How to Sell a Particle Accelerator: Positron-Electron Love Explosions
Monday, May 20, 2013
While the discoveries and excitement surrounding the LHC have started to cool down, a new contender in particle physics is emerging. Over 2000 scientists are currently working on one of two competing particle accelerator proposals: the International Line... more

A Carbon Signature Revealed
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Imagine diving into the placid surface of a painting by Vermeer, parsing apart Klimt's bejeweled surfaces, or untangling Jackson Pollock's knots of paint. Art historians, collectors, and restoration scholars have long sought to uncover the methods of gre... more



 
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Cloaking Earthquakes

Scientists aim to "hide" buildings from seismic waves


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The Cyborg Scientist

Blurring the lines between man and machine with electronic implants


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"Living" Crystal Colonies

These inanimate crystals form colonies under UV-light, like bacteria
 
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Cracked Windshield Physics

The number of cracks in glass reveal the strength of projectile impacts


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Physics of the Bed of Nails

How do people lie on a bed of nails without leaving a mark?


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Paris Through a Water Drop

A water drop magnifies a view of Paris, shedding new light on the city
 
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How to Do a Handstand with Physics

Physics can help you master this move


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Detecting Schizophrenia with Magnetic Fields

Using physics to detect the brain disorder earlier


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Supersonic Ping Pong Bazooka

Engineers create a ping pong gun that breaks the sound barrier
 
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Backyard Roller Coaster Physics

Learn about centripetal force with a bucket of water


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Floating Ping-Pong Balls

Floating ping-pong balls can teach us how airplanes stay aloft


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Overflowing Surface Tension

How does water rise above a full glass without spilling?


 

Red Rover
May 15, 2013
Calla talks with Roger Wiens about NASA's successful and not-so-successful missions, including the recent Curiosity rover.

Listening to the Earth
May 08, 2013
Listening to various waves in the Earth can reveal the source and power of truck bombs, nuclear explosions, and natural disasters.
Read more on this podcast's blog post

Super Sticky Gecko Adhesive
May 01, 2013
A material inspired by gecko toe pads might be the ideal household adhesive: it can support hundreds of pounds but peels off easily.

Podcast Archive

PhysicsQuest

PhysicsQuest in full swing!

Henri VillainFinished with this year's PhysicsQuest? Want to receive a certificate for your class and the chance to win a class set of iPods? Then submit your answers here.  Only had time to do a few experiments?  No problem, even if you submit partial answers you will be in the drawing to receive iPods and other fabulous prizes.

It’s wintertime, and the swim team of Tesla Junior high has gone to Pasadena, CA for their yearly winter training camp.  The state championship meet is coming up, where they will face the unbeaten Edison Middle School Wizards of Menlo Park, IN. Coach Henri Toueaux will stop at nothing to secure a new trophy for his office, and he doesn’t care who he leaves in his wake, including his team.

The PhysicsQuest kits have been sent, and teachers across the country are helping Spectra stop H. Toueaux.  If you weren't able to receive a kit this year you can still be part of the fun.  Download the manual and create your own kit.  You can still submit answers, receive a certificate and be eligible for prizes.  Join our Facebook group to be part of the fun.

Learn more about PhysicsQuest

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Quantum Mechanics
An emerging branch of physics, brought into the spotlight by Albert Einstein in the 1900s, Quantum Mechanics looks at the behavior of matter and its interactions on the atomic and subatomic scales according to established principles.

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Science off the Sphere

Astronaut and chemist Dr. Don Pettit did physics demos that are out of this world while he was aboard the International Space Station. Now you can enjoy videos of his fantastic micro-gravity experiments safely on the surface!

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PhysicsCentral runs programs for all ages with the goal of making physics fun and interesting for everyone. From coloring books to at home experiments we have something perfect for you and your students to enjoy. 

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