Dot Physics – Page 19 – Esoteric news

May 20, 2016

A New Record for Physics Graduates

Seven people graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in physics. This is a big deal. No, really. The post A New Record for Physics Graduates appeared first on WIRED.

May 17, 2016

The Independence Day: Resurgence Spaceship Has Its Own Gravity

In the trailer for Independence Day: Resurgence, the alien spacecraft seems to gravitationally lift some buildings. What kind of mass would it have to have to do this? The post The Independence Day: Resurgence Spaceship Has Its Own Gravity appeared first on WIRED.

May 16, 2016

Physics Says Hollywood Shrank the Angry Birds for Their Leading Roles

In a previous analysis of the Angry Birds game, I found the size of the birds to be quite large. How big are the birds in the Angry Birds Movie? The post Physics Says Hollywood Shrank the Angry Birds for Their Leading Roles appeared first on WIRED.

May 11, 2016

Go Ahead, Connect an Inductor and Capacitor and See What Happens

What happens when you connect a charged capacitor to an inductor? You get an oscillating circuit. Here's how it all works. The post Go Ahead, Connect an Inductor and Capacitor and See What Happens appeared first on WIRED.

May 10, 2016

No, Jose Ramirez’s Helmet Doesn’t Defy the Laws of Physics

In this clip, José Ramírez kicks his helmet as it falls off his head. The helmet appears to both fly backwards and land on second base. Here's how it works. The post No, Jose Ramirez's Helmet Doesn't Defy the Laws of Physics appeared first on WIRED.

May 5, 2016

Whoa: A Tesla Coil Can Zap Nanotubes Into Long Nanowires

Researchers at Rice University have found a new method for assembling carbon nanotubes into wires using high electric fields produced by a Tesla coil. The post Whoa: A Tesla Coil Can Zap Nanotubes Into Long Nanowires appeared first on WIRED.

May 4, 2016

Happy May the 4th! Let’s Break Down a Super Star Destroyer’s Super Death

In this scene from Return of the Jedi, a Super Star Destroyer crashes into the Death Star. What can we learn from a physics analysis of this event? The post Happy May the 4th! Let's Break Down a Super Star Destroyer's Super Death appeared first on WIRED.

April 29, 2016

Don’t Put a Crane Outside a Physicist’s Window if You Don’t Want Some Math

With construction next door, I keep seeing physics examples. Here I calculate the torque and forces on a large crane. The post Don't Put a Crane Outside a Physicist's Window if You Don't Want Some Math appeared first on WIRED.

April 26, 2016

If Your Science Professors Aren’t Confusing, They’re Doing It Wrong

Students say they prefer science classes with "clear cut" answers. Sadly, real learning is never so straightforward. The post If Your Science Professors Aren't Confusing, They're Doing It Wrong appeared first on WIRED.

April 21, 2016

Civil War’s Winter Soldier Couldn’t Survive This Giant Jump

In this clip from Captain America Civil War, the Winter Soldier jumps down from a great height. What kind of acceleration would he have on landing? The post Civil War's Winter Soldier Couldn't Survive This Giant Jump appeared first on WIRED.