Physics 10: Question/Observation 1


Here are selected good questions from the first round. All reflect good observational skills and natural curiosity.


What is, and what causes, the white tail that some planes create in the sky? Is it only caused by their speed? Does the plane have to be at a certain altitude?

--Anonymous


How do they store energy in batteries? I have always wondered how batteries work and how they power our electronic devices. How does that battery release the right amount of energy so that the electronic device does not waste the energy and the electronic device receives enough energy to run for a while. Finally how much energy could be stored in a battery? Some batteries are really small but when used in an electronic device they last a long time. Why can’t they make batteries that contain a lot of energy so that cars will not need to rely on gas anymore? What are the limitations to the batteries?

--Anonymous


I've noticed that when I make a bank shot in pool, with "english" on the cue ball (contacting it with the cue tip slightly left or right of center, in order to generate spin), the object ball spins the opposite direction as it travels away from the site of impact. How can such a slick, smooth surface so greatly affect the movement of another slick surface, especially when the balls are only touching briefly?

--Jacob Engelskirger


Why is wet sand darker than dry sand?

--Anonymous


Why is it that when bubbles ( those made of soap) that are first formed have numerous, swirling colors under the glare of the sun, and as time goes by and you keep staring at the bubble, the colors disintegrate and turn black and white before it pops? Do the colors have anything to do with it popping?

--Anonymous


While driving down the freeway I noticed that wherever there is a bump or a dip in the road there is also a dark spot. I assume this is from oil or other leaky vehicle fluids that may drip down by the force of the bump. Dose that sound correct?

--Eric Rovegno



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