Description
How do you make a clock out of an ice cube? Send messages using bubbles? Make money using a tube that waltzes? This collection of curious and offbeat science experiments provides the answers to these and thirty-six other fascinating questions. Accomplished physicist and science writer Neil A. Downie covers a range of phenomena, from the rocking and rolling that drives a waltzing tube; to the fluid mechanics of a coffee-cup rev counter and biceps made from balloons; to the simple chemistry of red–hot batteries and wet solar cells. For each experiment, he provides historical anecdotes about the relevant phenomena, a list of equipment, detailed instructions, and a full explanation—requiring only high-school mathematics—of the science behind the procedure. For those intrigued by any experiment, he includes follow-up suggestions, which describe ways to tinker with the initial "recipe."
This collection of lively experiments, with complete explanations and simple mathematics, will appeal to high–school science teachers, inveterate tinkerers, amateur scientists, or anyone looking for a project for the next science fair.Reviews
"The creative author of this book has filled it with novel and interesting demonstrations of physics, chemistry, and electronics experiments that are perfect for readers who love to tinker."—Laura J. Lising, Science Books and Films"The science in these projects is very nicely explained and the directions are good enough for their completion."—Chemical Education Today "The book is a job well done, and I recommend it for anyone trying to get physics across to non-specialist audiences."—Chris Waltham, Physics Today "Interesting and written in very clear conversational style . . . most people will want to try these experiments because they are fun."—F. W. Menk, The Physicist "This is a book that science teachers will love. With simple experiments that illustrate physical principles and then use basic mathematics to explain why they work, it will liven up classes for a wide age range."—Mark Kidger, astronomer at La Palma Observatory and La Laguna University
Author Information
Neil A. Downie is a lead scientist with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and the author of Vacuum Bazookas, Electric Rainbow Jelly, and 27 Other Saturday Science Projects.
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