with an s in French, not like dance with a c in English.   Ton ado a fait la fà ªte toute la nuit quand vous à ©tiez partis le weekend dernier? Ce nest pas surprenant: Quand le chat nest pas l, les souris dansent.Your teen partied all night while you were gone last weekend? This is not surprising: When the cat is away, the mice will play. 5. Il n'y a pas un chat. Translation:   There is not a cat (in sight).Meaning:  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹There is no one (or only a few people, but less than expected).​ Il ny avait pas un chat la rà ©union.There was no one at the meeting. 6. C'est du pipi de chat. Translation:  Its cat pee.Meaning:  Its not important.​ Tes problà ¨mes cà ´tà © de ceux de Pierre, cest du pipi de chat!Your problems compared to Pierres are nothing!