Scandium - advanced chemistry series Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

Darick: Think it is time to let this one go.

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Hidden : 9/9/2011
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

THIS CACHE IS *NOT* AT THE POSTED COORDINATES.

Here's a twist on the "chemistry series". All information needed to solve this puzzle and find the actual coordinates of this cache is listed on the other cache pages from this series. In case any of the caches in the series get archived, you will still be able to access their pages by visiting my list of published caches here

N41° AB.CDE W96° FG.HIJ

AB = ((boiling point of Magnesium in °C + 10) / 100
C = tenths digit of the atomic weight of Vanadium
D = ((melting point of Boron in °C) % 27) / 11 [where % is the modulus operator]
E = atomic number of Carbon
F = (second digit of the year Nitrogen was discovered) - (atomic number of Nitrogen)
G = valence of Lithium
H = last digit of the atomic number of Aluminum
I = ((specific gravity of rhombic Sulfur * 100) + 90) / 33
J = last digit of the year Oxygen was discovered

Not quite the same hide and perhaps a bit harder than others in the series. Difficulty rating for the hide is probably a two... posted difficulty takes into account the requirement of solving the puzzle first. Parking is available very near ground zero. As with most caches in this series, be aware of who may be watching before making the grab. Bring your own pen/pencil.

This is part of a series of caches all using the same container. The experiment continues... first, the container was proven to be waterproof as long as you replace the lid tightly (please do). Second, they seem to be holding up in the elements, at least for the short term. The internal log construction seems good in most cases... the manipulated variable this time is the puzzle, which makes you the responding variable. This test counts for 10% of your final grade... good luck!

************************* SCANDIUM *************************

Atomic Number: 21

Symbol: Sc

Discovery: Lars Nilson 1878 (Sweden)

Word Origin: Latin Scandia: Scandinavia

Properties: Scandium has a melting point of 1541 °C, boiling point of 2830 °C, specific gravity of 2.989 (25 °C), and valence of 3. It is a silvery-white metal which develops a yellowish or pinkish cast when exposed to air. Scandium is a very light, relatively soft metal. Scandium reacts rapidly with many acids. The blue color of aquamarine is attributed to the presence of scandium.

Uses: Scandium is used to make high intensity lamps. Scandium iodide is added to mercury vapor lamps to produce a light source with a color resembling sunlight. The radioactive isotope Sc-46 is used as a tracer in refinery crackers for crude oil.

Reference - http://chemistry.about.com/library/blperiodictable.htm

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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