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NEWTON Home Page NEWTON Teachers Visit Our Archives Ask A Question How To Ask A Question Question of the Week Our Expert Scientists Volunteer at NEWTON! Frequently Asked Questions Referencing NEWTON About NEWTON About Ask A Scientist Education At Argonne Banana vs Apple Decomposition 
Name: Lily F.
Status: student
Grade: 6-8
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 1/26/2006
Question:
What does a banana have that makes it decompose better than an apple, when it is put in a room with the temperature at 20 degrees celcius?

Replies:
Apples are slightly acidic so that helps slow decomposition compared to bananas, which are also softer and ripen best at room temperature.

Possibly helpful:

http://www.ams.usda.gov/howtobuy/fruit.htm

Anthony Brach Ph.D.


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