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Science for Kids/Questions Answered by Expert Dan Fink
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Electromagnetism | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: my son is working on a science project and we have run out of ideas to solve his hypothesis. He ... A: I have quite a bit of experience in magnetic levitation experiments. Unfortunately what your son is ... | |
| Water molecules | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: What pattern are water molecules arranged in that keeps them held together? A: Water molecules have 2 hydrogen atoms bonded to a single oxygen atom.This page shows the arrangement ... | |
| experiment on losing carbonation for soda | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: i don't know how to start the experiment. It is kind of hard how to start. I am thinking of having ... A: Baking soda and water won't make "fizzy" carbonation. You would be better off to start with 2 ... | |
| Question... | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: Why is hot water less dense than cold water? A: As you heat up water, you are making the molecules move faster and faster. They bounce off of each ... | |
| Parallel Vs. Series Circuits... Solar Cells | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: I did a science fair experiment where I connected two solar cells in a parallel circuit, then in a ... A: One way to think about simple electrical circuits is to relate them to water flowing in a pipe. The ... | |
| 6th grade science project | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to assist my son with a project. It requires him to set up a small system with a switch ... A: It won't be hard. Everything needs to be assembled into a complete circuit. So, for example, you'd ... | |
| Dropping an egg from 2 storeys w/out breaking with limited materials | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: I received this recent assignment where i had to drop a RAW egg from 2 storeys high without breaking ... A: The tricks for the egg drop are to 1) distribute the force of impact evenly around the eggshell, and ... | |
| heating a coil with 12v battery | 2/1/2010 |
| Q: i would like to heat a coil upto 32 degree Celsius with the help of 12volt battery. is it possible? A: Yes, it's possible. You'll want to use nichrome wire for the heating element because of the high ... | |
| measuring electrical current in fruits | 1/31/2010 |
| Q: I purchased a Trisonic portable digital multimeter to use for my science experiment but can't figure ... A: No instructions? That's not very nice of them. ;-) The main thing to remember is that you may need ... | |
| Science Fair | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: I want to make a burglar alarm for my upcoming 4th grade science fair. I need a science problem to ... A: That's a difficult question to answer. A burglar alarm project sounds fun -- but it's more a of a ... | |
| Evaporation | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: My son is doing science project to see which liquid would evaporate the fastest. He used water, ... A: Your results don't follow what I'd expect. However, all the substances you used are mostly water, ... | |
| Solar-powered coffee maker | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: Is it possible to use the solar panel of a calculator to power a solar-powered coffee maker? A: The tiny solar panel from a calculator doesn't produce enough power to run a coffeemaker. ... | |
| magnets | 1/27/2010 |
| Q: Why does an unbroken magnet hold more paperclips than the two pieces if the original magnet is ... A: One factor of the strength of a magnet is the total mass of magnetic material. By breaking the ... | |
| science fair project question | 1/27/2010 |
| Q: I am helping my son with his science fair project which is due on february 1,2010. The experiment is ... A: It's the acidity in vegetables and fruit that allows the electrochemical reaction to take place and ... | |
| water | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: How do molecules move in a gas? Do they move freely or do they not move at all? A: In a gas, the molecules are much more widely separated from each other compared to a liquid. So, ... | |
| friction | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: how is the best way to reduce the friction of a plastic car with rubber wheels on a wooden track? A: Most of the friction (that's slowing the car down) is going to be in the bearings of the plastic car ... | |
| pulleys and gears | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: My son has a science experiment to do on pulleys and gears. He has to use only recyclable items i.e. ... A: You shouldn't have any problems building the pulleys and their shafts using those materials. Choose ... | |
| Magnets | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: For my science project, one of the questions I have to answer is whether or not different size but ... A: I don't understand your question. I'm not sure what you mean by the 'results' or what you plan to do ... | |
| Hydro Electric Project | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: I am in sixth grade. I love science and have a big project due next month. I wanted to make a ... A: By using the hobby motor, the most difficult part is done for you. You just have to build the ... | |
| magnetic propulsion. | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: I am wondering if it would be possible to use a magnetic propulsion turbine like system in order to ... A: Magnets make it easy for us to generate electricity, since they can transfer energy at a distance. ... | |
| SCIENCE | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 'RNA' AND 'DNA' OF A HUMAN CELL? A: Both are repeating strands of nucleotides. DNA is double stranded, while RNA is single stranded. In ... | |
| Magnet strength | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: im doin a stem fair project on it so i need to know A: Only ferrous metals will affect the magnetic field, and it can still penetrate these once they are ... | |
| Wind Turbine Expermint | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: It's that time of year again for us again in Tennessee, Science Fair time. My son has decided that ... A: I work in designing small wind turbines for a living. It sounds like you are on the right track, and ... | |
| Speakers (Part II) | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: I have to do a grade 11 physics design and build project for electricity. I decided to make ... A: This is pretty interesting. Can you send a photo of your project? I believe you can attach one via ... | |
| how water lights a light bulb | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: My son, who is in 4th grade, has a science project and he chose to demonstrate how water can light a ... A: Wind turbine and hydro projects are very similar. Except hydro is actually more simple, because the ... | |
| Science Fair questions? | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: How come isoprophyl alcohol will not freeze. My science fair project is comparing different solids ... A: Isopropyl alcohol will freeze just fine -- but the freezing point for it is 128 below zero F. It'll ... | |
| science fair experiment using hamster | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: My daughter saw a program where a hamster ran fast enough on his wheel to generate a night light. ... A: and has appeared in many books, articles, and videos. I agree, my design for the hamster powered ... | |
| speakers | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: I have to do a grade 11 physics design and build project for electricity. I decided to make ... A: There's no such thing as 'magnetic wire.' You are likely thinking of 'magnet wire' which is simply ... | |
| 3rd grade science fair | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: Im having a hard time nailing down the "scientific element or ? of this... Can you help? He's set ... A: it can be very scientific. Every large company that makes coffee, tea, candy, Cheetos or bubblegum ... | |
| solar cells--how many do I need? | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: Happy New Year! For his science fair my son is trying to build a simple machine using solar cells ... A: Glad you are making progress, if not complete success yet. You are on the right track. It's ... | |
| Experiments | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Fink, I was wondering if you could give me ideas for testing amounts of electricity produced ... A: Instantaneous readings of power are measured in Watts. Energy accumulated or used is measured in ... | |
| science | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: why does ice melt? A: All elements and compounds have what are called "phases." The 3 main ones solid, liquid and gas. The ... | |
| heating element | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: my dad and i ice fish alot and are trying to find some ideas on how make a heated hole covers to ... A: Fresh water is not very conductive, so it would be unlikely to short out low voltage DC heating ... | |
| 6th grade science invention fair ideas | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: we are at a loss for science invention fair ideas? We did have a possible one but not sure how to ... A: Depends on the ice melting product I think. If it was some sort of heated ice melting liquid slurry, ... | |
| solar cells--how many do I need? | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: Happy New Year! For his science fair my son is trying to build a simple machine using solar cells ... A: I think I've detected the problem, but correct me if I'm wrong. Solar cells themselves don't ... | |
| Soda CO2 | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: Fink my topic is, Does carbon dioxide vary in sodas of different quality brands.What will my ... A: Those variables will depend on exactly how you set up the experiment. However, examples of constants ... | |
| SONAR model | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: Can you please tell me how i can make the SONAR model??? A: You didn't say what grade level you are in. To build your own SONAR unit, you'll need quite a bit of ... | |
| physics model | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: i have to make a model on generation of electricity .a simple and easy one. not so costly but an ... A: Any time a moving magnetic field cuts through a wire, it pushes electrical charges which are already ... | |
| Science project on gears | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: My 7th grade son has a science project assigned to him. He came up with gears as a subject and now ... A: The exact wording of your hypothesis would depend on what gears you have available for the ... | |
| 2 aaa battery clock | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: can i power my 2 aaa battery lcd clock with a potato, the same as a 1 aaa battery clock. A: Yes you can. But since it needs double the voltage, you'll need to wire up double the number of ... | |
| methane gas | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: I asked you about a methane gas project earlier.. I was thinking about using three 5 gal. buckets ... A: From the links I sent you, it looks like half manure and half water is about right to start with. ... | |
| solar energy | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: please give me guide line to make seawater purify by using concave lens i have to make working model ... A: I think you are referring to distilling the seawater with heat from the sun. So, you will need to ... | |
| ohm's law | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: I'm in 8th grade and doing an experiment to conduct ohm's law but i don't understand how i can use ... A: Typical Christmas lights are NOT a good idea for experiments with Ohm's Law. 120 volt AC house ... | |
| Grade 11 Physics Project | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: I've been assigned a project in physics that has to do with heating and electricity.I am supposed to ... A: 11th grade! Great, I get lots of much younger kids asking similar questions, and it's a difficult ... | |
| Speed | 12/11/2009 |
| Q: i'm doing a science experiment at school and i'm stuck on my coursework. The topic question is: ... A: *If* the weight stayed the same -- the larger the diameter, the slower it would fall. If the weight ... | |
| Science Fair | 12/11/2009 |
| Q: What is needed for a science experiment on which type of roofing material will keep the temperature ... A: Basically, you'll need 3 identical test 'houses' -- you could build them from cardboard boxes are ... | |
| Speed | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: i'm doing a science experiment at school and i'm stuck on my coursework. The topic question is: ... A: Liquids and gases are BOTH fluids. So the same mathematics apply to both of them. Air is less ... | |
| big tailpipe | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: What would be the diameter of a global "Tailpipe/Smokestack" if you added up all the fossil fuel ... A: Well....not really. Because tailpipe size has nothing to do with the actual emissions of the vehicle ... | |
| big tailpipe | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: What would be the diameter of a global "Tailpipe/Smokestack" if you added up all the fossil fuel ... A: Well, the size of a tailpipe would only control what's being emitted at any given instant, which is ... | |
| methane gas | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: I want to do my science fair project on methane gas.. I want to use cow manure and not blow myself ... A: It's not difficult and makes for a great science project. But you won't be able to *measure* the ... | |
| electricity production | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: how can I make a working model on production of electricity through water? i have to submit the ... A: Any DC hobby motor can be used as a DC generator, that might be the easiest way to proceed. You ... | |
| potential and kinetic energy in nature | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: I need to come up with ten examples of how potential energy is changed to kinetic energy in nature. ... A: Of course I won't give you all 10 examples, but there are thousands to choose from! Potential ... | |
| magnetism | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: What are the Northern lights ? and how are they formed? A: The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) are caused by a stream of positively charged ions (plasma) ... | |
| turbine | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: my son built a wind turbine and is using a dc motor and is having trouble getting a small led light ... A: You bet -- first, be sure the LED is connected with the proper polarity.....they only work in one ... | |
| Golf Ball Challenge | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: Hey Dan, I am totally stuck on this project and don't know where to start. I have to cause a golf ... A: Sorry I couldn't help in time -- because of my work and travel schedule, it often takes 2 days for ... | |
| lemon battery science project | 11/29/2009 |
| Q: My son is in 6th grade and is doing lemon battery lighting LED project. I believe that the ... A: It depends on what your hypothesis was in the first place, but I think you are on the right track. ... | |
| How Soaking Dirty Diapers Benefits Cleaning | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: You have explained before how laundry detergents work. Can you please explain how soaking dirty ... A: Water all by itself is an excellent solvent (sometimes called the 'universal solvent') because it is ... | |
| Which will freeze faster? | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Fink, I am in 6th grade doing an experiment. I am hoping to find an answer on,"Which type of ... A: Freezing is a matter of heat transfer -- so the simple answer is that since hot water has to lose ... | |
| egg drop project | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: My Science Class id doing the Egg Drop Project. I have to build a container to put my egg in with,10 ... A: It sounds like you are limited in the types of materials you can use. So I'll explain the best way ... | |
| light an LED or bulb | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: This may be a daft question but is it possible to light up (even if very faintly) an LED or small ... A: It's not a daft question, but it won't work. There's not enough energy potential from skin ... | |
| Evaporation | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: I am working on my science fair project and I am writing a paper on evaporation of salt water or ... A: The online Wikipedia is actually very reliable, at least with well-known science topics. When you ... | |
| chemistry | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: There are many simple explanations on how to make a potato or fruit clock. I want to make a clock. ... A: You want an LCD clock, *not* LED. LEDs use too much energy. You can get one at any K-mart, Walmart ... | |
