Interesting Questions 1.2009

Here are some interesting questions posted by your schoolmates. I did not have the answers but it's not stopping me from finding out!

1) How many countries are there in the world?

Sounds like a simple question right?
Wrong. Apparently, you'll have to consider where the source of your answer is coming from.
United Nations says 192 (as of 1 May 2008).
USA says 194.
World Almanacs says 193.
Why the differences? This is primarily related to the concept/idea of independence and nationhood. Countries which could be under debate are the Vatican City, Kosovo and Taiwan.
(Adults can make a simple issue so complex huh? Sometimes Mdm Lee also wishes to be a child again.)


2) What happens to the O molecule when hydrogen burns?

Answer and explanation courtesy of Ms Priscilla Yu.
You'll probably learn this later in Upper Sec Chemistry. It's call balancing of equation. When hydrogen burns, what happens is this: 2 Hydrogen molecules will combine with 1 Oxygen molecule. And the product/result is 2 Water molecules.
2(H2) + O2 -> 2(H20)



3) According to the Kyoto Protocol, countries agree to lower the greenhouse gas emission by 5.2% in the year 2012. What is the status now?

I found this website: co2now.org but I don't have enough time to really authenticate its sources of data. CO2 emission has been recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on a monthly basis. If the data is accurate, between the year 1997 and 2008, it appears that CO2 emission has fallen by about 6%. You can check out the webpage here. But please do this after the Common Test!