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Glam Journal

Is Breaking Bad about chemistry?

Author

William Burgess

Updated on March 09, 2026

Is Breaking Bad about chemistry?

“Chemistry,” Walter White observes in the pilot episode of Breaking Bad, “is the study of matter, but I prefer to see it as the study of change.” The following 45 minutes are exactly that kind of study, with Walt himself as Exhibit A.

What chemicals were used in Breaking Bad?

Breaking Bad: Every Chemical Compound Walter White Uses In The Series

  • 3 Phenylacetic Acid.
  • 4 Phosphine Gas.
  • 5 Hydrofluoric Acid.
  • 6 Thermite.
  • 7 Methylamine.
  • 8 Aluminum Amalgam.
  • 9 Mercury (II) Fulminate.
  • 10 Pseudoephedrine.

Is Breaking Bad scientifically accurate?

Here at Slate, it’s been called “TV’s Best Medical Drama Ever” for its realism, and The New Yorker has called its depiction of the meth trade “uncannily accurate.” The show’s scientific advisor, chemistry professor Donna Nelson, frequently gives interviews about the science behind the show, bolstering its reputation …

Does hydrofluoric acid work like in Breaking Bad?

The ability of hydrofluoric acid to dissolve organic matter was tested in MythBusters’ Breaking Bad special, where Vince Gilligan appeared as guest star. The Mythbusters showed that hydrofluoric acid is not strong enough to completely break down organic material, calling this myth “Busted”.

Will hydrofluoric acid dissolve a person?

Hydrofluoric acid is very nasty stuff, but it isn’t a strong acid. Even when dilute it will etch glass and ceramics, but it won’t dissolve or burn flesh.

How intelligent is Walter White?

145 is a good estimate of Walter White’s IQ. That’s just above genius level, which is 140. Somebody with an IQ of 145 is very capable of being a college professor or a chemist.

What does red phosphorus do to the body?

RP is 95% phosphorus in a 5% butyl rubber base and provides an adequate tank screen on the battlefield. When RP is oxidized, it forms a mixture of phosphorous acids. When these acids are exposed to water vapor, they in turn form polyphosphoric acids, which may be responsible for the toxic injuries to the upper airways.

Why can’t acid eat through plastic?

Well, because plastic is extremely non-polar, and HF is extremely polar and/or ionic. They have almost nothing in common, and dissolution follows the rule “like dissolves like.” In other words, you’d want something similar to plastic to dissolve away the plastic, and HF is nothing like plastic.

What’s the strongest acid in the world?

fluoroantimonic acid
The world’s strongest superacid is fluoroantimonic acid, HSbF6. It is formed by mixing hydrogen fluoride (HF) and antimony pentafluoride (SbF5). Various mixtures produce the superacid, but mixing equal ratios of the two acids produces the strongest superacid known to man.

Why do they put lye on dead bodies?

The process is called alkaline hydrolysis and was developed in this country 16 years ago to get rid of animal carcasses. It uses lye, 300-degree heat and 60 pounds of pressure per square inch to destroy bodies in big stainless-steel cylinders that are similar to pressure cookers.

Who is the most intelligent person in breaking bad?

Breaking Bad: The Main Characters, Ranked By Intelligence

  • 8 Steve Gomez.
  • 7 Skyler White.
  • 6 Saul Goodman.
  • 5 Hank Schrader.
  • 4 Jesse Pinkman.
  • 3 Mike Ehrmantraut.
  • 2 Gustavo Fring.
  • 1 Walter White.

Is Walt worse than Gus?

Gus is way worse. Walter still had a conscious which is very evident in season 5. Gus was basically a psychopath.. As bad as Walt was, he would never kill a child.

How is chemistry portrayed in Breaking Bad?

For example, a gas chromatograph is used in a Mexican drug lab without further explanation (Episode IV-10). In Breaking Bad, the chemistry is, thus, clearly depicted as a manufacturing science and not as an analytical science. Starting an Engine with a Makeshift Battery!?

What is the chemical name for meth in Breaking Bad?

The focus here is on the chemistry in Breaking Bad and its portrayal and plausibility. N -methylamphetamine ( ( S )- N -methyl-1-phenyl-propane-2-amine), also known as meth, crystal, or pervitin, is the drug at the center of Breaking Bad.

How does Walt white change colors in Breaking Bad?

In the pilot episode of Breaking Bad Walt White performs a chemistry demonstration in which he sprays chemicals onto a burner flame, causing it to change colors. Here’s how you can do that demonstration yourself.

How does the hydrofluoric acid used in Breaking Bad work?

Walt uses hydrofluoric acid to dissolve a body. This works, but if you are going to use hydrofluoric acid (presumably not for that purpose), there are certain things you need to know. The third episode of Breaking Bad finds Walt pondering what makes a man.