How to Get Your Kids Into STEM Even When Its Future Is Uncertain
Thinking about science and technology in terms of return on investment misses the point. Here’s what kids really need to know.
5 More Physics Equations Everyone Should Know
These five equations should be part of your mental toolkit. They might even improve your bowling score.
How Energy-Generating Sidewalks Work
These innovative pavings convert the kinetic energy of footsteps into clean electric energy.
What Is the Magnetic Constant and Why Does It Matter?
This persnickety number determines the strength of magnetic fields. It figures in everything from motors and generators to audio speakers. Oh, and without it we’d live in eternal darkness.
What Is the Electric Constant and Why Should You Care?
The force between electrical charges is kind of a big deal—without it, the universe would be a primordial soup and you would not exist. That force is determined by the electric constant.
AC or DC: Which Is Better?
Your gadgets run on direct current, but the electricity in your home is alternating current. What’s up with that?
Einstein Showed That Time Is Relative. But … Why Is It?
The mind-bending concept of time dilation results from a seemingly harmless assumption—that the speed of light is the same for all observers.
Space Elevators Could Totally Work—If Earth Days Were Much Shorter
What would it take to run a cable from the ISS to Earth? Depends how fast you want the Earth to rotate.
Are Those Viral ‘Cooling Blankets’ for Real?
According to physics, any blanket can cool you—for a few minutes. But a real cooling blanket is possible with phase-change materials.
Is Using a Stair Machine the Same as Climbing Stairs?
According to physics, one burns more calories than the other—and the winner might surprise you.