Molecules | Theodore Gray | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Theodore Gray discusses his book "Molecules" and demonstrates the power and beauty of chemistry through various experiments and examples.

Transcript

MALE SPEAKER: We're really pleased today to have Theodore Gray from my alma mater, University of Illinois, here today. Theo is the author of "The Elements-- A Visual Explanation," which some of you probably have. He has about 1 million copies in print, and he also is the co-founder of Wolfram Research, 1987. Are you working on WolframAlpha now or--... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Theodore Gray's passion for chemistry and experiments led him to become a science writer, allowing him to engage with chemistry in a practical and engaging way.
• 😀 The iOS platform is more conducive to higher-priced apps, which is important for developers seeking financial returns.
• 🔥 Synthetic fibers can be identified by burning them, with the burn properties differing based on the material.
• 🔥 Steel wool can burn due to the rapid rusting process it undergoes, resulting in an exothermic reaction.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Theodore Gray transition from being a chemist to a science writer?

Gray explained that he dropped out of graduate school to co-found Wolfram Research. His passion for blowing things up and conducting experiments led him to become a science writer, which allowed him to engage with chemistry in a more practical and engaging way.

Q: Why did Gray choose to develop his apps on iOS rather than Android?

Gray stated that the iOS market was more conducive to higher-priced apps, while the Android market was not. Additionally, the fragmentation and development costs associated with Android apps made it less appealing for him to pursue.

Q: Has Theodore Gray considered creating a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on chemistry?

Gray mentioned that he has considered it, but he enjoys the freedom and flexibility of writing books and developing apps. Creating content for educational institutions would limit his creative freedom and subject him to various restrictions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Theodore Gray shares his journey from building a periodic table to collecting elements and writing books on chemistry.

• He discusses the process of creating an interactive ebook on molecules and the challenges of representing the complex nature of chemicals.

• Gray demonstrates the difference between real and fake silk, and showcases the burning properties of different fibers.

• He also showcases the burning properties of steel wool and the flammable nature of certain aerosol cans.