21 March 2003

Wanderings

by Ralph J. Coppola
r_j_coppola@hotmail.com

This week's highlight is brought to us by the Physics Dept. of Mercer University of Macom GA. They have a page containing a collection of Non Classical Pendula. This reference links to many other resources, one of which … A Symmetric Differential Capacitive (SDC) Sensor may prove to be of interest to the amateur.

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The 118 Atomflowers® Of The Periodic Table presents a very unusual way to view the elements. For a more "normal" view have a look at WebElements Periodic table. Both of these links were found on the Matchrockets pages.

Here is a link to another site providing Online Seismometer Data. This time it's from the Dept of Physics at Harvey Mudd University.

The Experimental Aircraft Association and The Corrosion Doctors have information on The Galvanic Series. The tables list metals in the order of their relative susceptibility to corrosion in a seawater environment. Note … the metals do not have to be immersed in seawater to be affected. This can be a valuable reference for someone who is building a project that may be exposed to the weather.

Some of us use rechargeable NICAD batteries in various devices. To get the maximum "bang-for-the-buck" they require a bit more care than the regular carbon-zinc or alkyd batteries. Have a look at Jerry Smith's The Care and Feeding of NiCad Batteries

Here is an interesting article on the work of Jagadis Chandra Bose's RF research with mm wavelengths … circa 1890's!

 

The Kids Room

The Physics Instructional Resource Association (PIRA) exists to serve the needs of Physics Instructional Support Professionals through sharing ideas about demonstrations, laboratory activities, learning centres, and instructional resources in general.

Future Scientists and Engineers of America (FSEA) is a national non-profit organisation which provides the structure, project material, documentation and workshop training necessary to establish after school technology clubs in K-12 schools. The FSEA program focuses on technology that can easily and readily be implemented in every school.

You can learn a lot of science in a junkyard. Here's a link to the Discovery Kids Operation Junkyard TV show that can be seen on NBC at Saturday am.

The National Science Foundation's goal is to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defence

 

From The Far Side

Urban legend … a hoax … or the real thing? In any case, The Tale of the Radioactive Boy Scout is definitely another one of those "Don't try this at home" things. This clip was found on The Dangerous Laboratory web site. All kidding aside, check out their BioDiesel page which shows how to make diesel fuel out of waste vegetable oil. That is, if you don't mind your car's exhaust smelling like fried chicken. 8-)

A number of years ago, there was some mention in the media of Maurice Ward, an amateur chemist, who discovered a plastic, called Starlite. A thin coating of this plastic was said to be able to withstand temperatures of 2,700 degrees C. Fact … or … hoax? What ever happened to Mr. Ward and his Starlite?