The Mesmerizing Math of a Wind Turbine on Fire

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The Mesmerizing Math of a Wind Turbine on Fire

This video shows a wind turbine on fire making a crazy helix. Here’s how to model this motion in 3D. The post The Mesmerizing Math of a Wind Turbine on Fire appeared first onWIRED.

Earthquakes in the Cape Verde Islands Could Signal an Explosive Eruption to Come

Earthquakes at Brava in the Cape Verde Islands mean it could be waking up after millennia of quiet. Also, eruptions in Indonesia are disrupting air traffic. The post Earthquakes in the Cape Verde Islands Could Signal an Explosive Eruption to Come appeared first on WIRED.

An Electrical Fire May Have Sparked a Mini-Volcano in Iraq

An electrical fire under a building in Iraq looks to have created its own mini-volcano. The post An Electrical Fire May Have Sparked a Mini-Volcano in Iraq appeared first on WIRED.

The Physics Behind a Madman’s Parachute-Free Skydive Into a Giant Net

In this stunt, Luke Aikins jumps from a plane and lands in a net without using a parachute. Here are some physics questions and answers. The post The Physics Behind a Madman’s Parachute-Free Skydive Into a Giant Net appeared first on WIRED.

It’s Hot, But the Heat Index Means It Feels Even Hotter

What is the heat index and how do you calculate it? The post It’s Hot, But the Heat Index Means It Feels Even Hotter appeared first on WIRED.

The Physics of Trying to Crash Into the Sun

Why is it so difficult to crash into the Sun? This numerical calculation in python shows just how difficult it can be. Homework questions included. The post The Physics of Trying to Crash Into the Sun appeared first on WIRED.

Think Explosions Are the Only Way to Form Calderas? Think Again

Not all caldera are made the same, but we got to watch one type form during the 2014-15 Holuhraun eruption in Iceland. The post Think Explosions Are the Only Way to Form Calderas? Think Again appeared first on WIRED.

No, the Death Star Isn’t Impossibly Big in the Rogue One Poster. We Did the Math

People are complaining about the size of the Death Star in the Rogue One poster. Here’s how you could actually make that picture. The post No, the Death Star Isn’t Impossibly Big in the Rogue One Poster. We Did the Math appeared first on WIRED.

Hey Let’s Do the Physics of a Crazy Person Launching From a Huge Slingshot

Here is a stunt that launches humans into the air with a giant slingshot. The humans then parachute down. It’s a great introductory physics problem. The post Hey Let’s Do the Physics of a Crazy Person Launching From a Huge Slingshot appeared first on WIRED.

Could a Volcano Be Waking Up on the Outskirts of Rome?

New research on the Alban Hills south of Rome suggest that it could be heading into a new eruptive period. The post Could a Volcano Be Waking Up on the Outskirts of Rome?appeared first on WIRED.

Annotated Volcano: A Volcano’s Shape Can Tell You How It Will Erupt

You can get a sense of the type of eruption a volcano tends to have based on the shape of the volcano itself. The post Annotated Volcano: A Volcano’s Shape Can Tell You How It Will Erupt appeared first on WIRED.

How to Use Python to Teach High School Physics

I recently facilitated two workshops for high school teachers to introduce them to python in physics. Here are my lessons learned. The post How to Use Python to Teach High School Physics appeared first on WIRED.

Here’s How Fast Harry Potter‘s Treasure Trap Would Kill You

In this scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a magical trap creates treasure that continuously multiplies. How long would it take to fill a room? The post Here’s How FastHarry Potter‘s Treasure Trap Would Kill You appeared first on WIRED.

Physics Says The BFG Shouldn’t Just Look Like a Giant Human

In the movie The BFG, a giant looks like a human but just bigger. But big things are not the same as small things. The post Physics Says The BFG Shouldn’t Just Look Like a Giant Human appeared first on WIRED.

