"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Author: Isaac Gendler
Trolley Poles
09/06/24
“How can we transfer electricity from overhead wires to traction motors using cylindrical poles?”
Current collectors come in all shapes and sizes. Trolley poles are cylindrically shaped poles that bring electricity from overhead wires to power traction motors on trams and trains. Trolley poles were popular with earlier trams but have become less popular as more efficient current collectors have taken root.
Image credit https://upload.wikimedia.org/
Public Water Systems
09/05/24
“How does the US define utilities and organizations that provide drinking water?”
Organizations such as utilities provide drinking water to the public. These entities are categorized as Public Water Systems by the United States Federal Government. The US specifically defines water systems as organizations that provide “water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances to at least 15 service connections or serves an average of at least 25 people for at least 60 days a year.”.
Why Different Tree Species Grow at Different Speeds
09/04/24
“Why do different trees grow at different speeds?”
Trees grow by absorbing nutrients and other necessities like water, sunlight, and air. Different tree species absorb all of these differently, leading to different growth rates. This is Why Different Tree Species Grow at Different Speeds.
Why Wood is a Bad Electrical Conductor
09/03/24
“Why is wood a bad electrical conductor?”
Wood is a common material used by humans. It has very few free electrons, has a tight cellular structure, and may have natural oils and resins that inhibit electrical current. These all contribute to wood being a bad conductor. This is Why Wood is a Bad Electrical Conductor.
Drainage Divides
09/02/24
“What divides two different water basins from each other?”
Drainage Basins are areas that drain into a single point. These are separated by Drainage Divides, or the boundaries of drainage basins. Drainage divides are usually marked by the peaks of mountains.
Multivariate Regression
09/01/24
“How can we perform regression with multiple variables?”
We can use regression to determine the relationship between an input variable and an output variable. But what if we have multiple variables in either the input or output? Well, we use a technique called Multivariate Regression.
Human Impact on Sedimentation
08/31/24
“How can humans have an impact on sedimentation?”
Sedimentation occurs with the presence of sediments. Human activity such as dam creation or infrastructure construction can disrupt the environment by increasing the amount of sediment in the water.
Multiple-Unit Trains
08/30/24
“What happens when there are multiple train units connected to one another?”
Trains come in all shapes and sizes. Some have multiple carriages connected one after another. These are known as Multiple-Unit Trains and comprise a large portion of trains in operation today.
Heritage Streetcars
08/29/24
“Why do cities have heritage streetcars?”
Streetcars were historically a very popular form of urban transportation. However, with the arrival of the automobile and the introduction of more advanced trams, their popularity fell. Some cities have taken to preserving specific lines through Heritage Streetcars. Heritage streetcars can be seen in cities all over the world, from Nagasaki to San Francisco to Amsterdam.
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