| Dry Ice and Milk | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: My son is doing a science fair project mixing dry ice and milk in a "volcano cake" to create an ... A: Bubbles are actually fairly complicated things, they are thin films of water. It's really the ... | |
| The Big Bang | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: If the Big Bang was only made of dust, ice and rocks, then how did things like seeds grow without ... A: According to the theory, there was no dust, ice and rocks -- there were not even any atoms at all! ... | |
| Sugar | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: what is the Quantum physics of sugar? A: Quantum Mechanics is simply a different way of looking at how things behave at the atomic and ... | |
| egg drop | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: I have to make something using foam cups and toothpicks in order to prevent the egg from breaking. ... A: It sounds like you are limited in the types of materials you can use. So I'll explain the best way ... | |
| Dry Ice and Milk | 11/9/2009 |
| Q: My son is doing a science fair project mixing dry ice and milk in a "volcano cake" to create an ... A: I love science experiments, and those you can actually EAT afterwards are the best! What's ... | |
| Separating Salt from Water | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: I was thinking of doing a still but I'm not finding any models that i can bring to class. It needs ... A: Well, all a still really is, is evaporating off some stuff while leaving other stuff behind. So if ... | |
| magnets and electro magnets | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is trying to work out an experiment with magnets and electromagnets and wants to see ... A: If there is any way you can get a photo(s) of the project they are currently trying to do and send ... | |
| Magnetic Propulsion | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: My daughter (6 years old - grade two) has to build a vehicle powered only by magnets. No motors are ... A: I work with magnets for a living, for a company that designs wind turbine generators that can be ... | |
| continuation of magnets | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: Dan, One last thing. Could one magnet not push another one because of polarities. If i had one ... A: You want to get "rare-earth" magnets; the most common and inexpensive formula is ... | |
| magnets and electro magnets | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is trying to work out an experiment with magnets and electromagnets and wants to see ... A: By definition, anything that spins when electric current is applied is an electric motor. The ... | |
| Science | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: I am 7 year old. I want to know how mirrors are made. Many Thanks, Tanya A: As you know, any polished metal surface works as a mirror. In the olden days, that's exactly how ... | |
| Egg Drop Questions | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: I came across one of your answers about Egg drop activities and thought I'd send you an email and ... A: Since the two main factors are how well pressure is distributed on the egg's shell, then how it ... | |
| metal corrosion | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I'm helping my 6th grade son with his scientific fair experiment, which is going to be about metal ... A: Yes, the terms get complicated, but fortunately the concepts are not too hard, even for us adults ... | |
| continuation of magnets | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: Dan, One last thing. Could one magnet not push another one because of polarities. If i had one ... A: Nope. The magnet will move only as long as you push it. No system can be more than 100% efficient -- ... | |
| question about magnets | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: Hi, my name is Josh Paulson and I am an 11th grader in high school. this year I am competing in an ... A: Well, modern magnets are actually ceramics that have a bit of metal in them. The trick is, they have ... | |
| question about magnets | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: Hi, my name is Josh Paulson and I am an 11th grader in high school. this year I am competing in an ... A: There is a common misconception that magnets are a source of energy. They are not--a magnet has no ... | |
| magnetism | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: what causes the earth's magnetism A: The Earth's core is full of molten iron. However, the core is hotter than 770 deg C, which is the ... | |
| Science Fair Question | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: We are sorry, but MGR wasn't able to answer yourMy daughter's science fair project concerns 4 ... A: What you need to google is 'heat transfer.' The different boxes will lose heat from a combination of ... | |
| simple machines | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: last minute of course... my daughter has to build something made up of 2 simple machines and it has ... A: The term 'simple machines' has an historic meaning -- these were the first machines used by early ... | |
| 9v battery heating water | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: ... is it possible to heat 1/2 a pint of water with a 9v battery i would have thought it possible by ... A: You could, but you wouldn't get it very hot with only a small battery -- it takes lots of energy to ... | |
| egg drop project | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: i am doing an egg drop project and i do have some ideas but i am kind of think they wont work so i ... A: The tricks for the egg drop are to 1) distribute the force of impact evenly around the eggshell, and ... | |
| two footballs | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: if i had two footballs one with air and one with helium witch would go to a longer distance? A: I assume you mean if you threw or kicked them. There wouldn't be a measurable difference, as helium ... | |
| h2o | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: what quality does h2o have that makes it so unique? A: Water has many unique properties. One of the MOST unique, though, is that water is most dense at ... | |
| battery/heat | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to battery power toaster filaments to make toast, but I'm wanting to know if there is a ... A: The nichrome wire will be rated in ohms per foot. So the length will be critical. What gives you the ... | |
| alternating currents | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: Do you know any websites that use computer simulations to demonstrate using a cathode-ray ... A: I don't know of any websites where you can model AC circuits. There are many commercial software ... | |
| Kinetic energy | 9/19/2009 |
| Q: Hey Dan, my 5th grade class is learning about kinetic energy. Our teacher gave us each an object to ... A: Your sister got the easier problem, because she can involve gravity, which an easy way to visualize ... | |
| battery/heat | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to battery power toaster filaments to make toast, but I'm wanting to know if there is a ... A: you've probably found that things don't work quite right when trying to use a (for example) 12 volt ... | |
| Egg Drop | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: How would I package or wrap a raw egg and drop it from a two-story building with out letting it ... A: Sorry for the delay Tiffany! The original question got stuck in my SPAM filter and I didn't see it ... | |
| Is it a acceptable truth? | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: Sorry for asking more question, your previous answer has solve some of my doubt and question. 1) Do ... A: since it is more science than philosophy. Comments added in below. DAN 1) Do you find it normal and ... | |
| science | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: what characteristics can "not" be used to tell the difference between living and non-living things? ... A: The wording is a bit confusing, but I think I understand. There are hundreds of characteristics that ... | |
| production of hydrogen from water | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: sir , i am doing a project on production of hydrogen to run a small internal combustion engine so ... A: Making hydrogen has become a popular thing for experimenters, because if its applications in energy ... | |
| Electricity | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: Sir please tell me that how much gas, coal and oil is required to produce a megawatt. A: Watts are a measure of power being produced or used at any given instant in time, so they are not a ... | |
| Cycle combination! | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: Sir/ma'am, where can I see a diagram which the carbon and nitrogen cycle interacts? Or if it can be ... A: Here are a couple links to good diagrams: Carbon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_cycle ... | |
| science fair | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: I'm a middle school teacher facilitating student preparation for a science research project. One ... A: Yes, I'd be happy to answer their questions. I can't help with general questions like "please give ... | |
| Science | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know what the scientific explanation is for pop cans exploding in hot cars. If you ... A: Soda contains dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2), that's what makes it fizzy. As the liquid in the can ... | |
| Electric stove | 8/23/2009 |
| Q: I have an idea for an invention, and part of it is to generate heat the way that an electric stove ... A: Resistance heating elements almost always use Nichrome wire, which has high resistance (so the ... | |
| Electric stove | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: I have an idea for an invention, and part of it is to generate heat the way that an electric stove ... A: Electric stoves generate heat using electrical resistance. In most circuits (for example the lights ... | |
| working model - hovercraft | 8/8/2009 |
| Q: i am a first grader, i recently saw an easy working model of a hovercraft (using a cd and a ... A: This is a fun and easy project! You just need to glue a plastic pop-top bottle lid to the hole in ... | |
| Pin wheel Project - show turbine | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: I would like to demonstrate on a small scale how a wind turbine works. I was hoping to use a ... A: Using a pinwheel will make it very difficult to light a lightbulb, as it spins so slowly. The faster ... | |
| on magnetism | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I'm a student of 9th grade and our physics miss assigned us to do a working model to show either the ... A: One project you might try is to generate electricity using a powerful magnet and a coil of thin ... | |
| salt evaporation | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: does salt evaporate from heated salt water solution as is suggested in salt inhalation A: You have asked an *excellent* question, and revealed an aspect of "pseudo-science" that I was not ... | |
| convert kids cart to solar | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: My 5 year has a kids power wheels mini go kart, it runs off a 6 volt 9.5 amp hour fisher price ... A: The problem with directly powering motors with PV panels is that -- they have to face the sun ... | |
| Polarized Light Labs | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: I had a was looking for a simple lab for looking at a substance using polarized light. I have ... A: I seem to recall a polarization lab kit from Edmund Scientific many years back, but I sure can't ... | |
| temperature and coke going flat | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: I have to do a project for my School Certificate and I am wondering whether different temperatures ... A: The easiest way is to use balloons, and stretch them over the neck of a bottle of soda. Give the ... | |
| temperature and coke going flat | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: I have to do a project for my School Certificate and I am wondering whether different temperatures ... A: Looks like you have this under control. Yes, temperature will affect the rate that the CO2 comes out ... | |
| Question about negative ion generator experiment. | 6/28/2009 |
| Q: I read electrons leave a battery, and flow to positive of battery. I read for every electron that ... A: it's fine to ask in a followup, everything gets indexed. It sounds like that experiment was a water ... | |
| Electric Motors | 6/28/2009 |
| Q: How does an electric motor keep working underwater? A: Water is not a very good conductor of electricity, so it doesn't short out the motor electrically. ... | |
| Question about negative ions. | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: I read electrons leave a battery, and flow to positive of battery. I read for every electron that ... A: Yes, you have it correct. Remember how I said that the closer you are to the high voltage of the ... | |
| Question about negative ions. | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: I read electrons leave a battery, and flow to positive of battery. I read for every electron that ... A: A very good question! Remember now that every atom of everything contains electrical charges, both ... | |
| Ferrofluids and magnetic liquids | 6/26/2009 |
| Q: I was reading a previous question about the posibility of using ferrofluids to create a fan blade ... A: There are two major problems with this concept of creating a 3D object with ferrofluid that likely ... | |
| Electron Flow | 6/8/2009 |
| Q: I have a question that I've been researching for a while. My question is, do electrons flow from the ... A: Great question! The reason you can't find the answer is that many school textbooks are in error ... | |
| Undershot Water Wheel | 6/8/2009 |
| Q: This is in regards to a response you made to a question from an individual that lived on the Yukon ... A: I'm not sure, but I think the math discrepancy is in conversions or algebra. We are assuming the ... | |
| topic :- light a bulb using potato ?any other terminals?? | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: sir it's shishir ,can i use any other terminals other than zinc & copper?, like any house hold items ... A: There are other electrodes you can use, but most of them are much harder to find and more expensive ... | |
| water heating | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: i would like to heat water to around 40 to 45 degree centigrade..i am not able to find out the right ... A: An immersion heating element would be by far the best choice, and these are readily available. Can ... | |
| heat transfer | 5/31/2009 |
| Q: i might be young. i don't know much about heat transfer. can't radiation occur in particles not ... A: Heat transfer occurs in 3 different ways: Conduction (heat transfer by direct contact of objects) ... | |
| Limitations on fine control of ferrofluid "shapes?" | 5/28/2009 |
| Q: Like you, I am somebody who likes kids very much, and I feel a strong, proud identification with ... A: I answer questions from adults and educators frequently, not a problem. And a good question to boot, ... | |
| Acids and Bases in Pool Cleaners | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: I have looked everywhere and can't seem to find what the acids and bases really do while cleaning ... A: I've done the cabbage juice pH indicator experiment many times, and the neutral color has always ... | |
| physics | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: I am shilpa of grade 9th. I want to make a phsics working model for school project. Can you give me ... A: All you need is a nail about 10 cm long, and about 3 meters of thin, *insulated* copper wire. Wrap ... | |
| Acids and Bases in Pool Cleaners | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: I have looked everywhere and can't seem to find what the acids and bases really do while cleaning ... A: Acids and bases don't have much to do with actually *cleaning* a pool of algae and such-- that's ... | |
| WANT WORKING MODEL | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: ...I am a student of 9th grade....and i am 14yrs old...actually i have to make a working model as my ... A: There are thousands of experiments you can try -- I really can't help people with deciding on ... | |
| science/energy | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: A metal doorknob on a cold day is almost to cold to touch. If you wrap a scarf around the knob the ... A: It's because the scarf acts as insulation. When you touch the doorknob with your hand, the metal ... | |
| rube goldberg | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: I am having trouble activating a circuit and burning a nichrome wire. Can you explain to me how to ... A: A short length (2-3 inches) of thin nichrome wire (around 30 gauge) will get red hot in under a ... | |
