Wednesday 25 July 2012

20 Laboratory Apparatus and Their Uses

Bunsen burner- is a staple part of the standard laboratory apparatus set. It gives off heat through a vertical flame and so is ideal to be used when wanting to warm up test tubes or beakers full of liquids. 

Gauze mats- are used to stand containers or material on when it is normally placed over a tripod. 


Test tubes- are probably one of the most iconic apparatus of a typical laboratory. They are used to combine liquids and also heat them up. 


 
Tongs- are very useful when conducting any experiments that involves either intense heat or harmful substances. The tongs allow you to grip and move things without having to touch it with your hands.


Tripod - is used frequently in the laboratory and is usually accompanied by a gauze mat that is placed on top of it.

Pipette- is used to transfer small quantities of liquids and to accurately drop them into test tubes or beakers.


Forceps - holds or pick up small objects


Graduated cylinder - measures approximate volume of liquids


Condenser - used in distillation



Funnel - used to transfer solids and liquids without spilling



Test-tube holders - for holding test tubes when tubes should not be touched



Volumetric flasks - to measure precise volumes of liquid or to make precise dilutions.



Ring stand (with rings or clamps) - for holding pieces of glassware in place.



Centrifuge - separates materials of varying density



Beaker - a liquid-measuring container


Crucible - used to heat a small amount of a solid substance at a very high temperature



Wire Gauze used to support a container (such as a beaker or flask) during heating.



Clay triangle - a wire frame with porcelain used to support a crucible


Mortar & Pestle - The mortar is the dish and the pestle is the grinder. They are used to crush or grind up chemicals.



FLINT LIGHTER  - Is used to ignite the flame of a BUNSEN BURNER. The gas collects inside the small cup, and the spark created ignites the gas.

Saturday 21 July 2012

One Direction - More Than This (Up All Night: The Live Tour)

 


[Liam]
I’m broken, do you hear me?
I’m blinded, ‘cause you are everything I see,
I’m dancin’ alone, I’m praying,
That your heart will just turn around,

And as I walk up to your door,
My head turns to face the floor,
‘Cause I can’t look you in the eyes and say,

[Harry]
When he opens his arms and holds you close tonight,
It just won’t feel right,
‘Cause I can love you more than this, yeah,
When he lays you down,
I might just die inside,
It just don’t feel right,
‘Cause I can love you more than this,
Can love you more than this

[Niall]
If I’m louder, would you see me?
Would you lay down
In my arms and rescue me?
‘Cause we are the same
You save me,
When you leave it’s gone again,

[Louis]
And when I see you on the street,
In his arms, I get weak,
My body fails, I’m on my knees,
Prayin’,

[Everyone]
When he opens his arms and holds you close tonight,
It just won’t feel right,
‘Cause I can love you more than this, yeah,
When he lays you down,
I might just die inside,
It just don’t feel right,
‘Cause I can love you more than this, yeah,

[Zayn]
I’ve never had the words to say,
But now I’m askin’ you to stay
For a little while inside my arms,
And as you close your eyes tonight,
I pray that you will see the light,
That’s shining from the stars above,

(And I say)

[Liam]
When he opens his arms and holds you close tonight,
It just won’t feel right,
‘Cause I can love you more than this,

[Zayn]
‘Cause I can love you more than this, yeah

[Everyone]
When he lays you down,
I might just die inside,
It just don’t feel right,
‘Cause I can love you more than this, yeah,

When he opens his arms and holds you close tonight,
It just won’t feel right,
‘Cause I can love you more than this,

When he lays you down,
I might just die inside,
It just don’t feel right,
‘Cause I can love you more than this,
Can love you more than this

Saturday 14 July 2012

Parts of a Computer and it's Functions

If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the "computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware. (Software, on the other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do.)
The illustration below shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system. Your system may look a little different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but combines them into a single notebook-sized package.
Picture of a desktop computer system

System unit

The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information. The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component israndom access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off.
Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The cables plug into specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware that is not part of the system unit is sometimes called a peripheral device ordevice.
Picture of a system unit

Storage

Your computer has one or more disk drive—devices that store information on a metal or plastic disk. The disk preserves the information even when your computer is turned off.

