"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Physics
Diffusion Contaminant Transport
03/02/25
“Why do contaminants diffuse from zones of great concentration to lower concentration?”
Contaminants enter substances in different concentrations. If the medium allows it, a contaminant will diffuse from a zone of high concentration to one of lower concentration. This Diffusion Contaminant Transport is important in understanding how contaminants move in substances like groundwater.
Flash Point (Materials)
12/29/24
“What’s the point where liquid materials catch fire?”
Flaming liquids are a marvel to behold. The juxtaposition of a chaotic physical structure engulfed by a menacing fire produces a fascinating spectacle. But how does this work? Well, all liquids have a vapor pressure associated with them. At a certain set of conditions called the Flash Point, the concentration of the liquid’s vapor in the surrounding atmosphere will suffice for ignition when a combustion source is applied.
Why Oil is Used in Cooking
12/27/24
“Why do people use oil to cook?”
The art and science of cooking involves using heat to warm up food. The more efficiently a medium transfers heat, the more efficiently it will cook. Oils can cook at higher temperatures than water, allowing for faster and more even cooking. Some oils will also impart a delicious flavor to what’s cooked. This is Why Oil is Used in Cooking.
Why Kelvin Scale Simplifies Energy Calculations
12/20/24
“Why does the Kelvin scale simplify energy calculations?”
Celsius is the standard temperature scale for measuring weather since the freezing point for water is set at zero. But this makes energy calculations difficult because the use of negative numbers makes direct conversion impossible without modification. Kelvin scale fixes this because its zero point is at absolute zero, removing all negative numbers and making all kinetic energy measurements directly proportional to temperature. This is Why Kelvin Scale Simplifies Energy Calculations.
Rheology
12/12/24
“What is the study of the flow of matter?”
Flows happen in matter, whether it’s in a liquid, gas, or even a soft solid. The science behind studying material flow phenomena is called Rheology. Rheology has direct insights for physics, engineering, materials science, physiology, and chemistry.
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.
Block and Tackles
08/21/24
“How can two or more pulleys be used together to lift heavy objects?”
Pulleys can use mechanical advantage to transmit greater force than inputs. Any system with two or more pulleys with a rope or cable connecting them is known as a Block and Tackle. Block and tackles are one of the main mechanisms behind cranes.
ColloidsAand Dispersion
08/17/24
“What are substances that are evenly dispersed throughout another?”
Substances that are suspended throughout another retain their distinct properties. If they are distributed three-dimensionally evenly around the solvent they are labeled colloids. Everyday colloid substances include paint, memory foam, and mayonnaise. This is how Colloids And Dispersion work.
Phosphorous Water Pollution Remediation
08/13/24
“How can we remove phosphorous pollution from water?”
Phosphorous pollution can lead to algae outbreaks in water bodies, choking off life that lives there. So how can we take phosphorous pollution out of the water? Well, it turns out there are many ways to do this. Phosphorous can be removed chemically through iron and aluminum coagulants, biologically through specialized bacteria, or physically through sand filtration and membrane technologies. Phosphorous Water Pollution Remediation is a necessary step to healing tainted water.
Image credit https://news.illinois.edu/
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