| a boat that can hold 12 soda cans | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: i have this science project that we have a choice between and mousetrap car or a boat that can hold ... A: What I would do for the boat is use styrofoam! Many real boats use it, it floats like crazy, and you ... | |
| solar panels | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: I have a question about the solar panels. Is it possible to make a solar panel with things that I ... A: Hola Patrick -- Unfortunately solar cells are VERY difficult to make! You can make weak ones from ... | |
| Simple electric generator using tab water? | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible. My son (12), he wants to built a system where he can use running water as the source ... A: I've built a couple different small hydro turbine experiments. This one is an excellent project, ... | |
| science wind turbine | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: me and my friend are having such a trouble trying to find out how to make a cheap and easy wind ... A: Making a wind turbine for a science project is not difficult, but making one that will make good ... | |
| physics-sound | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: Will the pitch of a note change if it is heard through air and then through a solid? Does the ... A: This is actually fairly complicated! But not hard to understand. The pitch of a sound doesn't change ... | |
| Big bang theory | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: What does religion have to do with the big bang theory? A: However, some scientists who are religious have argued that in a way, the big bang has an element of ... | |
| science on onions | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: my daughter is doing a science experiment in 5th grade she wanted to see if cutting a onion would ... A: A good and safe experiment for inflating a balloon with a chemical reaction is to use baking soda ... | |
| pulleys | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: shes in the fourth grade. please and thank you. A: Your best bet (that doesn't involve using tools for cutting wood) might be to make the pulleys from ... | |
| science on onions | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: my daughter is doing a science experiment in 5th grade she wanted to see if cutting a onion would ... A: When you cut an onion, you release a sulpher compound that's in the cells. Enzymes in the onion ... | |
| egg drop project | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: We have to do a egg drop project for scinece and we were thinking whether you have any ideas on a ... A: but you CAN be sure that the force of the drop is evenly distributed around the shell. Here's the ... | |
| load on wind turbine | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: Why do the blades on my model wind turbine slow down when I put increasing loads on the system? I ... A: From a total energy point of view, here's how to do the math: Power available in the wind (in Watts) ... | |
| Egg Drop Paracute | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: I have to make a parachute with a basket that can hold an egg in a basket. It has to fit in a ... A: The tricks for the egg drop are to 1) distribute the force of impact evenly around the eggshell, and ... | |
| load on wind turbine | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: Why do the blades on my model wind turbine slow down when I put increasing loads on the system? I ... A: You've described a basic principle of electricity that is not widely understood! You can get my ... | |
| Magnetism and Effect on Gravity | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: My 11 year old son wants to conduct an experiment to answer the question. Does the weight of a ... A: Well, the whole key is that your magnet has to be MOVING, both for effect on any conductors in the ... | |
| Insulated Shoe Box | 4/11/2009 |
| Q: I have to make an insulated shoe box for my science class. The shoe box must keep a glass of water ... A: The principle of insulation is that it traps air in it, which reduces the amount of heat that can be ... | |
| Wtiting a theory | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: If i have written a theory how can i get it registered in my name. P.S- I'm 15 years old A: Copyrights and patent laws vary between countries. I can only help you regarding the USA, where I am ... | |
| rechergable battereies | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: Like using a Rayovac with Energizer and so on. Thanks Paul A: Most *rechargable* AAA-AA-C-D batteries work fine with any brand of charger, as long as the battery ... | |
| Pressure | 3/21/2009 |
| Q: I would be grateful for some advice please. My nephew is struggling to understand how pressure works ... A: You have it right, though it's a double reaction -- the baking soda and vinegar mix to form carbonic ... | |
| saltwater evaporation....crystal build up above water line | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: My 4th grade class is in the middle of a water unit...we have the standard evaporation experiments ... A: K -- Don't worry, your interpretation of physics is OK. The salt is not evaporating. You likely ... | |
| science | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: ...my name is udita........i want to know that how i can make a working model of electric fire alarm ... A: You didn't give your age, and that will be a big factor in an electronics circuit project. Now I ... | |
| Call for video submissions of science projects! | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: I noticed from your bio that you work with schools. Are you still doing this? I have created with ... A: Excellent concept and excellent website! Recently, most of my work has been in teaching educators ... | |
| chemistry | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: why do silver objects get tarnished? A: The answer is oxidation. Silver reacts with gases in the atmosphere around us, and very readily with ... | |
| Hero fountain | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: I am doing a Hero fountain for a middle school science fair. I know that fluid dynamics has ... A: and includes both hydraulics (water) and pneumatics (air). It means that you are dealing with the ... | |
| egg drop | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: um i have a egg drop project and we can only use 5xA4 paper staples 2m sticky tape and an egg raw ... A: The tricks for the egg drop are to 1) distribute the force of impact evenly around the eggshell, and ... | |
| Tiny emmersion heater!? | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: i am so happy i stumbled across this site...it's great. What i wanted to ask is... I am trying to ... A: Heating elements are tricky to design. Nichrome is your best bet, but the temperature it reaches ... | |
| making electricity | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I am in 5th grade and have a science experiment that I am supposed to make electricity from water. ... A: To build a tiny hydro generator, you are going to need a multimeter anyway. And with it, you can ... | |
| Burglar alarm | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I am making a simple burglar alarm for the science fair. we have a group of about five people. The ... A: plus I'd have to buy the parts, photograph them, assemble the system....can't do it, I have a real ... | |
| Hydro power from a water wheel on the yukon river | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I live along the Yukon river in Alaska and I want to build a system to power our remote home site ... A: UPDATE -- it was pointed out recently that I made a math error in the answer here. I confused cubic ... | |
| Hamster powered night light | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I am working on my science fair project. I got an electronic snap kit for Christmas that was really ... A: Fun stuff, those snap kits. Unfortunately a hamster can't really power the motors and such that go ... | |
| Science Fair | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I would like to create a science project this year using wind power and pinwheels - can i light a ... A: I have a lot of information online about building science fair turbines. They range from the simple ... | |
| Science Project | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: Sorry I didn't include all the information you needed. The helicopter has at least to light or move ... A: There are places online where you can order solar cells that have broken--they still work fine, ... | |
| URGENT PROJECT DUE TOMMORROW | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: look, i have been using zinc and copper, zinc= anode, copper= cathode, but when i try to measure, ... A: Sorry, an instant response is usually impossible, I'm only at my computer during work hours. So you ... | |
| Hot Cans | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: After I finish a can of pop I often make a hole in the top and stick my finger in the can. Even ... A: I almost hit the dump button on this question, it seemed silly. But then I tried it. My boss yelled ... | |
| Torque | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: I was absent the day the teacher explained torque and she gave me an assignment about it, and i have ... A: Below is a link to an excellent wikipedia page about Torque: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque ... | |
| making electricity from water or magnet | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: i m in five grade.i am having a science fair in march 2, 2009.mu teacher told me to show easy way ... A: I understand now. I have a VERY extensive web page about building tiny wind turbines. It has some ... | |
| energy trransfers | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: What are the different ways that energy transfers can be used? I have an essay in class that has to ... A: Your question is too broad; it would take a book to answer. There are many types of energy, and many ... | |
| electromagnets | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: What factors affect the strength of an electromagnet? A: - Number of turns in the coil - Composition and size of ferrous core - Watts of energy through the ... | |
| making electricity from water or magnet | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: i m in five grade.i am having a science fair in march 2, 2009.mu teacher told me to show easy way ... A: You didn't provide enough information for me to give much help. Making electricity from a magnet or ... | |
| Physics Project | 2/18/2009 |
| Q: I'm supposed to use recycle materials to make a helicopter that will move, or lightup using either ... A: I don't understand primarily: - does the helicopter have to actually fly? - move along the ground? - ... | |
| A Project Due Friday | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: I have this science project we have to show an example of current electricity. But i don't know what ... A: because these science experiments are really fun for me too. Sometimes I come up with new ones, at ... | |
| electricity | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: How can I do a electric pickle? I am only 10,and I think it is so cool how the pickle lights up the ... A: All the materials and instructions are included in that website link from the University of Georgia ... | |
| A Project Due Friday | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: I have this science project we have to show an example of current electricity. But i don't know what ... A: I agree, that SHOWS the flow of electrical current, but is probably not enough for an "A". Boring. ... | |
| electricity | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: How can I do a electric pickle? I am only 10,and I think it is so cool how the pickle lights up the ... A: or are you trying to use the pickle as a battery? If a battery -- I've never TRIED a pickle, but it ... | |
| Truss Bridges | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: I am doing a science fair project where I am building bridge trusses with balsa wood. i am building ... A: but I don't understand the question. Do you already have drawings of the trusses, and need to ... | |
| science fair project using lemons and potatoes | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: Dan, I reviewed your responses to other questions regarding potatoes and lemons but we are still a ... A: Did he use the correct electrodes into the lemon and potato? One needs to be copper and the other ... | |
| calculator solar panels | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: if i took out the solar panel from a calculator,would i be able to use it for energy by connecting ... A: You won't be able to get enough power to run anything more than a calculator (of course), maybe a ... | |
| Miniature 1.5 to 3 Volt DC mo | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: we are working with a small DC motor and want to know if it is possible to use something which will ... A: There are lots of different circuits you can use to pulse the motor. One thing they will all have in ... | |
| heating nichrome wire | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: Would it be possible to heat a small length of nichrome wire to about 130 degrees F using a 9V ... A: Not really -- because the temperature will depend as much on how fast you transfer the heat from the ... | |
| Solar | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: My new briefcase came with a solar calculator. Of course, when the briefcase is closed the calc gets ... A: Most also have batteries included, but some don't. In any case -- as soon as the panel is ... | |
| Magnetism | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: Are magnets a form of stored energy - potential energy? A: Many adults don't understand this either, and the misunderstanding leads to claims of 'perpetual ... | |
| heating nichrome wire | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: Would it be possible to heat a small length of nichrome wire to about 130 degrees F using a 9V ... A: The current is determined by both your voltage and the resistance of the nichrome wire. So volts are ... | |
| Six Grade Seinc Fair? | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: My first question is that I need a better title. My original title doesn't really tell, what im ... A: but you didn't include enough information for me to understand what your experiment is. You said ... | |
| heating nichrome wire | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: Would it be possible to heat a small length of nichrome wire to about 130 degrees F using a 9V ... A: Yes, but it depends on the length and thickness of the nichrome. You would use Ohm's Law to ... | |
| potato battery to light a bulb | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: My daughter has to make a potato power a small light bulb. The trick is she has to show the ... A: I've answered lots of questions here about how to make potato and lemon batteries, and you have ... | |
| distillation | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: I'm do a project and it about making a homemade perfume and i have to distill it but i don't know ... A: There are 2 ways to do it, and for both you need a source of essential perfume oil (herbs, fruit, ... | |
| Egg Drop Experiment With A Twist | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: Hey! I am in 11th Grade and our Physics class is doing an egg drop experiment. I have never done ... A: I don't see how this should be much different than a standard one-egg drop, you should be fine. ... | |
| heater element | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: I wish to make a heater element the same as you would find in a oven basically the wire and the ... A: or scavenge one from a junked stove? You can make one, but it will be difficult since the ... | |
| urgent help!! (science materials) | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: ! my science teacher was explaining displacement in class and we used a basin to measure a can's ... A: I think you heard correctly -- although in the USA the apparatus is more usually called a 'pneumatic ... | |
| Sound absorption / Sound Insulation | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: My Son he is grade 4 and he has been given a project on Sound absorption / Sound insulation where in ... A: Sound is either absorbed or reflected by a surface. Materials with the best absorbtion have ... | |
| Physics of Sound | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: The same sound will seem louder if it travels through solid materials, liguid or air? A: Sound is a pressure wave that moves through a medium. So, the more molecules there are for the ... | |
| carbonation | 1/30/2009 |
| Q: Do you think it would be a good science fair project if I compared sqeezing a 2 liter bottle of soda ... A: Depends on what hypothesis you are trying to prove! But squeezing the bottle isn't going to have any ... | |
