Science Questions Answered By Experts in the Field

The Cavendish Experiment To Measure the Gravitational Constant, G

December 21, 2012 by Paul A. Heckert, Ph.D. Leave a Comment

Newton's law of universal gravity. Image by DNA-Dennis

Reader’s question: How can we use the Cavendish experiment help us determine G, the gravitational constant, to measure the mass of the Earth?

Pages: 1 2

Filed Under: Ask the Expert, Headlines, Physics

Expansion of the Universe and Light Travel-Time from Distant Galaxies

December 19, 2012 by Paul A. Heckert, Ph.D. Leave a Comment

The Andromeda Galaxy Image Credit: Kitt Peak National Observatory.

The universe is expanding. Light from distant galaxies travels toward us even as the galaxies travel away from us; making light’s total travel time longer.

Pages: 1 2

Filed Under: Ask the Expert, Astronomy, Headlines

Is There a Connection Between a Burning Log and E=mc2?

December 18, 2012 by Mark Egdall Leave a Comment

Burning a Log. Heat breaks the bonds of carbohydrates (CnH2nOn) in the wood. The atoms then combine with oxygen from the air to produce CO2, CO, H2O, and electromagnetic radiation (heat and light).
Image Credit: Robert Craft, PublicDomainPictures.net.

Does Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc2, apply to the energy transfer that takes place when wood is burned? Mark Egdall answers this reader’s question here.

Pages: 1 2

Filed Under: Ask the Expert, Headlines, Physics

What is the Difference Between True Air Speed and Indicated Air Speed?

December 17, 2012 by Helen Krasner Leave a Comment

An aircraft's Indicated Airspeed and True Airspeed may be very different; image by Helen Krasner

Reader question: What’s the difference between true air speed (TAS) and indicated air speed (IAS) for pilots?

Filed Under: Ask the Expert, Aviation, Headlines

Are Credit Cards Flammable?

December 2, 2012 by Clara Piccirillo, PhD Leave a Comment

Credit cards are made of PVC. Photo by Andres Rueda.

Have you ever wondered whether a credit card would burn if you lit it on fire? Now you’ll know – hint: it’s not a very good idea to burn rigid PVC.

Pages: 1 2

Filed Under: Ask the Expert, Headlines, Materials Science Tagged With: credit cards, dioxins, oxygen index, Polyvinyl chloride

Decoded Science Ebooks

Using Social Science to Improve Your Health. Image by Gina Barrett Putt

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The Cavendish Experiment To Measure the Gravitational Constant, G

Expansion of the Universe and Light Travel-Time from Distant Galaxies

Is There a Connection Between a Burning Log and E=mc2?

What is the Difference Between True Air Speed and Indicated Air Speed?

Are Credit Cards Flammable?

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