The Question of the Week

Test your science knowledge with our questions!






What is an alkali-silica reaction?
Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is more commonly known as “concrete cancer”. It is the swelling reaction that can occur in concrete over time. This happens between the highly-alkaline cement paste and the reactive non-crystalline silica found in many aggregates and can lead to serious cracking within the concrete itself.
Photo source: Shinkolobwe, alkali-silica reaction on a pillar at the National Gallery of Canada




What is the piezoelectric effect?
The Piezoelectrical Effect is the ability of certain materials to generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress. Quartz crystal is an example of a piezoelectrical material and is used in electronics to transfer mechanical energy into electrical signal or digital electrical signal into mechanical movement.
Photo source: Janice Willson, collection of gemstones including various quartz crystals

What is the major component of house dust?

House dust is made of clothing fibers, bacteria dust mites, bits of dead bugs, soil particles, pollen and microscopic bits of plastic but the majority of it is comprised of sloughed off dead skin cells. Think of that the next time you dust your home.

Photo source: NIAID, microscopic image of house dust