| solar panel | 1/30/2009 |
| Q: im doing a sicence project and i want to power a light bulb with a solar panel and i dont know how ... A: Solar panels are usually not used directly -- they are mostly used to charge batteries, from which ... | |
| magnetism through salt water | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: Why are magnets Stronger in salt water rather than distilled water? Why are magnetic fields larger ... A: The diamagnetic force is just an opposite, but weak, reaction to the magnetic field of the magnet by ... | |
| magnetism through salt water | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: Why are magnets Stronger in salt water rather than distilled water? Why are magnetic fields larger ... A: You have it backwards -- water weakens a magnetic field slightly. Salt water weakens it even less. ... | |
| Salt Water | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: Why is it that salt water does not freeze. A: Salt water DOES freeze -- just look at the iceberg that the Titanic hit! However, the salt lowers ... | |
| Sound/Microphone/Volume | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: I'm doing a science project for 3rd grade, how does a microphone make your voice sound louder? I'm ... A: As you probably already know, sound is a pressure wave. It changes in frequency (high frequency=high ... | |
| Solid copper wire - electromagnet | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: Im doing my science fair project on the difference between the size of copper wire used to create an ... A: the core should be a ferrous metal (one that's attracted to a magnet). Keep in mind -- the more ... | |
| Circuits | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: In a circuit using a bulb,wires and a cell it works.When you take one wire out and put a coke can it ... A: Aluminum cans are coated with plastic both inside and outside so your soda doesn't react with the ... | |
| Solid copper wire - electromagnet | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: Im doing my science fair project on the difference between the size of copper wire used to create an ... A: They hold lots of energy compared to AA or 9v types. If you use anything bigger, you are risking ... | |
| Solid copper wire - electromagnet | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: Im doing my science fair project on the difference between the size of copper wire used to create an ... A: My first guess would have been replace the batteries, but you already thought of that. Solid vs. ... | |
| freezing and melting projects | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: I work at a day care and have the 2 year old class. This week our theme is freezing and melting. I'm ... A: Science projects for really young ages are tough, since the students don't yet have a science ... | |
| SUBMARINE RESEARCH DONE IN THE 1960S | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: I WANT TO KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND SOME INFO,ABOUT RESEARCH DONE ON SUBMARINES IN THE 1960S. A: It was easy to find some basic information online by google searching: 1960 submarine research For ... | |
| mini solar panel | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: I saw a mini solar panel from an online store that is used to recharge mobile devices. I am really ... A: The most recent math on your question is that (at least for larger solar panels such as those used ... | |
| science | 1/13/2009 |
| Q: I have a science fair project for school and I am supposed to research which gum holds it's flavor ... A: The answer will depend on how much sweetener is in each brand of gum, and how fast the sweetener ... | |
| alternative power sources | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: i am doing a science fair, and i am in the fourth grade. i would like to know how i can power a ... A: Yes you can. But not likely a regular lightbulb, you are better off trying to light an LED or two, ... | |
| Popcorn project. | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: I am doing a Project on : Does the temperature you store popcorn effect the amount of kernels popped ... A: Interesting question....not something I knew offhand, other than 'store in a cool, dry place' like ... | |
| magnetic levitation | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible to make a magnet levitate between your fingers for a middle school science fair ... A: No, it's not possible. Earnshaw's Theorem states that to levitate a magnet, you must have an extra ... | |
| Calculator Solar panel | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: I see you have answeared this question before, but you provided an alternative. I'm wondering if it ... A: Yes, you could do that. Instead of wasting calculators, though, you might look into calculator solar ... | |
| mold | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: are there still types of mold being discovered A: Yes indeed, new types of mold are still being discovered. Same for insects. The reason -- both are ... | |
| egg drop | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: I'm to create an egg drop experiment. I have to use a box 6x6x6" or smaller. I can use any ... A: The information below is, as far as I know, the best way to succeed in the egg drop! The egg drop ... | |
| metal vs wood bat | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: My son has recently done a science fair project on which bat will hit a ball farther metal or wood. ... A: I think it would be Moment of Interia--mass times the square of the distance the bat acted over. As ... | |
| Question about Water Power | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: my name is Nick. I am in 5th grade and doing a project on Hydro Power. I was wondering if you know ... A: But Google is your friend -- when you search: new jersey dam the first entry that comes up is the ... | |
| metal vs wood bat | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: My son has recently done a science fair project on which bat will hit a ball farther metal or wood. ... A: Great science project! My news is not really GOOD (expensive), but perhaps you can borrow some ... | |
| My science fair project | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: I am in the 8th grade and am having a hard time getting my project to work. It is called "Path of ... A: That's an interesting project. The strength of magnets changes with the square of the ... | |
| plants | 1/2/2009 |
| Q: how does fertilizer affect plants? please tell me i want to know for my sister A: Plants need fertilizer for nutrients just like humans need food for nutrients. Water alone is not ... | |
| dinosaur bones | 12/31/2008 |
| Q: Can you tell me how to make fake dinosaur bones that can withstand the elements? I would like to ... A: You have 3 basic options -- plaster of paris, concrete or plastic resin. The basic process is: ... | |
| can the landfill be a source of energy | 12/29/2008 |
| Q: what kind of experiment can we show on a 6th grade science fair project to prove this to be true or ... A: Yes, methane gas can be and has been extracted from landfills. However, keep in mind that it's only ... | |
| electromagnetism | 12/18/2008 |
| Q: What is the process for electromagnetism? A: That always helps me in composing answers. In any conductor (usually a metal, like copper wire) if ... | |
| Sound | 12/18/2008 |
| Q: Is sound loudest and/or clearest through solids, liquids, or gases? A: you have to be careful how you ask the question! What do you mean by 'clearest and loudest'? ... | |
| seperating oxygen and hydrogen from water | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: i am currently separating hydrogen and oxygen from water. my teacher has asked me to collect the ... A: Just remember that hydrogen and oxygen are dangerous! I don't recommend any container made of glass ... | |
| solar oven | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: Can you give me an explanation on the solar oven and how it works? A: Sure! A basic solar oven concentrates the sun's direct rays onto your food to heat it up. More ... | |
| Egg drop | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: Would packing the egg with jello around it provide a greater crack resistance??? A: it is very soft. It technically could work as the OUTER layer of the different densities of foam in ... | |
| ATOMS | 12/15/2008 |
| Q: please send me an email of an article about atoms as a source of energy? THANK you! A: as usual. You'll need to go to the bottom of the article to get more articles on both nuclear ... | |
| physica project | 12/14/2008 |
| Q: i am in the 6th grade and i have a physics project coming up and i have to make a model on anything ... A: Questions like this are impossible to answer! Because, the first thing you need for a good science ... | |
| Science Fair | 12/13/2008 |
| Q: For the science fair me and my partner are trying to see if a potato and a lemon can charge a ... A: Yes, your veggie 'battery' will eventually wear out...the zinc will be removed from the galvanized ... | |
| Aluminum Corrosion | 12/13/2008 |
| Q: I am doing a science project for my school and I am looking for a corrosive (household?) chemical ... A: I think foil will last for 30 days, but you could certainly try larger pieces of aluminum too. The ... | |
| Science Fair | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: For the science fair me and my partner are trying to see if a potato and a lemon can charge a ... A: With the right kind of electrodes inserted into them, lemons and potatoes ARE batteries! So you'd be ... | |
| Aluminum Corrosion | 12/11/2008 |
| Q: I am doing a science project for my school and I am looking for a corrosive (household?) chemical ... A: back when *I* was in school doing science projects. And your results will vary with the temperature ... | |
| Aluminum Corrosion | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: I am doing a science project for my school and I am looking for a corrosive (household?) chemical ... A: Two things that will corrode metals that are susceptible to it are acids and bases. The stronger the ... | |
| Science Fair | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: Can magnets attract liquids? A: it contains microscopic bits of iron, but aligned so that they can still form magnetic domains ... | |
| Solar energy | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: Me and my friends have a science project and we want to make a solar power light that will last for ... A: It depends on how many watts the lightbulb uses! To make it easy, let's say you have a 10 watt ... | |
| Bohr Models and ionic bonding | 12/6/2008 |
| Q: how would I use the Bohr Model of the atom to show how ionic bonding occurs in sodium chloride and ... A: or a computer animation? The Bohr model is certainly useful in all this because of how it describes ... | |
| Li-ion polymer battery | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: I own a PDA powered by a Li-ion polymer battery and I was wondering if leaving it on the charger all ... A: Li-ion batteries of all types are VERY expensive, fragile, and twitchy. The polymer type is a bit ... | |
| Science | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: Does a thicker liquid effect the pitch of sound a glass makes if hit. A: It does -- BUT it's unlikely you'll be able notice the difference if you fill the glass with water, ... | |
| Wheel diameter's affect on speed | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: WE are doing a Science Fair Experiment where we've built three cars... car 1 has a set of 3 cm ... A: A large wheel covers more distance per each turn of the axle than a small wheel. But, it takes more ... | |
| Soda Fizz | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: How do I measure the amount of fizz in a two litre bottle? A: It's easy to *compare* how much carbon dioxide is in 2 different kinds of soda --- seal the bottles ... | |
| Smoke Generator | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: I am a Governor's School student, and I am doing a research project on coming up with an aerodynamic ... A: The smoke machine in that file used just the steel tubing as the heater, insulated from the injector ... | |
| Science modal | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: I am a 9th grader and I have a science exxhibition comin up. It is a competition actually. Can you ... A: It's an impossible question to answer! The first thing about any science fair project is that the ... | |
| Smoke Generator | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: I am a Governor's School student, and I am doing a research project on coming up with an aerodynamic ... A: I have also experimented with wind tunnels and smoke, due to my research in wind turbines. Incense ... | |
| heat and freeze | 12/1/2008 |
| Q: When you freeze coke will all the bubbles go away? A: and the container stays intact (no leaks of liquid or gas), everything will be just like it was ... | |
| soler panels | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: i need to now the esy way to get soler panel iv lookt evry waer but i cant fine one i need a 5 or 6 ... A: because these are the most common in vehicles. But if your wattage needs are not very high, there ... | |
| science fair project | 11/26/2008 |
| Q: How does the shape of a magnet relate to the shape of its magnetic field? A: It relates quite directly. The lines of force in a magnetic field can be thought of like a ... | |
| egg drop | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: 15 popsicle sticks, 5 rubber bands, 1 sheet of paper, 100 cen. of tape and 100 cen. of string A: teachers have started changing the rules. I've included the things you need to think about below. ... | |
| 6th grade science fair | 11/23/2008 |
| Q: I have to write my research paper on my topic of "What is the most common fingerprint pattern ... A: Do YOU have to do the research yourself (by fingerprinting a number of boys and girls and comparing ... | |
| galvanic corrosion | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: Dan I now have all the details I think. This is about the aluminum experiment. Using a plastic ... A: that was for trying to corrode the aluminum without electricity. Salt water is what you want. Use ... | |
| science fair project | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: Hey im doing a science fair project on water molecules. the name of my title is The Attraction ... A: It sounds good to me. A sample hypothesis might be "I think that water molecules are strongly ... | |
| forces | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: How do I describe the forces on an egg from firing it of a catapult and describe the type of motion ... A: and the path that the object follows is called the Trajectory. You'll need to do some research on ... | |
| Aluminum corrosion | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: I am looking for a house hold chemical, or even a natural product that would corrode, or etch ... A: You didn't mention using electricity in your original question, so I didn't mention it either. The ... | |
| Aluminum corrosion | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: I am looking for a house hold chemical, or even a natural product that would corrode, or etch ... A: Any strong acid or base will corrode aluminum very quickly. The rate will depend on the strength of ... | |
| home appliances | 11/18/2008 |
| Q: how can i come up with a science project that deals with home appliance energy conservation? A: Absolutely the best thing you can do for your experiment is to buy a kilowatt-hour meter. A great ... | |
| Science project | 11/18/2008 |
| Q: what is the effect of salt on bean plant's germination? A: That's dependent on a lot of factors, even including the individual strain of bean seed you have to ... | |
| Dams | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: My science teacher is making us do a report according to the character we got. And I am against ... A: That's a cool idea, I like your science teacher. Probably the nastiest dam ever built in history ... | |
| Copper vs steel | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: I am doing a science experiment comparing copper and steel. I made 2 electromagnetic motors - one ... A: First of all, is your steel wire insulated? If not, that's a short circuit and explains the problem. ... | |
| Platinum for 9th Grade Science Report | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: What is the reactivity of the element PLATINUM - common compounds it forms A: like gold, does not corrode under normal conditions, so it's always shiny. It also does not form ... | |
| soda carbonation | 11/8/2008 |
| Q: hey how do you measure the lost of carbonation of soda after an experiment A: but it's easy to *compare* different kinds of soda. Use soda in plastic bottles, and be sure both ... | |
| Electricity | 11/7/2008 |