If Y’all Keep This Up, Every Baby Will Be Named Rhett by 2020

I have noticed an increase in the use of “Rhett” as a name. This leads to the question: When will all children be named Rhett? The post If Y’all Keep This Up, Every Baby Will Be Named Rhett by 2020 appeared first on WIRED.

Lassen Peak Is Sinking, and Volcanologists Don’t Know Why

New data shows that the area around California’s Lassen Peak is sinking, but exactly why is unclear. The post Lassen Peak Is Sinking, and Volcanologists Don’t Know Whyappeared first on WIRED.

Jay Leno Can’t Do Flips in a Car and Not Expect Us to Do the Physics

In this video, Jay Leno rides with Bob Riggle in a high power car. The car pulls a wheelie and then ends up rolling. Here is the physics behind both of these events. The post Jay Leno Can’t Do Flips in a Car and Not Expect Us to Do the Physics appeared first on WIRED.

Central American Volcanoes Let Out Spectacular Eruptions

Five volcanoes across three Central American countries have people’s attention after a restless weekend. The post Central American Volcanoes Let Out Spectacular Eruptionsappeared first on WIRED.

We Can Prove Why Extra Mass on Bike Wheels Is Your Worst Enemy

There’s a saying that adding mass to the wheel of a bike has twice the impact compared to adding the same mass to the frame. Why would that be true? The post We Can Prove Why Extra Mass on Bike Wheels Is Your Worst Enemy appeared first on WIRED.

The Punishing Physics of Your Favorite Ninja Warrior Stunts

Here are five great examples of physics from Ninja Warrior. The post The Punishing Physics of Your Favorite Ninja Warrior Stunts appeared first on WIRED.

Is Iceland’s Hekla Volcano Really About to Blow?

An Icelandic geologist said he thinks Hekla is ready to erupt, but without official word, it is hard to tell the real threat. The post Is Iceland’s Hekla Volcano Really About to Blow?appeared first on WIRED.

The Right Way to Write About the Volcanic Apocalypse

All the volcanoes on Earth will never erupt at once. However, it is a great example of how and how not to communicate science. The post The Right Way to Write About the Volcanic Apocalypse appeared first on WIRED.

The Physics of Cars Catching Insane Air Off a Bump in a Highway

This hot highway has a buckle in the road. Why do solids expand when heated? How far would a car jump? What does this do to traffic? The post The Physics of Cars Catching Insane Air Off a Bump in a Highway appeared first on WIRED.

This Is the Only Way to Solve the Three-Body Problem

What is the three body problem and how do you solve it? Really, the only way to solve this problem is with a numerical calculation. The post This Is the Only Way to Solve the Three-Body Problem appeared first on WIRED.

Volcanoes Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Pinatubo’s Eruption With Some Epic Rumbles

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Pinatubo eruptions, volcanoes in Colombia, Russia and Nicaragua keep rumbling. The post Volcanoes Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Pinatubo’s Eruption With Some Epic Rumbles appeared first on WIRED.

It’s Tougher to Be Bored Than Ever Before. And That’s No Good

Boredom isn’t such a bad thing. Put down your phone and let yourself be bored. Here are some things your kids can do this summer. The post It’s Tougher to Be Bored Than Ever Before. And That’s No Good appeared first on WIRED.

Annotated Volcano: Exploring Pinatubo’s Devastating Eruption, 25 Years Later

It’s been 25 years since the massive eruption of Pinatubo in the Philippines, but its remarkable to see how quickly the land has recovered. The post Annotated Volcano: Exploring Pinatubo’s Devastating Eruption, 25 Years Later appeared first on WIRED.

Are Expensive Bicycle Wheels Worth the Money? Let’s Check the Physics

If you decrease the drag by just a little bit, you can get significant power savings on a bicycle. However, these savings are only worthwhile at high speeds. The post Are Expensive Bicycle Wheels Worth the Money? Let’s Check the Physics appeared first on WIRED.

The Physics Behind Captain America’s Ricocheting Shield

Captain America likes to throw his shield so that it bounces off multiple surfaces. How difficult would these kinds of throws be? The post The Physics Behind Captain America’s Ricocheting Shield appeared first on WIRED.

