"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Legal Takings
09/08/24
“How can the government legally take private property for public use?”
A government may want to take private property for its own use. This can be accomplished through a Legal Taking, where a government seizes private property for public use. In the US, a legal taking requires just compensation for the (former) owner. Legal takings may happen for a number of reasons, ranging from managed retreat to infrastructure construction.
Why Municipal Combined Storm Sewer Systems May Overflow With Pollution During Floods
09/07/24
“Why may municipal combined storm sewer systems overflow with pollution during floods?”
Municipal combined storm sewer systems use the same drainage pipes for both stormwater and wastewater. The resulting water flow is usually treated after the end. When there is a flood, the normal wastewater combined with the extra stormwater may overflow the pipes, causing the pollution to be dumped into water bodies. This is Why Municipal Combined Storm Sewer Systems May Overflow With Pollution During Floods
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.
Isaac's Science Blog 