| Q: i am in the 5th grade and for my science project i want to build a house, maybe a town and have ... A: THEN you pick your hypothesis. You're trying to go about it backwards from the usual method. I've ... | |
| Science Fair Project | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: To whom it may concern, Hello. I am a student in the 8th grade. I am doing a science fair project ... A: For the plastic, you might consider getting some "Friendly Plastic" -- you can find sources on the ... | |
| Dead Rechargeable batteries | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: Saw your answer on rechargeable batteries & thought I'd give you a shot. I have t 12V NiCd battery ... A: as long as you can reach both terminals of each battery. Just check across the 2 ends of a single ... | |
| Helium | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: How can I use 3 helium balloons and some other materials to create an aircraft that will maneuver ... A: get a mylar one or ask at the helium balloon supplier which material holds helium the longest. But ... | |
| electromagtism | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: How to make a working model on electromagnet? A: You'll need a nail, some thin, insulated wire, and a D battery. Simply wrap the wire around the ... | |
| Science fair | 10/29/2008 |
| Q: I need to know where I could find teeth for a science fair project A: It is also somewhat dangerous, you MUST be sure to sterilize the teeth thoroughly -- soak them in a ... | |
| solar car kits for kids | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: I was told I could find cheap solar car kits for kids to build for about $5. Students are grades ... A: but there are a few out there right at $10. Here's the Google shopping search I used (google ... | |
| Using Solar power for heating coils and light in an art exhibit | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: I'm planning a series of artwork that involves using thermochromic glazes on ceramics, led or other ... A: the crucial question is how much energy to you need to make your thermochromic materials change ... | |
| friction | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: does friction slow something down or speed it up. Also, if a snowy hill has been compacted to any ... A: converting part of its kinetic energy into heat. What happens on icy surfaces is what makes ice ... | |
| The Golfball Challenge | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: I have a project for science class that has to do with the transfer of energy. I need to power a ... A: You can certainly launch the golf ball with a rubber band -- hold the rubber band between thumb and ... | |
| solar and wind power | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: My son is about to embark on his first ever science fair project. Yours truly has bought him a ... A: The thing I like about the Picoturbine is that the student gets to build the alternator, too. His ... | |
| Science Fair Project | 10/22/2008 |
| Q: I am in 5th grade and have to do a science fair project. I would like to power a caculator with ... A: I confess that at age 41 I still make potato batteries. My record is a 12 volt one using 30 potatoes ... | |
| Light Bulbs | 10/22/2008 |
| Q: I am thinking about doing my science fair project on "Does the size of a light bulb affect its ... A: Good that you haven't started yet. Incandescent and halogen light bulbs have a tiny point source of ... | |
| How not to break an egg or crack it from a height of 15 metres | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: I was given an assignment that say's i have to drop an egg from a height of 15 metres without ... A: I get lots of egg drop questions. Below is the best way to go about the experiment. DAN ----- The ... | |
| my science fair project | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: I have a question about my science fair project. my purpose is : How can the sun be used to separate ... A: but sodium silicoaluminate is actually used to *prevent* large crystals from forming, and to reduce ... | |
| Amoeba`s function | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: hi i was wondering what is an amoeba`s function i know they eat but why? what do they do when they ... A: Amoebas serve the essential function of breaking down bacteria and decomposing plant and animal ... | |
| egg dropping | 10/18/2008 |
| Q: In my class i have a project due soon and i need help. we have to create something that will allow a ... A: which falls fast with the egg inside. If your goal is to slow down the egg, a parachute should do ... | |
| The Golfball Challenge | 10/14/2008 |
| Q: I have this project to do. I have to set up a track for a golfball to travel one meter. The rubber ... A: I think your best bet is to reduce friction as much as possible, so there are fewer losses as the ... | |
| conduction | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: I am researching global warming, I am doing an experiment on which landscape materials absorb and ... A: Nope -- though your logic in asking the follow-up question is excellent. Which material you choose ... | |
| Ice and Water | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: If I have an ice cube (temperature: 0 degrees) what temperature does it start to thaw out at? A: That's assuming it's in the dark, though, as radiant heat from the sun or a light bulb could cause ... | |
| i need to know now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please | 10/12/2008 |
| Q: what are the uses of surface tension and how does surface tension work? A: Most of them are being pulled at equally by all their neighbors. But the molecules at the surface of ... | |
| oscillating water column | 10/11/2008 |
| Q: we want to build a o.w.c. for a sci. fair,what type of hobby motor should i get,and how can i show ... A: I think the experiment will certainly work. That bad news is, I don't think you'll be able to get ... | |
| flying turbines | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: this is not a kid's question, so don't post online, just email me. am impressed by your (& the ... A: since I am a wind power author, teacher, and lecturer. My new book "Homebrew Wind Power" is due out ... | |
| oxidizing | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: isnt oxidizing when a chemical takes all the oxygen out of the room or summat? A: oxidation is a chemical reaction where something combines with oxygen, and releases heat (an ... | |
| evaporation | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: how do you evaporate water from coffee? A: You could just leave it out on a flat plate or dish to evaporate (the more surface and higher the ... | |
| multiple chain of motors | 10/4/2008 |
| Q: I have created a new concept to a product, and I would like to make sure that the basic principles ... A: Most of the answers to your questions depend on what exactly you are trying to accomplish with this ... | |
| seawater and red wavelengths | 10/1/2008 |
| Q: why does seawater absorb red wavelengths? A: Lots of people ask me why seawater looks blue when you are underwater, but nobody has yet asked WHY. ... | |
| burning fuels | 10/1/2008 |
| Q: i am doing my science homework but i can't find out: "what happens when fuels burn?" please help! A: ' It's a complex chemical reaction, but it needs a combination of a fuel and an oxidizer. Usually ... | |
| Mirrors | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: ok you said when a light wave hits a mirror the free charges react and reflect the incoming light ... A: To really get this right, you're going to need to read Richard Feynman's book "QED--the strange ... | |
| Hydrogen | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering why the element hydrogen has such a boiling and melting point. All of the other ... A: it's right in there near Neon and Oxygen for melting point, and Neon and Nitrogen for boiling point. ... | |
| The Big Bang Theory | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: Is it possible that the Christan theory, and the big bang theory are both true in some way down the ... A: Science relies on analyzing experimental data to explain the unknown, while religion requires a ... | |
| request | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: i am meisam nasiri , studying chemistry in one of iran 's universities ,sophomore ,working in a ... A: since I'm not an expert baker -- so you may want to ask again in the AllExperts > Food/Drink > Home ... | |
| science fair | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: does water or vinegar dissolve the m&ms the fatest A: I don't quite understand what the question is. And I can't do the experiment for you! But it would ... | |
| Science Fair Project | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: I'm in honors science and its mandatory for you to make a project for the science fair, I'm only in ... A: It will be time consuming, but quite possible. Since I am a professional in solar and wind energy, I ... | |
| physics &chemistry | 8/31/2008 |
| Q: what is nuclerenergy A: When you bombard an atom of a 'nuclear fuel' such as Uranium with neutrons, the nucleus splits, ... | |
| telsa coil | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: i sent you a question earlier today from my phone and wanted to get home to a real keyboard to ask ... A: My neighbor has built a few of them, and we have experimented with them in the shop -- but he is no ... | |
| salt water thingy(14 years old from 8th grade) | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: What r the changes in a petri dish when the salt water solution evaporates? A: Given enough time, all the water will evaporate, leaving behind whatever minerals, salts, and ... | |
| science for preschoolers | 8/23/2008 |
| Q: I am a preschool teacher and I am looking for 4 different science experiments. One about scotch ... A: That's tough, for the pre-school level, but I think you should still be able to introduce a ... | |
| physics working model | 8/22/2008 |
| Q: ....I am in grade 8...and i need to do a working model project in phsics,the project is supposed to ... A: but there's an easier way! The same principle of a moving, inclined plane can be done using hose or ... | |
| PLs help out | 8/12/2008 |
| Q: I got the topic "Semiconducting Clusters:Silcon and Germanium" for my 100 marks project..........i ... A: and so a bit advanced for 'science for kids.' In any case -- I was able to find references to ... | |
| Science Principles | 8/9/2008 |
| Q: What is the difference between science laws, theories and principles? A: A scientific law is considered a universal, invariable fact of the physical world. It can be written ... | |
| brushless motors | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: can a brushless electric motor from a radio controlled plane be used to generate electricity ?.it ... A: but how much power you can get at what RPM will depend on the motor. THe lower the RPM rating, the ... | |
| Tesla Coils | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: I am 12 years old and am doing a big project on Tesla. I would really like to build a Tesla coil but ... A: You are right -- Tesla coils are dangerous. There is NO safe Tesla coil that you can build! However ... | |
| What is brain role in the perception of vision? | 7/25/2008 |
| Q: -What is the brain role in human vision? -How did our brain interpret signal from the eye? What does ... A: I'll answer the questions that I can briefly, and refer you to some other information. There are ... | |
| olefactory nerves in nose | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: How often do the olefactory nerves in your nose change? A: ...it could be changes in the ability of olfactory signals to transmit to the brain. See: ... | |
| Does every human taste receptor work differently? Do we enjoy the same kind of taste sensation? | 7/2/2008 |
| Q: I understand no human taste receptor work exactly the same,does all the normal human taste receptor ... A: Interesting questions! From what I can tell, you run into the same thing with smell--it's again a ... | |
| Does every human taste receptor work differently? Do we enjoy the same kind of taste sensation? | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: I understand no human taste receptor work exactly the same,does all the normal human taste receptor ... A: There's no way of knowing, just like there's no way to know if 'green' looks the same to me as to ... | |
| making ice blocks | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: expansionHi Dan, We are trying to make a perfect circle ice block that won't crack. We have ... A: Your best bet is trying to do it like the folks that make ice sculptures. In your freezer, the ice ... | |
| how to make an investigatory project on energy conservation? | 6/4/2008 |
| Q: As you can see from the subject, I have to make an investigatory project on Energy Conservation. The ... A: -) An investigatory project is also called an experimental project. In this type of project you ask ... | |
| Experiment with magnets | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: I'm like a kid and all and i can not find any good experiments for the science fair but i know i ... A: ). This page probably has the best collection of experiments that you can do with rare-earth ... | |
| magnetism | 6/2/2008 |
| Q: My question is "How can magnets help archeologists?" please could you give me some info. thanks x A: Of course in archeology studying more modern events, where people had iron tools, magnets can be ... | |
| umbrella construction | 5/28/2008 |
| Q: I need to build an umbrella for my science project. I wanted to know what materials I would need to ... A: This is really a tough question! I could not find any resources online for building an umbrella. ... | |
| science | 5/12/2008 |
| Q: Which heats faster soil or water?rhp4v A: and what the source of heat is. Sunlight, convection, conduction, or what? Same with the water -- ... | |
| egg drop | 5/12/2008 |
| Q: Deer Dan My mom says that by putting a raw egg in a vacuum bag and sucking out the air, and rapping ... A: The vacuum bag or air has nothing to do with it... The key is distribution of force--you need to ... | |
| science | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: experiment on which soda has the most gas (carbon dioxide) for grade 5 level A: all at exactly the same temperature. Seal each one in a ziplock bag, and carefully open the cap thru ... | |
| chemical science | 5/4/2008 |
| Q: My 6th grader did an experiment with water temperature and liquid detergent. Hot and cold water ... A: There are too many variables and not enough information to give you a definitive answer, but I can ... | |
| Electricity | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: I want to ask that how does the length of a material affect the conductivity of it? thank you A: Generally we talk about resistance in a conductor, measured in Ohms, rather than conductivity, ... | |
| Science / Heat Transfer | 4/29/2008 |
| Q: What cools faster: soda in a bottle or in an aluminum can? Thanks, A: so the contents of the can will heat or cool faster. For the same reason, the contents of a glass or ... | |
| tornadoes | 4/24/2008 |
| Q: I need to find a simulator that tests how the temperature affects speed of vortex. A: This is a new one for me, you are on the cutting edge of science fair projects! About the best I ... | |
| Mini Solar Panels | 4/23/2008 |
| Q: I have to build a mini solar car for school. I found some little panels at radio shack that comes ... A: The solar panel from Radio Shack that came with the motor, was able to run the motor, but just not ... | |
| science | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: my daughter had to do an experiment for science. Which soda stays colder longest in a bottle or a ... A: It's not the caffeine, since it's present in such tiny amounts--soda is 99.99% water and sugar, plus ... | |
| Solar Energy | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: What are some examples of where this technology(solar energy) is being used? What persent of the ... A: I'm not allowed to do this kind of research for students. You have to learn how to find this ... | |
| Heating a wire | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: How do I heat a nichrome wire without burning through plastic? How much energy does it need and ... A: and your power source. What are you trying to heat up? The basic procedure for designing an ... | |
| sunlight energy | 4/15/2008 |
| Q: How do all of the living things in a food chain get the energy to live from sunlight? on a fourth ... A: In a food chain it all boils down into producers, consumers, and decomposers. All the energy comes ... | |
| Science fair question | 4/14/2008 |
| Q: My science fair project is about finding out which colored ice cubes melt faster, red, blue, yellow ... A: "white" light, like sunlight, comes to us in a mix of different colors. The colors that you see from ... | |
| science project | 4/9/2008 |
| Q: i was wondering how would i find out how much carbohydrates are in a can of soda.and how would i set ... A: Soda is pretty much just sugar and water. So all your carbohydrates will be from the sugar. It's ... | |
