Category Archives: Mathematics

Algebra, Energy, Mathematics, Physics, Space, Time

“Pow”! “Bang”! The Physics of Superheroes

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A photograph showing a few frames of a Marvel superheroes comic book. Two masked superheroes - one wearing a red outfit and the other one with a green outfit - are flying through space. The captions read: Red Man "You can open your eyes now. There they are." Green man "Wait. I'm confused. If we're smaller than light particles now. How are we even seeing?" Red Man "You're not... Not in any human way. The five senses become something else entirely at this quantum level. Your mind's doing you a favour. It's processing all this into familiar visuals so you won't go insane. By the way, you're not breathing oxygen either. It's best not to think about it." Green Man "No kidding." Superheroes smaller than photon-life.Physics meets Comic-Book Superheroes

The Physics of Superheroes is a popular science book by  James Kakalios, a Physics professor at the School of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Minnesota, and a long-time comic-book fan.  Continue reading “Pow”! “Bang”! The Physics of Superheroes →

Algebra, Astronomy, Cosmology, Energy, Geometry, Gravity, History of Science, Mathematics, Matter, Physics, Relativity

The Field Equations of General Relativity

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An artist's impression of the Earth's gravity field as described in Einstein's General Relativity.

Keeping It Relatively Simple

The Einstein Field Equations of General Relativity are vast and complex, but they can be written with deceptive simplicity.  Using modern notation, the field equations can be formulated as

\boldsymbol G = \frac {- 8 \pi G}{c^4} \boldsymbol T   Continue reading The Field Equations of General Relativity →

Algebra, Cosmology, History of Science, Mathematics, Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Space, Time

60-Second Adventures in Thought

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A picture illustrating the Hilbert's Infinite Hotel. Image: The Open University6 Short Videos about the Philosophy of Maths and Science

The Open University has created a series of 6 short animated iTunes videos about the Philosophy behind Maths and Science.   Continue reading 60-Second Adventures in Thought →

Algebra, Astronomy, Cosmology, Electricity, Energy, Geometry, Gravity, History of Science, Magnetism, Mathematics, Matter, Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Space, Time, Waves

60-Second Hilarious Adventures in Astronomy

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A slide picture from 60 seconds in Astronomy, showing English astronomer on holiday. Image: The Open University12 Short Videos about the Physics of the Cosmos

The Open University has teamed up with “geek chic” comedian David Mitchell to release a series of 12 short animated YouTube videos about the Physics of the Cosmos: “60-Second Adventures in Astronomy”.  A real treat.  And it’s educational!  If you have only 60 seconds, you can now learn everything we know about matter, energy, life, the Universe and everything…

Continue reading 60-Second Hilarious Adventures in Astronomy →

Astronomy, Cosmology, Energy, Gravity, History of Science, Mathematics, Matter, Physics, Space, Time

The Standard Model

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... but what is a Higgs Boson?

20th Century World View

The Standard Model of Particle Physics is a theory about the electromagnetic, weak and strong nuclear interactions, developed throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, as a worldwide collaborative effort.  Continue reading The Standard Model →

Astronomy, Electricity, Energy, Environment, Magnetism, Mathematics, Matter, Physics, Space, Waves

Lightning and the Earth’s Electric Field

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A photograph showing some spectacular lightning bolts above a city skyline at night.Earth’s Electric Field

The Earth has an electric field.  On average, this field points vertically downwards and it has a magnitude of about 100 N C-1 (Newtons per Coulomb).  It exists because the Earth’s surface carries a negative charge of – 5 x 105 C, while the upper atmosphere carries a compensating positive charge.  An average of 400,000 thunderstorms a day  Continue reading Lightning and the Earth’s Electric Field →

Algebra, Mathematics

Calculus

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Essential Derivatives

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Algebra, Energy, Environment, Gravity, History of Science, Mathematics, Physics, Space, Time

Fallen from Outer Space…

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A photograph of Daredevil Felix Baumgartner, as he boldly prepares to jump off his high altitude capsule for the ultimate record-breaking space dive on 14th October 2012.

Record-Breaking Space Dive

14th October 2012.  During his ultimate high-altitude parachute jump, Felix Baumgartner spends approximately 4 minutes and 22 seconds in freefall, at the maximum speed of 1,342 kilometres per hour.  Continue reading Fallen from Outer Space… →

Algebra, Geometry, History of Science, Mathematics, Physics

Constant Matters

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Pi_NumberPhysical Constants (SI Units)

Avogadro Constant N_{A} = 6.022 \times 10^{23} mol^{-1}

Bohr Radius a_0 = 5.29 \times 10^{-11} m

Boltzmann Constant k = 1.381 \times 10^{-23} JK^{-1}

Charge on an Electron e = - 1.602 \times 10^{-19} C

Gravitational Constant G = 6.673 \times 10^{-11} Nm^{2} kg^{-2}

Magnitude of Acceleration due to Gravity g = 9.81 m s^{-2}

Permeability of Free Space \mu_{0} = 4 \pi \times 10^{-7} T m A^{-1}

Permittivity of Free Space \epsilon_{0} = 8.854 \times 10^{-12} C^{2} N^{-1} m^{-2}

Speed of Light in a vacuum c = 2.998 \times 10^{8} m s^{-1}