http://www.falstad.com/scale/
MarkB
How small? How Big? For science geeks
How small? How Big? For science geeks
Everybody has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.
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Joseph E. Smith
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Cynth
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- Location: Iowa, USA
I had been thinking about how to convey to someone the difference in size between a dust particle and a vapor molecule. Some people mistakenly think a dust mask will protect them against hazardous vapors.
So I found the difference on these charts between the diameter of a water molecule and a talcum powder grain and then I went to measurements of bigger things and, roughly speaking, a water molecule (the vapor) is to a grain of talcum powder (the dust) as a large ant is to Mount Everest. So now I could say that a dust mask might keep out something like Mount Everest but things the size of ants, like toxic vapor molecules, could easily get through those holes.
What an odd coincidence that you should post these charts just as I was thinking about this.
So I found the difference on these charts between the diameter of a water molecule and a talcum powder grain and then I went to measurements of bigger things and, roughly speaking, a water molecule (the vapor) is to a grain of talcum powder (the dust) as a large ant is to Mount Everest. So now I could say that a dust mask might keep out something like Mount Everest but things the size of ants, like toxic vapor molecules, could easily get through those holes.
What an odd coincidence that you should post these charts just as I was thinking about this.
Diligentia maximum etiam mediocris ingeni subsidium. ~ Diligence is a very great help even to a mediocre intelligence.----Seneca
That's right, Cynth! A dust mask or surgical mask will not protect against vapors!
They won't even protect against really itty stuff! You need a properly fitted respirator for some viruses.
For toxic gases, you need a mask with an air tank.
Sigh. It is soooo nice not to work in any of those places anymore! Soooo very nice! Yes it is!
They won't even protect against really itty stuff! You need a properly fitted respirator for some viruses.
For toxic gases, you need a mask with an air tank.
Sigh. It is soooo nice not to work in any of those places anymore! Soooo very nice! Yes it is!
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