| egg drop | 4/1/2008 |
| Q: ..i was wondering if you could suggest a good way of building one...i can only use toothpicks and ... A: Below is the best way to go about the experiment. Since you can't use foam--- you're going to need ... | |
| 2nd grade science fair project | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: Dan. After an ice storm this winter, my son and his friend found a sizable piece of pavement that ... A: Yes, the crystallization of ice is pretty amazing in how much force it can produce. However, there ... | |
| shell less egg drop | 3/30/2008 |
| Q: How can I drop a shell less egg from a distance of two stories without breaking it? ANSWER: Hi ... A: The best way to go about it will remain the same as I described in the first answer. For natural ... | |
| building a boat that floats | 3/29/2008 |
| Q: I have to build a boat that floats without using electricity. We are having a contest so I need it ... A: I assume you mean the boat needs to be *powered* to move without electricity? Floating it is no ... | |
| shell less egg drop | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: How can I drop a shell less egg from a distance of two stories without breaking it? A: right? That will work the same way as a normal egg drop--you want to slow the egg down inside the ... | |
| solar energy | 3/27/2008 |
| Q: how does the solar mirror work, like how does the sun make it work? A: or what it does. BUT I can make a guess! It tracks the sun, right, and mirrors focus the beam on ... | |
| Tesla coil | 3/19/2008 |
| Q: My daughter wants to build tesla coil for science fair project/experiment. However the teacher's ... A: "Is it possible to transmit electrical power over a distance without wires?" Of course radios do ... | |
| Solar Panel Project | 3/19/2008 |
| Q: I am doing a science project and I am trying to light a light bulb with a homemade solar panel and ... A: You'll want to measure that first with a multimeter, and then select a bulb to match. An LED light ... | |
| Fruit Seeds | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: I am doing research for a Science Fair experiment. I am curious to find if people can identify a ... A: 1) yes 2) That's how they reproduce -- the fruit falls to the ground, (or gets eaten by an animal) ... | |
| Plants | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: We are doing research on plant environments. We have a few questions we were hoping that you could ... A: 1 -- no, ANY plant can be made to grow indoors if given the right conditions (light, humidity, ... | |
| physics experiments at indoor play centers | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: Like you, I am interested in teaching kids in a fun, interactive (hands on) setting. Am considering ... A: Not a problem Ameet -- happy to help. I'm generally too swamped at work to be available as a ... | |
| energy flow in ecosystem | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: what is the energy flow in wetlands A: herbivores eating green plants, then themselves being eaten by carnivores; and the breakdown of ... | |
| Electricity from Fruits | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: My name is Jonathan, and I am in the 6th grade. I am doing some primary research for my Science ... A: What they DO have is acid in the juice. That acts as an electrolyte, which forms a battery when you ... | |
| Plants | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: I have a science fair at Deer Park Elementary school and I I am doing can plat grow fro a leaf and ... A: you can start plants from a leaf, but some plants are easier than others. Some are very difficult. ... | |
| rechargable batteries | 3/8/2008 |
| Q: How can I "re-condition" a 12v rechargable battery for a Dewalt cordless drill? It seems to charge ... A: but there's not much you can do. The cells in this type of battery are sealed, so nothing can be ... | |
| science fair projects | 3/7/2008 |
| Q: what will happen if bean plants are not watered with water? A: Just like a human, plants can live for a long time with no food (fertilizer), but only a short time ... | |
| physical science | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: 8 ounces of ice cube were left at room temp to melt. after 6 hours, the water weigh 8 ounces. why ... A: no mass is lost (the same for gasses, too). What fools people with ice is that as it freezes, it ... | |
| freezing rate of carbinated water | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: for my science fair project i my question is how does carbonation affect the freezing rate of water, ... A: The colder the water you start with, the less time it will take to reach the freezing point. Now ... | |
| volume thermal expansion | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: If a 103 gallon tank was filled with diesel fuel and a beginning temperature of 45 degrees F, and ... A: However, I can can give you the info to solve it yourself: The thermal expansion coefficient of ... | |
| carbonation | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: if you know anything can know just a little bit you know on carbontion? plese? thank you ... A: and a great link to the online encyclopedia article. Carbonation in soda is dissolved carbon ... | |
| oven toaster | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: Prefer to wrap electric wire around meat to cook it using AC current.I thought of connecting jumper ... A: ...your worries are good, beacause messing with a car battery battery can get things red-hot before ... | |
| styuff | 2/5/2008 |
| Q: What kind of cloth holds stains the best any good stain websites? A: because almost every stain remover manufacturer has a website with stain removal instructions. You ... | |
| simple electric motor | 2/4/2008 |
| Q: I need a hypothesis for the simple electric motor I built. My problem statment was "Can electrical ... A: .. Wow, you don't need to ask me about all this stuff....both of your hypotheses are true. Your ... | |
| Egg drop w/ limited materials | 2/3/2008 |
| Q: My physics class is doing the egg drop competition starting from 6ft, but our materials are very ... A: But I'm starting to find the problem even more interesting recently! I get egg drop questions here ... | |
| why do we burn fuels | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: i am doing my science homework about burning fuels and i don't understand how to link the big ideas ... A: we're having internet problems here. I think a couple key concepts might help you out. First, solid ... | |
| Yeast experiment | 1/29/2008 |
| Q: My son did an experiment with yeast, sugar, vinegar, baking soda and salt to see which would produce ... A: Ahhhhh! OK, I understand now. You were kind of mixing up your reactions in these experiments. There ... | |
| Yeast experiment | 1/29/2008 |
| Q: My son did an experiment with yeast, sugar, vinegar, baking soda and salt to see which would produce ... A: I think I can guess, though....you used yeast, sugar and water in one jar, and baking soda and ... | |
| Evaporation | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: Which will evaporate more quickly? Water in a tall thin glass or the same water in a wide flat dish? ... A: Yes, you are correct. The more surface area that is exposed to air, the faster the evaporation rate. ... | |
| a question | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: Do children learn more from punishment or by giving rewards? A: Many behavioral scientists (and parents!) believe different things. But, the general consensus is ... | |
| evaporation | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: will water evaporate at different rates if it is in different types of containers? In other words if ... A: and also the surface are of water exposed to air. The main rule is, the warmer the water, the faster ... | |
| electricity | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: got any tricks on how to figure out kilowatt hours and stuff?? like how much it cost to run a light ... A: Watts are GREAT, much easier than messing with volts and amps (though watts roughly equal volts x ... | |
| ice thawing rate | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Fink, A while back you answered the question below. I am doing a similar experiment. ... A: Both will thaw at exactly the same rate, because the heating earlier didn't do anything to change ... | |
| ice thawing rate | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Fink, A while back you answered the question below. I am doing a similar experiment. ... A: Hot water ALWAYS takes more time to freeze, because you have to remove more heat energy from it ... | |
| making an artificial arm | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: I am in the 7th grade and we need to build an artifical arm that will reach into a water bottle and ... A: In short, you'll need a whole a bunch of servo motors and the mechanical parts to make them move the ... | |
| dog food project ideas | 1/20/2008 |
| Q: my son wants to do a project about which dog food do dogs prefer ? dont know what dog food to test ... A: This kind of statistical experiment is always tough....to really get a good sample to put together ... | |
| Virtual Hamster - Learning Fair Question | 1/19/2008 |
| Q: My 3rd grader is very interested in participating in the Learning Fair at school this year. After ... A: you've discovered a law of physics that most people think doesn't apply to magnets, the Conservation ... | |
| pediatrician | 1/19/2008 |
| Q: She has been saying, that she wants to be a pediatrician ever since she was five. Is their anyway ... A: Normally with google, you have to get your search terms just right. But sometimes you can just ask ... | |
| light bulb experiment | 1/17/2008 |
| Q: Can you use a chain of students to light up a light bulb similiar to the energy ball experiment, ... A: at Steve Spangler Science? If so -- probably, but the connection gets worse every time you add ... | |
| evolution of a cat | 1/16/2008 |
| Q: I'm doing a thing on evolution in my earth science class and have to do something on the evolution ... A: just search: cat evolution And you'll find some confusion, of course! In 1983 cats were classified ... | |
| Science Fair project on Sttain Removal | 1/15/2008 |
| Q: What would the scientific principle for stain removal be? Thanks for any help, Taylor 5th grade A: Detergents and soaps are 'surfactants', where one side of the molecule is attracted to water and the ... | |
| friction | 1/13/2008 |
| Q: I want to know what surfaces have less or more friction allowing you to run faster. Its for my ... A: because like you said, too much friction would slow you down. It's not so bad with feet, but with a ... | |
| friction | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: I want to know what surfaces have less or more friction allowing you to run faster. Its for my ... A: like pavement, concrete, grass, etc. will provide the most friction, while surfaces that feel smooth ... | |
| Energy | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: I was writing a grant and I wanted to explain about how nature helps use certain processes that it ... A: OK that explains it. It's not really a form of energy, but instead demonstrates the law of ... | |
| Sound | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: Does the human ear hear all frequencies in the audible range with teh same sensitivity? Is it easier ... A: and it also varies with age and hearing damage. A healthy young adult can usually hear in the ... | |
| Saltwater evaporation | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: I'm doing a science fair project and i would like to know, How does salt delay evaporation timing? ... A: banging into each other. They are also highly attracted to each other. Some of these collisions can ... | |
| help por favor!!!! | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: i just had a question. im doing a science fair project. i mean the topics not THAT great but its on ... A: Hola Lauren. It's a pretty good topic actually....lots of places you can go with your experiments. ... | |
| science fair - electric eels | 1/7/2008 |
| Q: My 2nd grade son was studying about electric eels in class - he was interested in how they can send ... A: A very interesting animal, and possibly a tremendous science project! The answer to your son's ... | |
| Science | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: A person holding a toy helium-filled balloon, identify the forces on the balloon and why doesn't the ... A: However, Helium is lighter than nitrogen, which is 80% of the atmosphere. So, the balloon and it's ... | |
| contraption project | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: I'm currently in grade 11 physics and we have gotten a project to build a contraption which a marble ... A: You could have fun with some small magnets -- you'll be able to place them so they can attract or ... | |
| Wind Power motors | 12/21/2007 |
| Q: I have read about "gear motors" which appear to be small hobby-type moters, but can run at much ... A: that's what we build here for a living: http://www.otherpower.com/ First, join our discussion board ... | |
| Wind Power motors | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: I have read about "gear motors" which appear to be small hobby-type moters, but can run at much ... A: the answer is 'maybe and maybe not.' Just like with selecting a hobby motor for wind experiments, ... | |
| 6th grade science (chemistry) | 12/14/2007 |
| Q: What is the difference between a bottle of water and a bottle of hydrogen and oxygen? A: Because of the shape of the water molecule, it forms *multiple* hydrogen-oxygen (H-O) bonds. The ... | |
| Indium | 12/14/2007 |
| Q: I'm a 10th grader having trouble with some things in a school project that I have to do. My teacher ... A: yes, pretty much, but I'll rephrase what you said a bit. you said>Which means that the number of ... | |
| Indium | 12/13/2007 |
| Q: I'm a 10th grader having trouble with some things in a school project that I have to do. My teacher ... A: and you'd be surprised how many people don't know how a mirror works! I bet your teacher does, ... | |
| DOG PAW PRINTS | 12/13/2007 |
| Q: Do dogs have patterns on their paws like we have on out fingers? A: This is the first time I've had to ask my dog to answer a science question here for me. (Actually, I ... | |
| science | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: What is the mass of a small air freshner before and after it is open A: You'll simply open the air freshener and weigh it immediately, then wait for however long it takes ... | |
| Electrolysis of water. | 12/8/2007 |
| Q: I want to prove that there is the Hydrogen and Oxygen in the water electrolysis in the Science Fare. ... A: Not easy to demonstrate, but easy to prove. You light the hydrogen with a match...but that's ... | |
| Electrolysis of water. | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: I want to prove that there is the Hydrogen and Oxygen in the water electrolysis in the Science Fare. ... A: but it's a very slow process. Adding a salt to the electrolyte speeds things up by making the ... | |
| magnets | 12/6/2007 |
| Q: I have a science project and the question is-Does the size of the magnet effect the strength??? Is ... A: And yes, magnet size does affect strength. Other factors that affect magnet strength are: -the ... | |
| Mineral resources | 12/5/2007 |
| Q: my name is Cora. I am 10. I'm in 5th grade, I am doing a history report and I need to know what the ... A: government agencies are notoriously BAD at making information easy to find! I ended up going to the ... | |
| copper | 12/3/2007 |
| Q: can you please tell me some thing about copper. :) A: I can send you to the coolest periodic table website ever: http://chemicalelements.com/ Copper is ... | |
| Evaporation | 11/30/2007 |
| Q: Good Morning, my son is in fifth grade finishing up his science project. He filled three cups with ... A: that doesn't follow what I'd expect. The evaporation rate of liquids is directly proportional to ... | |
| chemistry | 11/28/2007 |
| Q: Which soft drink has the most carbonation? A: even between cans of the same brand in the same batch. You can perform an experiment to see which of ... | |
| conduction | 11/27/2007 |
| Q: I'm doing my 6th grade Science Fair Project of electrolysis of water using different electrode ... A: too, so don't get discouraged! My job is writing about renewable energy, not chemistry. But science ... | |
| conduction | 11/25/2007 |
| Q: I'm doing my 6th grade Science Fair Project of electrolysis of water using different electrode ... A: and 2)the electrolysis of water. For (1), you are harvesting electricity from the electrochemical ... | |
| chemistry | 11/25/2007 |
| Q: I'm doing a project on elements....and i need to sell plutonium, need advertising ideas and help ... A: that's a tough sell, considering it's one of the most poisonous elements known to mankind! However, ... | |
| question and answers | 11/21/2007 |
