StarTalk Radio: Explosive Science with Kate the Chemist

Episode Release Date: April 22, 2025

Hosts:

• Neil deGrasse Tyson – Astrophysicist and Director of New York's Hayden Planetarium
• Chuck Nice – Co-host and comedian

Guest:

• Kate Bieberdorf – Chemist, Author, and Host of NPR's "Seeking a Scientist"

Introduction

In this engaging episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and his co-host Chuck Nice welcome Kate Bieberdorf, affectionately known as "Kate the Chemist." The episode delves into the fascinating world of chemistry, emphasizing the crucial role of science communication and exploring complex chemical concepts in an accessible manner.

Guest Introduction and Background

Kate Bieberdorf introduces herself and shares insights into her academic journey and professional endeavors.

• [02:24] Neil deGrasse Tyson: "I think we talked about him on a previous thing. Did you meet at University of Texas?"

• [03:09] Kate Bieberdorf: "Yes. Just took this job. September."

Kate recently joined Notre Dame to help build a science communication minor, aiming to bridge the gap between scientists and the general public. She emphasizes the importance of teaching scientists to communicate effectively across various mediums.

The Importance of Science Communication

The conversation underscores the necessity of scientists engaging with the public to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of scientific endeavors.

• [04:28] Chuck Nice: "So. Good."

• [05:50] Kate Bieberdorf: "Both. That's clutch. Right. We have to do both of these."

Kate explains that her role involves teaching both scientists to become better communicators and journalists to better understand scientific concepts. She highlights the challenges scientists face in translating complex ideas into layman's terms.

• [06:08] Kate Bieberdorf: "It's necessary. We have to teach the scientists how to communicate."

Neil adds that traditional science degrees often neglect training in public communication, further emphasizing Kate's mission to address this gap.

Deep Dive into Chemistry: Transition Metals and the Periodic Table

Kate elaborates on the intricacies of transition metals, a topic that often poses challenges in chemistry education.

• [28:10] Kate Bieberdorf: "One of the reasons why transition metals are called transition metals is because they go through different color changes."

She discusses the "band of stability", explaining the neutron-to-proton ratios that make certain atoms more stable. The conversation touches upon the "island of stability", hypothesizing the potential properties of superheavy elements.

• [35:32] Kate Bieberdorf: "The band of stability is all about figuring out what ratio of neutrons to protons makes an atom most stable."

Neil connects this to astrophysics, noting the simplicity of hydrogen in the universe, contrasted with the complex behavior of heavier elements.

Applied Chemistry and the Role of AI

The episode transitions to contemporary advancements in chemistry, particularly the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research.

• [53:12] Kate Bieberdorf: "One of the things I'm really interested in is how we are bonding with AI and we're kind of trying to use it to help us."

She cites an example where AI was tasked to find alternatives to lithium in battery technology, showcasing AI's potential to accelerate scientific discoveries.

• [53:55] Kate Bieberdorf: "It's like the best grad student you could have."

The hosts discuss the symbiotic relationship between human expertise and AI's computational prowess, envisioning a future where AI-driven research becomes commonplace.

Fun with Chemistry: Kid-Friendly Experiments

Kate shares exciting and safe chemistry experiments that parents can conduct with their children to spark a lifelong interest in science.

• [49:50] Kate Bieberdorf: "You just need a paint can. Empty, never had paint in it before... And then you mallet it down on the table. You could get hit in the face."

She outlines the Exploding Paint Can Experiment, detailing the materials and safety precautions necessary to execute it successfully. This hands-on activity demonstrates a neutralization reaction, providing both visual excitement and educational value.

• [51:42] Neil deGrasse Tyson: "You can't overstate the need for goggles for all your experiments."

Combustion in Space: A Scientific Exploration

The trio explores how combustion reactions behave differently in space due to the absence of gravity and the presence of vacuum conditions.

• [42:20] Neil deGrasse Tyson: "You can't burn a candle in zero g... Unless you have a gentle breeze."

Kate explains that in zero gravity, combustion behaves like a gas-phase reaction because heated gases do not rise, altering the dynamics of how flames sustain.

• [44:09] Neil deGrasse Tyson: "So you can't burn a candle in zero g is the point. Unless you have a gentle breeze."

This segment highlights the interplay between physics and chemistry, demonstrating how environmental factors influence chemical processes.

Audience Q&A: Diving into Cosmic Queries

The episode incorporates questions from listeners, providing tailored explanations and demonstrations.

1. Cesium's Reactions:

   • Sean Browning's Question [11:56]: "Why does cesium have such a violent reaction when exposed to oxygen?"
   • Kate explains cesium's placement on the periodic table and its propensity to react violently due to its large atomic structure and electron configuration.

2. Mentos and Diet Coke Phenomenon:

   • Will from Euclid, Ohio [20:19]: "What's the history of the Mentos and Diet Coke reaction?"
   • Kate traces the experiment back to the early 20th century with Winto Green Lifesavers and discusses the science behind nucleation sites that trigger the geyser effect.

3. Electron Configurations in Transition Metals:

   • John from Arkansas [28:10]: "Why are electron configurations in transition metals so convoluted?"
   • Kate delves into the complexities of d-orbitals and electron redistribution, making the topic accessible for both high school and aspiring chemists.

4. Kid-Friendly Experiments for Long-Term Interest:

   • Alyssa Park's Question [49:16]: "What impressive experiment can I do with my young children to foster a lasting interest in science?"
   • Kate reiterates the exploding paint can experiment, emphasizing safety and engagement.

Closing Thoughts

Neil deGrasse Tyson reflects on the interconnectedness of physics, chemistry, and biology, advocating for a cosmic perspective that appreciates the fundamental role chemistry plays in our understanding of the universe.

• [57:30] Neil deGrasse Tyson: "There's no understanding of chemistry without physics and there's no understanding of biology without chemistry."

Kate expresses her enthusiasm for continued collaboration and the integration of effective science communication in education.

• [58:43] Neil deGrasse Tyson: "Kate Bieberdorf. Well, thanks for stepping through. Congratulations on your new gig at university in Notre Dame."

The episode concludes with acknowledgments and a mutual appreciation for the conversation, leaving listeners inspired to explore the explosive and dynamic world of chemistry.

Notable Quotes

• Kate Bieberdorf [05:50]: "Both. That's clutch. Right. We have to do both of these."

• Neil deGrasse Tyson [28:10]: "We totally knew that."

• Chuck Nice [44:31]: "You cannot be romantic in space."

• Kate Bieberdorf [53:12]: "It's like the best grad student you could have."

Stay Curious and Keep Exploring!

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