Check Out the New Lava Flows From Kilauea and Piton de la Fournaise

Two island volcanoes in the middle of the Pacific and Indian oceans had new lava flows last week. The post Check Out the New Lava Flows From Kilauea and Piton de la Fournaiseappeared first on WIRED.

How the Textbook Industry Tries to Hook Your Prof

Textbook reps often stop by to promote a particular book. Here are my thoughts on physics textbooks in general. The post How the Textbook Industry Tries to Hook Your Profappeared first on WIRED.

Please Don’t Blame Mars for This Week’s Explosive Volcanic Eruptions

Despite what people might claim, the busy week in volcanism isn’t part of a greater pattern or magical planetary alignment. The post Please Don’t Blame Mars for This Week’s Explosive Volcanic Eruptions appeared first on WIRED.

We Swear There’s a Reason to Model This Ball Bouncing Off a Wall

When light reflects off a mirror, the incident angle is equal to the reflected angle. Is the same true for a ball bouncing off a wall? The post We Swear There’s a Reason to Model This Ball Bouncing Off a Wall appeared first on WIRED.

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.

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 TheIndependence Day: Resurgence Spaceship Has Its Own Gravity appeared first on WIRED.

A New Earthquake Swarm Is Rocking Oregon’s Mt. Hood

Hood has joined St. Helens in a reminder that the Cascades are full of potentially active volcanoes. The post A New Earthquake Swarm Is Rocking Oregon’s Mt. Hood appeared first on WIRED.

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.

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.

Satellites Are Keeping a Close Eye on Remote Eruptions

Two remote volcanoes had eruptions over the last week. Meanwhile, things heated up in Chile and cooled down in New Zealand. The post Satellites Are Keeping a Close Eye on Remote Eruptions appeared first on WIRED.

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.

Mount St. Helens Is Recharging Its Magma Stores, Setting Off Earthquake Swarms

Mount St. Helens in Washington may have been quiet at the surface since 2008, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t recharging for the next one. The post Mount St. Helens Is Recharging Its Magma Stores, Setting Off Earthquake Swarms appeared first on WIRED.

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.

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.

New Zealand’s White Island Volcano Rumbles to Life and Paints Itself Green

White Island had its first small eruption since 2013. Also, updates from Ruapehu, Nyiragongo and Turrialba. The post New Zealand’s White Island Volcano Rumbles to Life and Paints Itself Green appeared first on WIRED.

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.

Annotated Volcano: A Spectacular View of Tenerife From the ISS

A spectacular view of Tenerife in the Canary Island shows off its volcanic history. The post Annotated Volcano: A Spectacular View of Tenerife From the ISS appeared first onWIRED.

Erupting Russian Volcanoes Could Make a Mess of Your Flight

It is as volcanically busy as ever in the remote Kamchatka Peninsula, and even relatively small eruptions in the region could impact aircraft. The post Erupting Russian Volcanoes Could Make a Mess of Your Flight appeared first on WIRED.

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.

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.

No, This Weekend’s Big Twin Earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador Won’t Cause Eruptions

Two big earthquakes in the matter of a few days. Are they connected and will they trigger eruptions? The answer is “no” on both fronts. The post No, This Weekend’s Big Twin Earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador Won’t Cause Eruptions appeared first on WIRED.

Calculate Your Way to Special Relativity Just Like Einstein

What happens when you look at the electromagnetic force from two different reference frames? The answer: Special Relativity The post Calculate Your Way to Special Relativity Just Like Einstein appeared first on WIRED.

How Breakthrough Starshot’s Tiny Spacecraft Can Hack Physics to Go Interstellar

The goal of the Starshot program is to create small nanocraft to travel at very high speeds in order to reach another star. Why so small? The post How Breakthrough Starshot’s Tiny Spacecraft Can Hack Physics to Go Interstellar appeared first on WIRED.

