The Science of Everyday 'Whys?'

　Have you ever chased a rainbow? I'm from a very rural part of Ehime Prefecture, and I once actually tried chasing a rainbow to the entrance of a mountain. Of course, I couldn't catch it.... You'd normally think, 'Well, of course you can't,' right? But 'why?' Why can't you catch up to a rainbow? Why can rainbows only be seen after it rains? Why do rainbows have seven colors? I suspect not many people can explain it accurately. This Earth is filled with so many 'whys?' It is said that Newton was the one who defined the rainbow as having seven colors. Using a triangular glass prism, Newton discovered that when sunlight is broken down, it separates into the seven colors of the rainbow. Sunlight appears colorless and transparent at first glance, but it actually contains light of various wavelengths, including invisible ultraviolet and infrared rays. Although we can't see a rainbow unless special conditions are met, the truth is, we are always existing within the light of the rainbow.

　In our daily lives, there are many things that make us suddenly wonder 'why?', but we often let them pass by. It is researchers like Newton who have pursued these seemingly trivial 'whys?' Through them, various discoveries have been made throughout a long history, and science has developed along with the maturation of society and culture. Plastics, which have become a major environmental issue today, were originally developed to protect the environment by preventing the overhunting of elephants for their ivory. The purpose of its development has changed significantly, from demand during World War II to the current demand for convenience in daily life. It is difficult to predict the consequences of 'science' at the stage of discovery and development. In other words, it is necessary for each and every one of us to understand 'science' and use it correctly.

　By the way, do you think you have a good metabolism? What does it mean to have a 'good metabolism'? Our bodies are made up of as many as 60 trillion cells, and various chemical reactions are constantly taking place in all of them. This is called 'metabolism.' In other words, feeling that a rainbow is beautiful or that a meal is delicious is also due to chemical reactions within our bodies. Chemistry is not just something that happens in a laboratory. We ourselves are the very site of chemical reactions. At university, please be sure to challenge yourself with various subjects. Having diverse perspectives will not only be useful in society but will also enrich your life. And sometimes, try to listen to the 'whys?' that pop into your mind.