Category: Physics

Why Airplane Wings Are Shaped Like They Are

Why Airplane Wings Are Shaped Like They Are

Why Airplane Wings Are Shaped Like They Are

04/03/18

“Why do Airplane Wings Have Their Shape?”

 

Airplane wings have a very peculiar shape. Their curved nature makes it seem as if they come from some science fiction movie. However, why exactly do they have their shape? Well, it turns out that it all comes from a very simple physical phenomenon, pressure. The wings are curved upwards such that more air goes below the wings, therefore creating a pressure difference that creates lift. Because of this, airplane wings have their futuristic look!

Why the Earth Does Not Technically Revolve Around the Sun

Why the Earth Does Not Technically Revolve Around the Sun

Why the Earth Does Not Technically Revolve Around the Sun

03/31/18

“Does the Earth really revolve around the sun?”

 

For the past few centuries it was thought to have been common knowledge that the Earth has revolved around the sun. However, when one looks at the physics closely, it turns out that the Earth does not revolve around the sun, but that it instead revolves around a common center of mass. Not only does the Earth revolve around this common center of mass, but also all of the other planets and even the sun! It just goes to show how a little knowledge of physics can upend one’s worldview.

Hawking Radiation

Hawking Radiation

Hawking Radiation

03/14/18

 

To the great sorrow of the world, the great physicist Stephen Hawking has passed away today. To celebrate his life, we here at Isaac’s Science Blog thought that it would be appropriate to write about his most famous work, Hawking Radiation.

 

“What was Stephen Hawking’s crowning achievement?”

 

Let’s think about something for a second. Black Holes are usually thought of as sinks where nothing, not even light can escape. But a few decades ago a very different thinker with the name Stephen Hawking came and looked at these phenomena very closely. After some further research, he found that these black holes actually emit something called Hawking Radiation, or a collection of photons, neutrinos, and other massless particles. An astonishing consequence of this is that since black holes lose this matter over time, they actually shrink and shrink until they completely disappear! This development led to Stephen Hawking receiving many prizes and honors. So on this day forward, let’s take some time to think about all of the contributions this great mind has done for science.

Transistor Saturation

Transistor Saturation

Transistor Saturation

03/11/18

“How can we get a transistor to pass current?”

 

Transistors are some of the most commonly used electronic devices in the world because of their ability to act like an electrically controlled switch. However, what exactly is it called when they act like an open circuit? Well, after many years of studying this, engineers and scientists have termed such an effect Transistor Saturation. Transistor Saturation occurs when the voltage difference between the base and emitter is around 0.7 volts and the collector and emitter is 0.1 volts.

Zener Diodes

Zener Diodes

Zener Diodes

03/03/18

“Is there a diode that can allow for current to flow in both directions?”

 

When you hear the word diode, you probably think of circuit elements that limit the current to only one direction. However, is it possible to have bidirectional current flow with a diode? Well, it turns out that there is something called a Zener diode which allows for exactly this! When Zener Diodes reach a certain critical value in the negative direction known as the Zener voltage, then a break will occur which will allow for current to pass through! As seen in the graph, the Zener voltage is much higher in magnitude than its positive equivalent. Zener diodes are commonly used in microelectronic system to regulate voltage.

Bioelectrical Resistance

Bioelectrical Resistance

Bioelectrical Resistance

01/23/18

“Can biological organisms resist electric current?”

 

Biological organisms have many properties. It turns out they also have some electrical resistance as well! This phenomenon is known as bioelectrical resistance and is usually caused by the exterior epidermis of organisms.

 

Solid Fuels

Solid Fuels

Solid Fuels

01/18/17

“Can fuel exist in a solid form?”

 

When we think of fuel, we often think of the liquid petroleum that exists within our car. However, not all fuel has to be in a fluid form. In fact, there is such a thing as solid fuels to create heat and power. Many of these solid fuels are very well known such as coal, plant biomass, charcoal, wood, and even municipal waste!

Ventilation

Ventilation

Ventilation

12/29/17

“How can we keep a building’s air fresh?”

 

Buildings are great for enclosing an interior space. However, if there is no contact with the outside, then the air inside will become trapped and polluted. So how can we make sure that fresh air is continually supplied without overcooling the building? Well, we can use something known as ventilation, that allows some air to pass in and some to pass out, creating a continuous cycling of air. Ventilation is a fundamental part of the built environment and has become of the most important standards.

The Physics of a Hanukkah Dreidel

The Physics of a Hanukkah Dreidel

The Physics of a Hanukkah Dreidel

12/12/17

“How does a Hanukkah dreidel spin?”

 

Hanukkah dreidels are great fun for people of all ages. These little tops are able to spin round and round with a very peculiar pattern. However, why exactly do they spin? Well, let’s use our scientific mindset to find out. All spinning objects with mass have a property called angular momentum. The more moment of inertia it has and the greater spin then the greater angular momentum it will have. Angular momentum tries to be conserved so a dreidel will try to keep on spinning when acting upon!

 

Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to everybody!!!