Reef Chemistry Question of the Day #303: Acrylic Aquariums

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Reef Chemistry Question of the Day 303

Which of the following is the most common element (by number) in the acrylic used to make acrylic aquariums?

1. Hydrogen
2. Oxygen
3. Carbon
4. Sodium

Good luck!

Previous Reef chemistry question of the day:

Reef Chemistry Question of the Day #302: TDS Meters

Reef Chemistry Question of the Day 302 Which of the following is a TDS meter measuring to determine the purity of RO/DI water? 1. Changes in the voltage drop between two electrodes in the sample 2. Changes in the magnetic field induced by an electric current between two electrodes in the...

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[tzabor10]

Hydrogen
Looking to make one for a remote Refugium.

 

[BeanAnimal]

1 Hydrogen

 

[Pod_01]

3 carbon….

 

[dennis romano]

1 Hydrogen

 

[thrillreefer]

Acrylic acid is mostly carbon, but I think it’s methylmethacrylate polymer, no? All those methyl groups, probably tips balance toward (1) Hydrogen. That’s my vote

 

[Reefering1]

Beats me. But my simple thought process to a guess is that it wouldn't be a gas, but sodium would dissolve so "can't" be that(?) Carbon "is" organic since earth life is carbon based, a tank doesn't decompose so no. That leaves oxygen and hydrogen. I'm far from a chemist, but I've never heard of a solid form of either. None seem logical,to me, in my ignorant opinion. In conclusion, I think this is a trick question(as they all are), so my answer is all of the listed options. Maybe they all mix together and accomplish what none "can" do by themselves.. (?)
Take it easy on me, just making a guess/ trying to learn

 

[thrillreefer]

I think the question means which element is most abundant in the acrylic plastic material used to make the aquarium itself. Not the water or inhabitants

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

it wouldn't be a gas

Things that we normally consider gases frequently combine with other atoms to make molecules that are liquid and/or solid...

Carbon "is" organic since earth life is carbon based, a tank doesn't decompose so no. That

Just because life is carbon based doesn't mean everything that has carbon in it is alive...

That leaves oxygen and hydrogen. I'm far from a chemist, but I've never heard of a solid form of either

1 Oxygen + 2 Hydrogen at 32 degrees F or below is a solid.

 

[Reefering1]

Things that we normally consider gases frequently combine with other atoms to make molecules that are liquid and/or solid...

Just because life is carbon based doesn't mean everything that has carbon in it is alive...

1 Oxygen + 2 Hydrogen at 32 degrees F or below is a solid.

Thank you... so what's your answer to Randy's question?