Okay.....?

[Echo_X]

Do I even dare ask how making a famous video game joke gets the topic locked? And by famous, I mean, hugely, enormously, everyone has heard this quote at some point famous?

 

The line is right up there beside "The cake is a lie" for gosh sakes..

[Tigz]

I don't know. Maybe they figure someone might try it. Then they could get locked down for offering instructions on creating explosive devices? again

Their board, their rules.

 

Anyway, seeing as the original was locked. It is best to let this thread die quickly.

[Echo_X]

It is one of the most reactive elements on the periodic table and subject to very extensive and restrictive regulation. It's like saying all you need to make a cruise missile is a cruise missile. If it were something you could just go to the store and buy it, then it wouldn't have been funny.

 

But what ever. Their rules. I just wish they would have explained what the problem was so I knew which part was in violation.

[pjmaxwellian]

It wasn't funny, somewhat offensive actually, IMO.

[Echo_X]

You've never played Portal. It's part of a rant about what you should do when life gives you lemons.

[Echo_X]

Well, I suppose some of Glados' comments could be considered offensive... but they are suppose to be, that's why they are funny.

[Labyrinthine]

I guess I just don't see what was offensive about it. I mean, clearly people can't just go out and get it. And I'm not a gamer and even I got the reference.

 

Maybe I am just de-sensitized but I sincerely would be interested in learning what made it offensive.

[Bad Doctor Frost]

Offensive? The only people who get offended over such small things are the ones who don't have enough in their lives to keep them busy. Being offended is a choice that people make.

[Tigz]

I don't see anything offensive....couldn't even imagine what could be offensive about it.

[hrguy]

[MarvBear]

I locked the thread.

[Echo_X]

Okay. I just ask why? <EDIT> In explanation, so that I understand the objection and know what line I crossed.

 

Just to be clear on it's viability, what I described would not actually work. The reaction involved would release energy equal to a few fire crackers, and ruin a perfectly good citrus fruit in the process...

Edited June 19, 2013 by Echo_X

[MarvBear]

No, I help moderate the board forums. I seldom explain my moderation style. I usually enjoy your banter here in the General Discussion forum.

 

No offense meant, I hope none taken.

[Labyrinthine]

Marv, I get where you are coming from but I see no reason why you would object to at least explaining why it was closed. Sure, you naturally don't have to, but it seems kind of silly not to especially when at least a few of us are confused as to why it would have been closed.

[Echo_X]

Never mind, I'll drop it. I'm sure it was for good enough reason. I appreciate you replying.

[cashnocredit]

It is one of the most reactive elements on the periodic table and subject to very extensive and restrictive regulation. It's like saying all you need to make a cruise missile is a cruise missile. If it were something you could just go to the store and buy it, then it wouldn't have been funny.

 

But what ever. Their rules. I just wish they would have explained what the problem was so I knew which part was in violation.

 

Echo,

 

Actually it isn't. There are more reactive and cheaper elements/metals. It is not regulated or hard to get. I think people often confuse the regular metal with the radioisotope which is highly regulated and one of the most dangerous contaminants from reactor meltdowns even though the isotope is useful in a lot of highly regulated industrial/medical apps. The two are as different as, say, apples and lemons.

 

There's lots of stupid things people can do and it's generally bad form to encourage stupidity. Even indirectly.

[Echo_X]

Actually you are incorrect. The most reactive group of elements are the Alkali metals. Of these highly reactive elements, Lithium is the least reactive, then Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Cesium, and then Francium. Cesium is often considered the most reactive Alkali metal because Francium is unobtainable unless you can clearly define exactly what you need it for. Dangerously radioactive you see.

 

The problem seems to be the over all density of the individual atom. Cesium is a very large on the atomic scale, vs, say, lithium which is many times smaller. The reason the reactions differ per bulk is that when lithium reacts, there is a great deal more of it reacting at any moment than there is present in the same volume measure of cesium.

 

Don't misunderstand me. What I described is not viable using any of these elements.

[cashnocredit]

Actually you are incorrect. The most reactive group of elements are the Alkali metals. Of these highly reactive elements, Lithium is the least reactive, then Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Cesium, and then Francium. Cesium is often considered the most reactive Alkali metal because Francium is unobtainable unless you can clearly define exactly what you need it for. Dangerously radioactive you see.

 

The problem seems to be the over all density of the individual atom. Cesium is a very large on the atomic scale, vs, say, lithium which is many times smaller. The reason the reactions differ per bulk is that when lithium reacts, there is a great deal more of it reacting at any moment than there is present in the same volume measure of cesium.

 

Don't misunderstand me. What I described is not viable using any of these elements.

 

No. Reactivity is combination of the electronegativity of the metal which is related to the energy released per mole and the number of moles present. Lithium is not only the most electronegative in that series but also, since it has, by far, more moles per unit volume (even though less dense) it produces the most energy when combined with an oxidizer.

 

Cs makes more of a mess though since the metal melts just above room temperature. It isn't useful as an explosive (actually none of the alkali series are) but it is very messy and you don't want flying bits of molten Cs anywhere. It's a fire hazard and a hazard to eyes and unprotected skin. K also has that problem as it melts at a fairly low temp. In general playing with these elements is just not smart. None of these are "highly restricted" though these days buying any chemicals is difficult. Mostly because of liability issues. You pretty much need to be a business that uses them.

 

Because of the very low melting point of Cs it tends to be more reactive in liquid form. More of the metal is exposed to oxidizer in a short time. But it does produce far less energy than the same volume or weight of Li.

Edited June 19, 2013 by cashnocredit

[hrguy]

[CG in TX]

LOL...this thread is fascinating...I feel like I'm back in the Chemistry lab, halfway expecting the kid at the next station to make a mistake so we can all go home for the day

[cashnocredit]

Actually you are incorrect. The most reactive group of elements are the Alkali metals. Of these highly reactive elements, Lithium is the least reactive, then Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Cesium, and then Francium. Cesium is often considered the most reactive Alkali metal because Francium is unobtainable unless you can clearly define exactly what you need it for. Dangerously radioactive you see.

 

The problem seems to be the over all density of the individual atom. Cesium is a very large on the atomic scale, vs, say, lithium which is many times smaller. The reason the reactions differ per bulk is that when lithium reacts, there is a great deal more of it reacting at any moment than there is present in the same volume measure of cesium.

 

Don't misunderstand me. What I described is not viable using any of these elements.

Actually Echo, I will agree. To a degree.

 

Cs atoms are not bound to each other as closely as Li even though LI releases an order of magnitude more energy per gram. As such Cs, and especially in the molten state, will react very quickly while not releasing as much energy. The pyro effects though are due to the H released by both elements. Li will still release much more per unit weight (or even volume) but somewhat slower. This is not an explosive process but the H released could well be. I all depends on what kind of ignition source exists and what the H2 and air O2 mixtures are. H2 is the most explosive flammable element there is and does so over an extremely wide range of air mixtures. This is one of the problems using H2 as fuel in carbon free combustion engines. Tanks of H2 aren't cool in autos and the alternative, storing it in metal hydrides, is not practical either.

[hrguy]

 

LOL...this thread is fascinating...I feel like I'm back in the Chemistry lab, halfway expecting the kid at the next station to make a mistake so we can all go home for the day

and I thought pouring powdered non-dairy creamer into a bottle of coca-cola and watching it shoot out like a volcano was an interesting reaction of chemicals in chem class....I've been missing out!