Hard disk drive

Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk, a rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as your computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your programs and files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the system unit.
Picture of a hard disk driveHard disk drive

CD and DVD drives

Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front of the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD, and many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer.
Picture of a CDCD
DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive, you can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs.
Tip

Tip

If you have a recordable CD or DVD drive, periodically back up (copy) your important files to CDs or DVDs. That way, if your hard disk ever fails, you won't lose your data.

Floppy disk drive

Floppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes. Compared to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of data. They also retrieve information more slowly and are more prone to damage. For these reasons, floppy disk drives are less popular than they used to be, although some computers still include them.
Picture of a floppy diskFloppy disk
Why are floppy disks "floppy"? Even though the outside is made of hard plastic, that's just the sleeve. The disk inside is made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.

Mouse

A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that resembles a tail. Some newer mice are wireless.
Picture of a computer mouseMouse
A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.
Picture of mouse pointers
When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. (The pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and then click (press and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse is the main way to interact with your computer. For more information, see Using your mouse.

Keyboard

A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has keys for letters and numbers, but it also has special keys:
  • The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions depending on where they are used.
  • The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows you to enter numbers quickly.
  • The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your position within a document or webpage.
Picture of a keyboardKeyboard
You can also use your keyboard to perform many of the same tasks you can perform with a mouse. For more information, see Using your keyboard.

Monitor

A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.
There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thinner and lighter. CRT monitors, however, are generally more affordable.
Picture of an LCD monitor and a CRT monitorLCD monitor (left); CRT monitor (right)

Printer

A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use your computer, but having one allows you to print e‑mail, cards, invitations, announcements, and other materials. Many people also like being able to print their own photos at home.
The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers are the most popular printers for the home. They can print in black and white or in full color and can produce high-quality photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers are faster and generally better able to handle heavy use.
Picture of an inkjet printer and a laser printerInkjet printer (left); laser printer (right)

Speakers

Speakers are used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.
Picture of computer speakersComputer speakers

Modem

To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem is a device that sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable. Modems are sometimes built into the system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually separate components.
Picture of a cable modemCable modem

Thursday 12 July 2012

Basic Rules for Subject Verb agreement

1. When the subject is followed by a phrase, the verb agrees with the subject, not the noun in the phrase.
   Example:
The basket of fruits is on the table
The bottles of jam are on the table, too
One of the boys is here

2. Use plural form of the verb when the subject consists of two or more nouns connected by and, and the nouns refer to different persons or things. Use the singular form of the verb when the nouns refer to the same thing.
  Example:
The City Hall and the GSIS Building are familiar sights to city dwellers.
The Secretary and the treasurer are here to see you.
Bread and butter is his usual breakfast.
Bread and butter are sold at the supermarket.

3. When two or more subjects are joined by or, either-or, and neither-nor, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.
  Example:
Either the young man or his friends are making noise.
Either the ladies or young wife disapproves of Mikes action.
Neither the sailor nor the boys were to blame.

4. Use the singular form of the verb when the collective noun is thought of as a unit-acting as one; use the plural form of the verb when the collective noun is thought of as a collection of separate units or individuals.
  Example:
The committee has decided.
The committee has expressed different opinions.
The class is very quite.
The class is writing thei compositions.
Your team were trying their new uniforms when we came.

5. Use a plural form of the verb when an adjective is referring to people as a class is used as collective nouns.
  Example:
The poor have hopes and dreams, too
The weak are not cowards.


6. Some nouns taht are always singular in form with the plural form shown through the expression of quantity are shown in the box that follows. Recent usage however, allows the addition of -s to show the plural form.