The Lorentz factor
Simon has just graphed this to show how the Lorentz factor or gamma ( on the y axis) is dependent on the speed of the object (the x axis). The … Continue reading The Lorentz factor
Tag: Physics
The math behind why we can’t travel faster than light
Simon walks you through several special relativity paradoxes and a brief proof of why nothing can move faster than light. He shows the working out of the distance formula. Based … Continue reading The math behind why we can’t travel faster than light
Fundamental Frequency
We were reading “17 Equations that Changed the World” late last night, the chapter about the wave equation. Simon got all excited about timbres (shapes of sound waves), that are … Continue reading Fundamental Frequency
Looking at the Moon and Mars
Simon is interested in space again, since he has gravitated towards Physics and has been learning a lot of astrophysucal concepts. We had times when he didn’t bother to join … Continue reading Looking at the Moon and Mars
Water Fountain Powered by Sound Waves
We built a water fountain powered by sound waves! There is a little speaker attached to the bottom of the water basin. Warning: the sound frequencies in the video may … Continue reading Water Fountain Powered by Sound Waves
Horizontal force
Going for a walk quickly turns into yet another Physics experiment. “Here’s a challenge: what if you can force the ball down so much and induce so much horizontal motion … Continue reading Horizontal force
Serious answers
Simon told me this morning that he has found the answer to a question that bothered him so much lately -why photons (and gluons) violate E = mc². “It’s because … Continue reading Serious answers
No Limit
Mom, did you know there’s a density limit? Density is mass divided by size! If an object reaches the density limit it will become a black hole. If you have … Continue reading No Limit
Physics Experiments: Capillary Bowl
Simon really wanted to try building a capillary bowl – a version of a perpetual motion machine in which water circulates. Although aware of the fact that perpetual motion was … Continue reading Physics Experiments: Capillary Bowl
Photons Trapped in Flemish Woods
Simon isn’t fond of magic or fantasy. Plus, he is not fond of long walks in the woods. Both “not fond of” are understatements. What was I counting on when … Continue reading Photons Trapped in Flemish Woods
Geeks out of the box 