| Q: Water can dissolve more sugar on heating water, why? Salt can be separated from salt solution on ... A: Sugar dissolves in water because highly polar water molecules break the weak bonds between the sugar ... | |
| carbonation in soda | 11/21/2007 |
| Q: I need to find out how to measure loss of carbonation in a 2 liter bottle of soda at different ... A: and that CO2 weighs only 1.98 kg per cubic meter. So, you'll need a very accurate laboratory-type ... | |
| Lemon Flashlight | 11/20/2007 |
| Q: I saw a science experiment on this website where a lemon was used to make a flashlight.I want to do ... A: You'll need about 2 volts and about 20 milliamps to light a red LED (red uses the least power). So ... | |
| Science/Plants | 11/18/2007 |
| Q: Name some plants that are consumers instead of producers? A: and came up with ZERO. Me too! And the reason why is simply that we should have used "autotrophic" ... | |
| Electric Pump For Water | 11/13/2007 |
| Q: I need to find a cheap, reliable electric pump to buy that can pull water from a fishtank and put ... A: The first place you might look is the local Home Depot/Lowes type store, or a garden supply store. ... | |
| physics-puddles | 11/12/2007 |
| Q: how and why do puddles evaporate? A: the molecules are held together by intermolecular forces. The molecules also have kinetic ... | |
| Sodas Fizz | 11/10/2007 |
| Q: Does the brand of soda affect how long it fizzes? A: different brands have different amounts of carbonation. It's measured in 'volumes of Co2' which is ... | |
| carbonation in soda | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: what is the best/easiest way to measure the amount of carbonation in different types of soda for a ... A: The simplest way I know if is: -use soda in plastic screw-top bottles, and make sure both bottles ... | |
| the carbon cycle | 10/31/2007 |
| Q: where can i find a science project of the carbon cycle that was made by kids?? please help i have my ... A: it appears all you need to do is find science projects on the carbon cycle that others have done? A ... | |
| science | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: Can you tell me how sound travels through solids,liquids and gases A: It travels the same way through all 3 -- by waves of alternating compression and rarification. The ... | |
| Mouse Trap Powered Car | 10/24/2007 |
| Q: What kind of wheels could I use to make my mouse trap powered car produce less friction? A: You *want* friction between the wheel and the floor--the friction is what transmits the power from ... | |
| Mouse Trap Powered Cars | 10/24/2007 |
| Q: How can I build a mouse trap powered car that will travel a long distance? A: Google up: mouse trap car for a whole bunch of ideas. This site is dedicated to the idea: ... | |
| pond ecosystems | 10/23/2007 |
| Q: okay, so in my class we're doing a project on different types of ecosystems, and in my group we ... A: It's a great idea you have, but practically speaking it will be very difficult. Most fish are ... | |
| how can i find it? | 10/23/2007 |
| Q: Our class is divided by groups to make investigatory projects. The leader of our group assigned me ... A: Biology, physics, electricity, and so on. Then from there you can pick a project. Invetigatory ... | |
| Affect of temperature on wood glue strength | 10/22/2007 |
| Q: I am in Eighth grade and I would like to see if temperature affects the strength of wood glue, but ... A: I like your experiment idea. The problem is the hairdryer--you wouldn't be heating the glue joint ... | |
| plant | 10/18/2007 |
| Q: what is the purpose for plant roots? A: The 2 main purposes of plant roots are 1) to anchor the plant to the ground, and 2) to absorb water ... | |
| electricity | 10/17/2007 |
| Q: why is sciense so hard and confusing to understand and can you put more things about electricity on ... A: so I can't put anything up on the site. However, my opinion is that science is confusing as taught ... | |
| removing salt from water | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: It has to be solar powered and I have to have a working model. My mom is trying to help, but not ... A: There are only a few methods: Distillation, sequential freezing, and reverse osmosis. Only ... | |
| cracks in ice blocks | 9/21/2007 |
| Q: we have a shave ice company and currently use an ice block maker to make our round ice blocks. The ... A: You can probably duplicate them at home. Cloudy ice comes from impurities and air trapped in the ice ... | |
| egg drop | 9/7/2007 |
| Q: all I have for an egg drop is 30 straws and 34 inches of masking tape and no padding. what do i ... A: Since padding is the most effective way to protect the egg, I would try to crumple up the soda ... | |
| water on the moon | 9/6/2007 |
| Q: If there is water near the pole on the moon what form do you think it takes-liquid, gas or ice? A: So that rules out water in gas or liquid form, unless it's buried deep under the surface, which is ... | |
| powering a light bulb from a calculator solar panel | 8/17/2007 |
| Q: my daughter is trying to build a model house and power a flash light bulb by solar power. is it ... A: but not with a regular incandescant flashlight bulb or a solar panel from a calculator. Flashlight ... | |
| investigatory project in simple form only | 8/14/2007 |
| Q: i am joining in a Science Fair Competition and my category is Investigatory Project. How can i make ... A: but can be the most fun! Here's a description of the 5 different kinds of science fair projects: ... | |
| GAS | 8/3/2007 |
| Q: WHAT HAS MORE GAS FROM COKE OR PEPSI? A: The companies keep their formulas secret, but there's a way you can find out! Get a can or bottle of ... | |
| fundamental of research | 7/13/2007 |
| Q: what are the independent and dependent variable of a stain remover? A: they would be the type of stain removers you are trying, and the materials you are trying them on. ... | |
| ice cube | 7/9/2007 |
| Q: how do you slow down an ice cube from melting A: Heat tries to move to colder areas, and you need to block its transfer. Heat is transferred by many ... | |
| Why does water expand when put in the freezer? | 6/25/2007 |
| Q: I am learning that the particles in a matter expand when heated and contract when cooled. But how ... A: Water is really strange stuff, because of the very strong hydrogen-oxygen bonds. One odd thing is ... | |
| rainbows | 6/20/2007 |
| Q: I choose science for kids but I think the question may be difficult. AT 66 year old I am no child, ... A: And, you did indeed see something very rare. We normally see half-circle rainbows on the horizon, ... | |
| Earth's Magnetic Field | 6/13/2007 |
| Q: What would happen to the Earth if the Earth's magnetic field were a LOT stronger or a LOT weaker? ... A: There is a bit of confusion in your terms -- electromagnetic storms, geomagnetic storms, and ... | |
| Help!!! | 5/31/2007 |
| Q: O.k. i have a test to take tom., so i need answers NOW!!Why does sound travel through air clearest( ... A: sound travels faster, for longer distances, and with a more focused pattern of intensity in water ... | |
| science | 5/29/2007 |
| Q: I am a student doing a science project. I am finding it very hard to find out how much water is in: ... A: Matt -- in my research for answering your original question, I did not come across anything like ... | |
| science | 5/29/2007 |
| Q: i need to make a boat that will travel 6 feet in a body of water with no electricity,or gas power,ca ... A: ! -- tip - make your boat as light as possible so it takes less energy to push it, and make it ... | |
| science | 5/28/2007 |
| Q: I am a student doing a science project. I am finding it very hard to find out how much water is in: ... A: ...accurately measuring water content is extremely difficult, because all those liquids you mention ... | |
| EggDrop help | 5/26/2007 |
| Q: I have a project and i need an egg drop project that weighs under 200 grams and you cant use ... A: With those restrictions on materials, your class should plan for a scrambled egg breakfast ... | |
| Sound waves | 5/20/2007 |
| Q: I want to do an experiment to show how our ears can hear different sounds, not just sound. Can you ... A: Ooohhh...that's really tough, Adam. I can't think of any real way to meaure the actual eardrum's ... | |
| Ice house | 5/19/2007 |
| Q: I want to build a little home (smaller than 18"x18"x18") for an ice cube without using electricity, ... A: and that's insulation. Use as much as you can -- styrofoam, fiberglass building insulation, etc. ... | |
| Sound waves | 5/19/2007 |
| Q: I want to do an experiment to show how our ears can hear different sounds, not just sound. Can you ... A: Keep in mind that the biggest difference in how different people hear is with high-frequency ... | |
| Dissolving Sugar | 4/23/2007 |
| Q: my 4th grader just completed several tests of dissolving sugar cubes in water, vinegar and rootbeer. ... A: oxygen, and carbon. Water is hydrogen and oxygen. Water molecules are shaped in such a way that they ... | |
| Solid, Liquid , Gas | 4/19/2007 |
| Q: My 3rd grade son is working on a science project that he has to focus on the above subject. Any ... A: the substance that's easiest to work with for your experiment is water, because it's easily ... | |
| science fair project | 4/17/2007 |
| Q: am doing a project on which color m & m will melt the fastest. Any ideas? A: what you'll be getting at will be how well that color absorbs or reflects heat. You probably won't ... | |
| QUESTION | 4/16/2007 |
| Q: Doesn't any website have the answer to my question? I need to make a electricity experiment project ... A: because what's interesting to me might not be interesting to you. No reason to do a science fair ... | |
| i need help | 4/12/2007 |
| Q: i need help with my project what is material density have to do with refraction A: The denser the material, the slower the speed of light in it. Refraction (a change in angle of the ... | |
| my animal reprot | 4/11/2007 |
| Q: how do peacocks reproduce? But could you please explain it so that its not as deep with information ... A: His answer is appropriate for all ages I believe. Also note -- there are myths about how peacocks ... | |
| sunlight, landfills, and methane gas | 4/10/2007 |
| Q: I am doing my 5th grade science project on how a gas called methane can be formed by decaying ... A: ...higher temperatures would mean the gas is produced faster in your simple (and very clever) ... | |
| physics of weight lifting | 4/8/2007 |
| Q: what two kisds of forces woul a weight lifter use to lift barbells above his head. A: The weightlifter has to apply force from his body to lift them. Until his force is greater than ... | |
| electromagnets | 4/2/2007 |
| Q: What are electromagnets used for? A: Any time electrical power runs through a wire, an electromagnetic field is created around the ... | |
| A dissagreement between friends | 3/30/2007 |
| Q: Is it true that if i ware my coat indoors i will not feel the benafit of it outdoors A: its pretty much all temperatures difference -- the bigger the difference between the temperature ... | |
| social studies | 3/28/2007 |
| Q: how is steel made? A: you should see if you can get a tour! I did that when i was a kid, and it was fascinating, loud, and ... | |
| urgent science project question | 3/27/2007 |
| Q: My brother did an experiment to determine which dissolves faster in different liquids, sugar or ... A: Sugar crystal molecules are held together by weak hydrogen bonds between the molecules. Salt ... | |
| electricity | 3/26/2007 |
| Q: How is it that a potato can be used like a battery to power a flashlight? Are there fruits that can ... A: Actually, a potato can't make enough power to light a normal flashlight. But you can still get fun ... | |
| 1st Grade Science Fair Project | 3/5/2007 |
| Q: Not too many ideas for 1st grade level. How do you make paper frogs jump with static electricity? ... A: and sheets of paper move by static electricity--but never a combination of the two. You can make a ... | |
| magnetism | 3/5/2007 |
| Q: good day!!i would just like to know more about magnitism?hope to get a reply from you as soon as ... A: It's hard to answer your question without knowing what grade level you are in at school. The ... | |
| mentos&soda | 3/3/2007 |
| Q: why doesn't mentos react drastically with regular soda? A: In fact, you'll be amazed at how many other things put into soda make the same reaction if you start ... | |
| 6th grade science | 3/2/2007 |
| Q: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO OPPOSING WAVES MEET? A: and which parts neet. The waves can either amplify the result or cancel it out, and this can happen ... | |
| magnets | 2/27/2007 |
| Q: What would happen if the permanent magnet in a generator lost its magnetism? A: In short, the generator would stop making power if the permanent magnets (PMs) lost their power. You ... | |
| science question | 2/19/2007 |
| Q: Which form of energy produces more heat. A gas stove or an electric television? A: it's made to do that, and it burns a whole lot of fuel doing it. It'll give you *lots* of heat if ... | |
| nail polish | 2/18/2007 |
| Q: What are the ingredients in nail polish? What is the history of nail polish? if you can't answer ... A: But there are always 3 different *kinds* of chemicals: - solvents. They evaporate and leaves the ... | |
| science project - density | 2/9/2007 |
| Q: My Son is doing a science experiment about density. The experiment goes as follows: 1)Fill an ... A: The metric system (SI) makes it easy to solve with math proof. Also, be sure to look up 'bouyancy' ... | |
| The water Cycle | 2/2/2007 |
| Q: hey well i gotta write an essay about the watercycle but im not sure wat it is or wat happenz. can ... A: Type "water cycle" into google, and you'll get both pictures and detailed explanations of it. ... | |
| science fair | 1/30/2007 |
| Q: I'm in 8th grade and it's the time of year for science fair and I always need help with choosing a ... A: However, I have some experience in culturing yeast, as I used to be an editor for a technical ... | |
| Sugar | 1/22/2007 |
| Q: I Would like to know how you can drain the sugar out of coke or Pepsi Please answer me! A: The only way to separate it from the water is by evaporation or distillation....evaporate or boil ... | |
| how mirrors work? | 1/22/2007 |
| Q: Hi my name is Kelsey from mossville school and im doing a science project for extra credit and i was ... A: as you already know, reflect light. They consist of a very smooth, thin, metal layer that's covered ... | |
| science fair- remote controls | 1/18/2007 |
| Q: How do remote controls work? A: DVDs, TVs, etc. use infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit, and the appliances use ... | |
| my science fair project- vacuum cleaners | 1/16/2007 |
| Q: How strong is the suction power of a vacuum? A: the design of the fan, and the size of the attachment (small attachments give more suction than ... | |
| SOLID OR LIQUID | 1/12/2007 |
| Q: I have a mixture of baking power and water, the mixture is runny but when you put pressure on it, it ... A: eh? I've never done this one with baking powder, I've always done it with cornstarch. The trick is ... | |
| My magnetism project | 1/2/2007 |
| Q: I need an a idea for my science project. My parents bought my an electricity and magnetism kit for ... A: I had to find some links for you. There's a whole bunch of things you could do with magnets and ... | |
| science | 1/1/2007 |
| Q: how was the Periodic table formed? A: I didn't know much about the history of it, so I googled: history of the periodic table And got ... | |
| insulation | 12/29/2006 |
| Q: How is cotton a good insulator?How is aluminum foil, black construction paper and styrofoam a good ... A: Cotton can be a good insulator -- it slows down both convective and conductive heat loss because it ... | |
| How to make or buy an inexpensive heating element | 12/25/2006 |
| Q: I am working on tactile sensation project for the visually impaired and need to replicate a heat ... A: Runs on AA batteries, push the button and the metal piece you stick in the lock warms up. Nichrome ... | |
| Heating Coil | 12/13/2006 |
| Q: i read one of the q&a regarding the nichrome heating coil. it sounds great!! i wanted to make a cup ... A: I did find a commercial model via Google, but I'm suspicious that it does not get very warm. Here's ... | |
| science | 12/10/2006 |
| Q: i was wondering if you can please explain to me the differences between independent variables and ... A: In any science experiment, you are usually changing only one variable at a time so you know exactly ... | |
| ask something | 12/9/2006 |
| Q: i want to know what substance makes bubbles in my shampoo? A: ' and they reduce the surface tension of water. Inside the bubble it's just normal air. You've seen ... | |
| Does sound travel best through solid, liquid or gas? | 12/1/2006 |
| Q: Does sound travel best through solid, liquid or gas? A: you have to be careful how you ask the question! What do you mean by 'best'? Fastest? Farthest? ... | |
| energy and motion | 11/21/2006 |
