Faraday brings light and magnetism together (1845)
Faraday was not alone in envisioning a single theory encompassing all physical phenomena. Indeed, once Ørsted discovered that a magnetic compass needle could be deflected by an electric current, the relationship of electricity and magnetism, as well as other forces, was very much on the minds of physicists. Faraday, however, led the charge in actually demonstrating these relations.
It’s snowing in my nation’s capitol, and around here, people suck at driving in slippery conditions. I would have gladly taken the day off, but the Office of Personnel Management’s web page listed the operating status as “OPEN: All employees are expected to report for work on time” when I checked it. So I schlepped in. Apparently, about eight nanoseconds after I checked it, they changed the status to “OPEN under a DELAYED ARRIVAL/UNSCHEDULED LEAVE policy” Buggerall.
Anyway, the important point for drivers around here is that the coefficient of static friction is generally larger than the coefficient of kinetic friction. Translation: once your wheels start to slip, they will tend to continue to slip. You usually want to slow your wheels down, not speed them up, when that happens.
Tips on lab write-ups at Uncertain Principles
Not only were you able to [verb] the [noun], you did [verb] the [noun]. Say that directly.
My nit: when I was TA-ing it was a battle to disabuse them of the notion that “experimental error” is “the difference between our answer and the one in the book”
Reflecting on a new generation of mirrors
Hicks, a mathematician at Drexel University, Philadelphia, used computer algorithms to generate the mirror’s bizarre surface, which curves and bends in different directions. The curves direct rays from an object across the mirror’s face before sending them back to the viewer, flipping the conventional mirror image.
Because you can’t slip and mess up the pattern when you’re 95% done.
Previously: Not the Same as Gauche
Two-story slide lets you get from the third floor to the lobby in a fun and fast manner.
For the less adventurous, the options of using the stairs or a lift remain.
I won’t care.
Introducing the gel-filled army helmet that will crush bullets as they penetrate it
[T]he aim is to produce a new liner made from the miracle gel, which will absorb much of the energy of an impact from a bullet – reducing the chances of it penetrating the outer layer and softening the shock to a soldier’s skull and neck