The Physics of That Crazy Ricochet Hole in One at the Masters

During the 2016 US Masters Oosthuizen had a shot that deflected off another ball to result in a hole in one on a par 3. Here is a look at the physics of this event. The post The Physics of That Crazy Ricochet Hole in One at the Masters appeared first on WIRED.

Dang, the Death Star Is Coming Together Quick in the New Star Wars Trailer

A scene in the Rogue One trailer shows the assembly of the Death Star. How fast was the dish piece moving? Homework included. The post Dang, the Death Star Is Coming Together Quick in the New Star Wars Trailer appeared first on WIRED.

The Physics Behind Another Bogus Perpetual Motion Machine

I said I wouldn’t look at these silly machines anymore, but I decided to do another one. Here is a popular video showing a perpetual motion machine and the reason it won’t work. The post The Physics Behind Another Bogus Perpetual Motion Machine appeared first on WIRED.

Annotated Volcano: Check Out the Craters and Lava Flows of Eritrea’s Nabro

The 2011-12 eruption of Nabro in Eritrea left quite an altered landscape covered in ash and lava flows. The post Annotated Volcano: Check Out the Craters and Lava Flows of Eritrea’s Nabro appeared first on WIRED.

Would Magneto Get Whiplash if Quicksilver Pushed Him Out of Danger? No, He’d Just Die

In X-Men: Days of Future Past, Quicksilver rescues Magneto by running really fast through a hallway. What kind of acceleration would this require? The post Would Magneto Get Whiplash if Quicksilver Pushed Him Out of Danger? No, He’d Just Die appeared first on WIRED.

Three Ways to Make a Rocket From a Bottle (Bonus: GIFs!)

Here are three different methods to make a rocket – water and air, soda and butane or liquid nitrogen and water. The post Three Ways to Make a Rocket From a Bottle (Bonus: GIFs!) appeared first on WIRED.

Science Education Is Woefully Uncreative. That Has to Change

Is science a creative endeavor? Yes! However, most people don’t think so, so our science classes are typically deficient in creativity. The post Science Education Is Woefully Uncreative. That Has to Change appeared first on WIRED.

Alaska’s Volcano Cools Down, While a Chilean One Heats Up

After one of the most vigorous eruptions in decades, Alaska’s Pavlof calms down. Also, updates from Copahue and Kanlaon. The post Alaska’s Volcano Cools Down, While a Chilean One Heats Up appeared first on WIRED.

Pavlof’s Unexpected Eruption in Alaska Spews Ash 20,000 Feet High

After over a year of quiet, Pavlof in Alaska erupted unexpectedly and in impressive fashion. The post Pavlof’s Unexpected Eruption in Alaska Spews Ash 20,000 Feet High appeared first on WIRED.

You Can Solve Quantum Mechanics’ Classic Particle in a Box Problem With Code

The classic quantum mechanics problem is a particle in a 1-D box. Here is a numerical solution to that problem. The post You Can Solve Quantum Mechanics’ Classic Particle in a Box Problem With Code appeared first on WIRED.

Annotated Volcanoes: Let’s Explore Argentina’s Ancient Cerro el Condor … From Space!

The Andes are a great place to see well-preserved volcanic features from space. The post Annotated Volcanoes: Let’s Explore Argentina’s Ancient Cerro el Condor … From Space!appeared first on WIRED.

Sure, Superman Has X-Ray Vision. But How Would It Actually Work?

In both the comics and the movies, Superman has the power of X-ray vision. How would this work and what other ways could you see through stuff? The post Sure, Superman Has X-Ray Vision. But How Would It Actually Work? appeared first on WIRED.

I’m So Totally Over Newton’s Laws of Motion

Just about every physics textbook starts off with Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. This is the wrong approach for learning physics. The post I’m So Totally Over Newton’s Laws of Motion appeared first on WIRED.

