Even-Toed Ungulate…

This entry is part 2 of 12 in the series Animals

The evolution of camels is particularly well documented with many connected examples of their species’ development visible through the fossil record. There were camel-like antelope grazing on the plains of North America over 40 million years ago. They have been so successful because they are well adapted to their environment. The two types of camel …
Continue reading Even-Toed Ungulate…

The Dzhanibekov Effect…

This entry is part 7 of 12 in the series Forces

Also known as the Tennis Racket Theorem. Or intermediate axis theorem. When a gyroscope spins it stays upright because the spinning weight at its core resists any attempts to knock it off its access. This is called rotational inertia. Inertia refers to the tendency for moving objects to remain moving or stationary ones to remain …
Continue reading The Dzhanibekov Effect…

Hydrocarbon Explosions…

I think I have shown you this high speed video of a YouTube scientist igniting mixtures of hydrocarbon gases and air. He does this because it is fun, and because it shows the different energies released with different mixtures. This shuttle launch shows the incredible energy released when hydrogen is combined with oxygen. The reaction is exothermic, …
Continue reading Hydrocarbon Explosions…

Cows – Nature’s Most Noble Beasts…

This entry is part 1 of 12 in the series Animals

Some of you will know that cows are my favourite animals so you can imagine how delighted I was to see a headline a few years ago in the Telegraph… “McDonald’s launches study into flatulent cows used in its burgers” This seems to include several of my favourite scientific themes; namely cows, the scientific method, food and burping (eructation). What …
Continue reading Cows – Nature’s Most Noble Beasts…