failure or refusal to comply, as with a law, regulation, or term of a contract. Origin of noncompliance. 1680-1690. First recorded in 1680-90; non- + compliance.
The main cause of chemical burns is from contact with strong acids or bases. The strength of acids and bases is defined by the pH scale, which ranges from 1-14. A very strong acid has a pH of 1 and may cause a severe burn. A very strong base has a pH of 14 and may also cause a severe burn. A substance with a pH of 7 is considered neutral and does not burn. Chemical burns from acids or bases are also referred to as caustic burns.
Lithium experiences the mildest reaction with water, while francium produces the most violent explosion. Lithium floats on the surface of water, where it begins to fizz as it slowly releases hydrogen and eventually dissolves. The next element in the group, sodium, also fizzes in water, but the reaction generates enough heat to melt the metal. The liquid sodium forms a ball that rapidly moves around the water's surface as it dissolves. This reaction also produces a small orange flame at times, as the reaction creates hydrogen gas that the heat ignites.