Blasts at Costa Rica’s Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Hint at Something Big

The recent explosions at Costa Rica’s Rincón de la Vieja might be small, but they could be signs of larger things to come. The post Blasts at Costa Rica’s Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Hint at Something Big appeared first on WIRED.

Captain America’s Kick Would Only Work if He Was Rocket-Powered

In a trailer for Captain America Civil War, one clip shows Cap kicking a soldier who then flies back. Is momentum conserved in this collision? The post Captain America’s Kick Would Only Work if He Was Rocket-Powered appeared first on WIRED.

If You Like Volcanoes Behaving Badly, Follow Them on Twitter

Quite a few volcano observatories or volcano monitoring agencies are on Twitter, giving us the latest news of eruption to the second. The post If You Like Volcanoes Behaving Badly, Follow Them on Twitter appeared first on WIRED.

6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Pi

March 14th is Pi Day, so here are some fun aspects of Pi that you might not know. The post 6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Pi appeared first on WIRED.

The Physics of Buster’s Epic End in the MythBusters Finale

In the final episode of The MythBusters, Buster the crash test dummy went on one last mission to ride a rocket sled. What was his acceleration? The post The Physics of Buster’s Epic End in the MythBusters Finale appeared first on WIRED.

Does a Solar Eclipse Change the Earth’s Temperature?

When we get a solar eclipse, does it have an impact on the global temperature? Here are some rough estimations to get an answer. The post Does a Solar Eclipse Change the Earth’s Temperature? appeared first on WIRED.

Think You Can Drive Fast Enough to Escape an Erupting Volcano?

Gigantic eruptions from volcanoes strike terror in most people, but new research suggests that you might just be able to get out of harm’s way in time. The post Think You Can Drive Fast Enough to Escape an Erupting Volcano? appeared first on WIRED.

The 4 Most Important Things MythBusters Taught the World

Science is just like other activities that make us human: art, music, and emoji (actually, just kidding about the emoji). The post The 4 Most Important Things MythBusters Taught the World appeared first on WIRED.

Doing Loops in a Tomorrowland Jet Pack Might Kill You

In the movie Tomorrowland, people have jetpacks (or rocket packs). Here is an analysis of the acceleration of a rocket pack. The post Doing Loops in a Tomorrowland Jet Pack Might Kill You appeared first on WIRED.

Ecuador’s Tungurahua Volcano Is Spewing Ash 4 Miles High

Tungurahua picked up where it left off in 2015 with some impressive explosions. The post Ecuador’s Tungurahua Volcano Is Spewing Ash 4 Miles High appeared first on WIRED.

The Physics of Dropping Out of a Plane in an Inflatable Ball

The MythBusters wanted to test if you could survive a fall in an inflatable ball. But how high would you have to drop it to reach terminal velocity? The post The Physics of Dropping Out of a Plane in an Inflatable Ball appeared first on WIRED.

LIGO Ain’t a Gravitational Wave Detector—It’s an Observatory

In order to use LIGO for astronomy, you need to know the location of the source of the gravitational waves. Here’s how that works. The post LIGO Ain’t a Gravitational Wave Detector—It’s an Observatory appeared first on WIRED.

The Volcanoes of Nicaragua Sure Have Been Cranky This Year

Five volcanoes in Nicaragua have been restless so far in busy 2016 for the Central American nation. The post The Volcanoes of Nicaragua Sure Have Been Cranky This Yearappeared first on WIRED.

Science Fairs Have Lost Their Way. Let’s Make Them Cool Again

If you have ever judged a science fair, you can easily see that there are some problems. How can we fix this? Here are some ideas. The post Science Fairs Have Lost Their Way. Let’s Make Them Cool Again appeared first on WIRED.

Calculating Calories by Burning Gummy Bears to Death

In a recent episode of the MythBusters, the team launched a rocket with Gummy Bear fuel and one with poop as a fuel. How do you know how much energy is stored?

The post Calculating Calories by Burning Gummy Bears to Death appeared first on WIRED.

Sakurajima Lets Out a Spectacular Eruption After Months of Quiet