The Physics of Hot Air Balloons

What good is particle physics?

Most particle physics research is publicly funded, so it is fair that society asks if this is a good use of taxpayers’ money. In this video, Fermilab’s Dr. Don Lincoln explains how this research attempts to answer questions that have bothered humanity since time immemorial. And, for those with a more practical bent, he explains how this research is an excellent investment with a high rate of return for society.

 

How to Escape Quicksand

You probably won’t get stuck in quicksand. But if you do, you can use physics to get yourself out.

 

Einstein's miracle year - Larry Lagerstrom

As the year 1905 began, Albert Einstein faced life as a “failed” academic. Yet within the next twelve months, he would publish four extraordinary papers, each on a different topic, that were destined to radically transform our understanding of the universe. Larry Lagerstrom details these four groundbreaking papers.

Gravitational Lensing

In a long line of intellectual triumphs, Einstein’s theory of general relativity was his greatest and most imaginative. It tells us that what we experience as gravity can be most accurately described as the bending of space itself. This idea leads to consequences, including gravitational lensing, which is caused by light traveling in this curved space. This is works in a way analogous to a lens (and hence the name). In this video, Fermilab’s Dr. Don Lincoln explains a little general relativity, a little gravitational lensing, and tells us how this phenomenon allows us to map out the matter of the entire universe, including the otherwise-invisible dark matter.

 

The Radium Girls

SciShow explores the harrowing tale of the so-called Radium Girls, factory workers who were the first who for years worked with one of the world’s most radioactive substances -- and suffered the consequences.

 

Why Raindrops Are Mathematically Impossible

Rain shouldn't happen, according to basic physics.

 

Why do buildings fall in earthquakes? - Vicki V. May

Earthquakes have always been a terrifying phenomenon, and they’ve become more deadly as our cities have grown — with collapsing buildings posing one of the largest risks. But why do buildings collapse in an earthquake? And how can it be prevented? Vicki V. May explains the physics of why it is not the sturdiest buildings, but the smartest, that will remain standing.

 Lesson by Vicki V. May, animation by Pew36 Animation Studios.

Does The Moon Really Orbit The Earth?

According to Newton’s law of gravitation, the sun should “pull” way harder on the moon than the Earth does. So does the moon actually orbit the Earth? Why?

 

What Is A Semiconductor?

Semiconductors are in everything from your cell phone to rockets. But what exactly are they, and what makes them so special? Find out from Jamie, a Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT.

 

How Do Airplanes Fly?

How do airplanes fly?

 

The LHC Experiments

The Large Hadron Collider or LHC is the world’s biggest particle accelerator, but it can only get particles moving very quickly. To make measurements, scientists must employ particle detectors. There are four big detectors at the LHC: ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, and LHCb. In this video, Fermilab’s Dr. Don Lincoln introduces us to these detectors and gives us an idea of each one’s capabilities.

 

Using Lasers to Create Super-hydrophobic Materials

Scientists at the University of Rochester have used lasers to transform metals into extremely water repellent, or super-hydrophobic, materials without the need for temporary coatings.

 

What IS Angular Momentum?

Minute Physics provides an energetic and entertaining view of old and new problems in physics -- all in a minute!

 

How do Planetary Flybys Work?

NASA uses fly bys or gravity assists all the time, but what's actually going on? For more, including some links to mission proposals that take advantage of fly bys, check out my latest post over on Vintage Space.

 Title image via NASA. Music "The Coup" by AudioQuattro from Music Loops. Cheers to Jonathon Smith and JPL for the video.

For more Vintage Space, add me on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter as @astVintageSpace. And subscribe to Vintage Space on Popular Science for regular blog updates.

Amy Shira Teitel