Copernicus is generally credited with having first described the “true” arrangement of the solar system at a time when Science was being reborn after the Dark Ages. So revolutionary was his book De Revolutionibus that he withheld it for more than 10 years before finally publishing a small number of copies in 1543. As he … Continue reading Kepler: Greater than Copernicus
Balloon on the Moon
Imagine that you could take a helium-filled balloon to the moon. If you stood on the lunar surface, holding the ribbon tied to the bottom of the balloon, what would you expect to happen when it was released? We'll assume that the balloon doesn't burst and I'll give you four possible outcomes; The balloon rises … Continue reading Balloon on the Moon
Correct wiring of a 3-pin plug
There once was a time when the ability to wire a 3-pin plug was an essential skill - but not any more. For reasons of safety, many devices are now fitted with molded plugs that cannot be opened or removed. Nevertheless, the exam board still expects you to be able to identify the essential features … Continue reading Correct wiring of a 3-pin plug
Thermal Equilibrium
Any object that has a constant temperature is in a state of thermal equilibrium. This means the rate at which energy is transferred to the object is exactly equal to the rate at which energy is transferred from the object. In the context of electromagnetic radiation, we can state that the rate at which the … Continue reading Thermal Equilibrium
Using the EMS to Observe Earth
When we look down on the Earth from an aircraft, we are observing the surface of the planet using visible light in a qualitative way - which means that we are simply sensing (seeing) rather than measuring the amount of light reflected. By using instrumentation, we can extract much more meaning from our observations by … Continue reading Using the EMS to Observe Earth
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