| Q: if jessica walks around the block and bob runs around the block, who does more work? A: they did the same amount of work walking or running around the block, measured in Joules. Work is ... | |
| magnetism | 11/19/2006 |
| Q: Ok, so how would I do that? Should I wait until the magnet doesnt attract anymore paperclips, and ... A: I think you are all set for this project now, Faiza. Yes, removing it from the water will give you ... | |
| magnetism | 11/18/2006 |
| Q: haha! Yes but for my science fair, I'm trying to find out which substance has the greatest effect on ... A: It's fine for a hypothesis -- I think what will happen is that with the denser liquid, the magnet ... | |
| magnetism | 11/18/2006 |
| Q: Okay, so since the liquid is more dense then just plain water, there's more buoyancy. So that will ... A: The denser liquid doesn't so much help them float as it does reduce gravity's effect on them, so the ... | |
| Hamster speedometer project | 11/18/2006 |
| Q: Hey dan, I am wanting to connect a bicycle speedometer to my hamster wheel for watching speed, ... A: it was 540 mm in circumference and the computer took that number just fine. Otherwise, your options ... | |
| insulation | 11/16/2006 |
| Q: Why is bubble wrap a good insulator A: conduction (items touching each other) and convection (air moving). Bubble wrap has air trapped ... | |
| what is the percentagee of... | 11/12/2006 |
| Q: What is the percentage of oxygeon,nitrogen, and carbon dioxide in the air? Explain what would happen ... A: Nitrogen = 78% Oxygen = 20% Carbon Dioxide = 0.035% If the gasses were to *suddenly* change ... | |
| magnetism | 11/11/2006 |
| Q: Well I also found out that materials are attracted better in salt water than pure water. Since salt ... A: Buoyancy is simply the difference in density between the object and the liquid it is in. So, in a ... | |
| Heating nichrome wire | 11/10/2006 |
| Q: I want to heat a nichrome wire RED hot using a 6-12v DC. What would be the proper length, width, ... A: A car battery could turn a longer, thicker piece of nichrome red hot than a small 9v battery could. ... | |
| lipgloss | 11/8/2006 |
| Q: I want to know how u make lip gloss please and thank you A: oil, flavor and color. You just mix it all up, warm it so it combines, and pour into your own little ... | |
| Forensic science | 11/3/2006 |
| Q: what is Oxidation? What is the process of oxidation? A: oxidation is the loss of an electron. Certain substances are said to be oxidizers--they force this ... | |
| small heating coil | 11/3/2006 |
| Q: I am working with a group in my class to make a wind proof lighter like device. We are trying to ... A: It all goes back to Ohm's Law - your experiments didn't work because the resistance wasn't high ... | |
| heating element | 10/31/2006 |
| Q: i want to heat the bottom of a plastic bowl, what kind of heating element do you suggest. I just ... A: or you'll melt the plastic! Go to your local greenhouse or garden supply center and ask if they sell ... | |
| Advanced 3rd grade science | 10/31/2006 |
| Q: My eight year old daughter presented me with this homework problem: Would it take more force to ... A: This is a very interesting question -- congratulations to the teacher who asked it! I really had to ... | |
| SCIENCE | 10/27/2006 |
| Q: I READ ABOUT AN EXPERIMENT - BOUNCING BALLS WITH NAPTHLENE BALLS ADDED TO ACITIC ACID SOLUTION THEN ... A: Napthalene doesn't react to form Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Actually, the only reason the mothballs are ... | |
| science fair | 10/12/2006 |
| Q: what is in nail polish to make it dry so fast A: leaving the other ingredients behind. Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, toluene and isopropyl alcohol ... | |
| keeping water hot | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: I am doing a project for schol. We have to keep an aluminum can full of 40 degree C water hot for an ... A: There are 3 main ways that heat is transferred: Radiant (like hear from a campfire warming you), ... | |
| Question on Goldfish behavior | 10/6/2006 |
| Q: im trying to find information on Goldfish's behavior but i can't find any can you give me some ... A: so I can't help personally -- but did you try googling it? I found a TON of good pages about ... | |
| hamster science | 10/5/2006 |
| Q: how much horsepower can a hamster generate? A: The problem with measuring the potential output of a hamster is its willingness to run as you crank ... | |
| The Ocean | 9/13/2006 |
| Q: Why do WE need the ocean? A: The oceans are the water storage for one end of the 'water cycle.' If the water cycle stopped, there ... | |
| Earth's magnetic field | 9/11/2006 |
| Q: I need help answering how the earths magnetic field affects magma? A: It's more the other way around --- the theory is that the movement of magma is actually what ... | |
| egg drop | 9/7/2006 |
| Q: my partner and i have to build an egg dropping device. our materials are limited to wood (with a ... A: Ouch! That's rough--the best materials to use for the egg drop are layers of foam in differing ... | |
| chemistry | 9/2/2006 |
| Q: how could i extract a vegetable oil by distilation? A: because of the intense interest in biodiesel fuel. Vegetable oils can be extracted from plant seeds ... | |
| physical science | 8/23/2006 |
| Q: does technology always follow science A: I think it's safe to say that in general, technology does follow science. However, it takes a big ... | |
| Light Switch | 8/22/2006 |
| Q: Who invented the light switch? A: This ends up being a difficult question to answer! Switches were invented in the earliest days of ... | |
| Magnet experiment | 8/18/2006 |
| Q: Magnets were put on a pencil. They did not touch, and moved like a spring. What causes the magnets ... A: In explaining magnets, one eventually gets into a PhD-level field of science called "Quantum ... | |
| maple trees/syrup and leaves changing colors | 7/24/2006 |
| Q: Which kind(s) of maple trees give syrup? How old does the tree need to be? How do you do it? Why ... A: Since I live about 1500 miles from the nearest sugar maple tree, I'll have to refer you to some ... | |
| magnetism | 6/28/2006 |
| Q: I have a patent on a working prototype that I have use myself and it works great. It is designed ... A: The phenomenon you are seeing is called magnetic saturation -- the magnetic field is indeed coming ... | |
| Solar Power stuff | 6/27/2006 |
| Q: Do you know of any activities or hands on demos for kids to do to learn about solar power (besides ... A: There are all kinds of insteresting and fun experiments you can do with small photovoltaic (PV) ... | |
| Science Grade 9 Formulas | 6/27/2006 |
| Q: So, It's nearing the end of the year but I still can't keep my finger on the formulas of ... A: I have to use Ohm's law everyday at work, and I'm terrible at remembering formulas. So what I do for ... | |
| Egg Drop | 6/21/2006 |
| Q: My Teacher has just assigned us an egg drop project for science and me and my partner don't know ... A: I've pasted in a copy of a previous question about the egg drop, below. In your case -- the ... | |
| Flying machine inventors bag | 6/7/2006 |
| Q: My neice has a project from school that we are trying to figure out. The project is an inventors bag ... A: Wow, talk about a project for creative thinking! I think your 2 options for making it fly are ... | |
| evaporation | 6/6/2006 |
| Q: why do things dry quickly in the sun? A: Heat (in this case from the sun) speeds up evaporation of water--it gives the water molecules more ... | |
| Egg Drop | 6/4/2006 |
| Q: I'm a 6th grader, it's the last week of school and our teacher assined us a project. We have to ... A: You are stylin' because your teacher did not restrict what materials you can use! I've included a ... | |
| ambleeopa | 6/1/2006 |
| Q: this ambleeopa is about lazy eye can you tell me more about this? A: It's not fully known what causes it -- worse vision in one eye, problems with the muscles that make ... | |
| science | 5/2/2006 |
| Q: What are the five questions needed for a hypothesis? A: of which hypothesis is one of the parts: * Research * Problem * Hypothesis * ... | |
| magetic project | 4/18/2006 |
| Q: I am trying to come up with a new twist on a science fair project using magnets. I don't want to ... A: Full disclosure: I work for a company that sells magnets and the stuff for magnet experiments, ... | |
| science | 4/10/2006 |
| Q: what happens to sound when it hits something soft? A: When sound waves hit something soft, more of the energy in the wave is absorbed and turned into ... | |
| Warm breath and cool breath | 4/5/2006 |
| Q: I'm 7 years old and I was wondering why is my breath warm when I breathe out with my mouth wide open ... A: What you are feeling is evaporation of the water in your saliva (spit)! It feels cool, since it's ... | |
| SCIENCE PROJECT -6TH GRAD | 3/27/2006 |
| Q: WHAT EFFECT DOES PLACEMENT OF WEIGHT HAVE ON AN AIRPLANE'S FLIGHT? A: Airplanes tend to rotate around their center of mass, both in pitch (nose up and down) and roll ... | |
| salt dissolving in water | 3/27/2006 |
| Q: what is the rate and amount that salt dissolves in water at different temperatures? A: It depends on a lot of different factors, so you'll have to set up an experiment and try it. Some of ... | |
| Alt. Energy Art | 3/26/2006 |
| Q: Mr. Fink, peace. I am a medicine wheel artist. Alternative energies are like prayers to me. I am ... A: It all depends on how much power you need to make, in what wind speeds. Car alternators are very ... | |
| egg drop | 3/21/2006 |
| Q: I'm an 8th grader and have to do the egg drop. I have to use only 100 cm masking tape,100 cm ... A: Be sure to read my previous responses on the egg drop -- maybe you did already, as padding is the ... | |
| Magenn wind devices True or False? | 3/18/2006 |
| Q: Mr. Fink: Greetings, I hope everything is going well for you. I am a graduated chemecial ... A: It does not look like an outright fraud. However, there is critical information missing from their ... | |
| hamster wheel bearing | 2/20/2006 |
| Q: My mom is trying to help me put togther a hamster wheel to produce electricity. I am 10. can you ... A: There are so many different kinds of bearings out there that it's hard to give specific ... | |
| Global Warming | 2/18/2006 |
| Q: I would like to find out in your opinion what are the facts that global warming is occuring,what is ... A: I do believe the scientists who are saying that global warming is real, and that temperatures are ... | |
| physics and sports | 2/14/2006 |
| Q: I am trying to do a physics experiment for my 5th grade science fair project. I want it to involve a ... A: Sounds fun! You definitely want to cover conservation of momentum, where if the basketball did not ... | |
| where can i find copper and zinc strips? | 2/9/2006 |
| Q: do u know were i can find copper and zinc strips for my sciewnce fair project because i need to ... A: I've made LOTS of potato and lemon batteries in my career as a mad scientist! Galvanized nails work ... | |
| evaporation | 2/5/2006 |
| Q: DAN I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVAPORATION FOR MY SONS PROJECT WE PUT TAP WATER,SALT WATER,AND POP IN ... A: Your experiment is better suited for determining the freezing/melting point of each liquid... The ... | |
| Egg Drop Competition | 1/26/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering what would be the best way to build an egg drop device. We can use basically any ... A: I've included a past answer of mine to that question. If you are not restricted in your choice of ... | |
| hamster wheel | 1/22/2006 |
| Q: I want to attatch a roller bearing to my hamster wheel to make it run quieter and smoother. I saw ... A: It's a difficult question to answer, because hamster wheels vary in design so much. The bearings are ... | |
| Telephone | 1/18/2006 |
| Q: can u hear your voice and another person's voice by a metal, wood, steel, tread? A: Sound waves are a mechanical wave, caused by a vibration. The vibration starts molecules moving back ... | |
| web sites for Kids | 1/16/2006 |
| Q: how are you what's Bettar web sites for Kids (5-8)age? please send your addrees A: My 2 favorite science websites for kids are: The Science Hobbyist http://amasci.com/ Lots of ... | |
| Why doesn't rain hurt your head? | 1/12/2006 |
| Q: Since rain is falling from so far up in the sky, why doesn't it hurt your head? If I can hurt ... A: It looks like you already understand gravity -- which accelerates objects at 9.8 meters per second, ... | |
| k and 1st science fair questions | 1/7/2006 |
| Q: I am a non-science mom and have 2 boys very into the upcoming science fair. My kindergartener wants ... A: Should be a good science project! Every chemical element has a melting point--for water, it's 32 ... | |
| science project | 1/4/2006 |
| Q: I'm 11 and I'm doing a project for school and we all have to shoot a ping pong ball as far as we can ... A: Your experiment with adjusting the angle is right on track -- the distance you get will depend on ... | |
| Energy | 1/2/2006 |
| Q: "How does an oven maintain its heat/energy?" A: After an oven gets up to temperature with it's heating element, the insulation in the oven walls ... | |
| earth's magnetic field | 12/28/2005 |
| Q: Does the earth's magnetic field spin along with the rotation of the earth or is it a stationary ... A: Good question. A fairly easy answer that turns out to be quite complicated in the end, though! The ... | |
| Hamster Power? | 12/13/2005 |
| Q: About how much energy can a hamster on a wheel generate? A: I was able to get Skippy the hamster to produce peaks of about 150 milliamps of current at 3 volts, ... | |
| brainstorm | 12/13/2005 |
| Q: If you were on a elevator, and the elevator is falling from 10th floor just before it hit the ... A: Unfortunately, jumping wouldn't help you much. The falling elevator is accelerating by the force of ... | |
| EggDrop Survival Experiment | 12/3/2005 |
| Q: My teacher organized a experiment called the EGGDROP is worth about 20% of my grade and I want a ... A: Hopefully this gets through --- allexperts sets the email subject, not me. The tricks for the egg ... | |
| The moon | 12/1/2005 |
| Q: Do we always ssee the same side of the moon? A: Yes. Over millions of years, the Earth' gravity slowed down the moon's rotation, and the Earth and ... | |
| Dams | 11/29/2005 |
| Q: 1. How many dams are there in Connecticut? 2. How many dams in Connecticut create energy? 3. How ... A: I can't answer questions like this, it's not fair to you or your teacher. Assignments like this are ... | |
| fuel efficiency | 10/15/2005 |
| Q: These new hydrogen cell and hybrid cars are more efficient, but are they worth it. Does the energy ... A: You already hit the answer right on the head. The problem with the 'hydrogen economy', as many ... | |
| science fair/5th grade | 10/6/2005 |
| Q: Do you know anything about an egg drop science experiment? A: Egg drops are fun experiments. They key in designing your container is to spread the forces out over ... | |
| shuttle | 8/12/2005 |
| Q: my name is jon I am 10. could you please tell me what frequency nasa uses to talk to the shuttle and ... A: Practice! Astronauts train in zero G simulators (the large NASA airplane called the "vomit ... | |
| shuttle | 8/9/2005 |
| Q: my name is jon I am 10. could you please tell me what frequency nasa uses to talk to the shuttle and ... A: ...cool question, I've been watching the video and audio feeds from the shuttle on the internet all ... | |
| universe | 8/8/2005 |
| Q: hey my names josh i was wondering what the difference and similarities are between the christian ... A: The big difference is in the timeline. Christian fundamentalists claim the earth is only 6000 years ... | |
| Ionic Propulsion | 7/16/2005 |
| Q: I have been researching ionic propulsion and was wondering your take on it. I believe it is ... A: Ionic propulsion is most certainly for real. My question for you is, are you thinking about its uses ... | |
| Cause of noise on bridge | 7/7/2005 |
| Q: Please tell that while travelling on train, whenever we go through a bridge the voice of train or ... A: The effect you hear is beacuse of echoes--sound from the train's engine, sound from your train car's ... | |
| what is the relationship between... | 6/20/2005 |
| Q: what is the relationship between mass and weight and gravity? A: Good question! The reason scientists use mass instead of weight is that weight is really dependant ... | |
| Water property | 6/4/2005 |
| Q: Fink, This is a fairly specific but at the same time quite general question I think. I'm not sure ... A: Called a meniscus, because it's lens-shaped. It can be either concave or convex. You are seeing the ... | |
| pond ecosystem | 5/10/2005 |
| Q: How are water beetles depended on in a pond ecosystem? What could we kids do to keep people from ... A: The biggest ecologic issue for wetlands is how fast they are being drained for development. The ... | |
| ANIMALS | 4/25/2005 |
| Q: WHERE DO SQUIRRELS GO IN THE WINTER? A: Unlike bears, squirrels don't hibernate. Their leafy nests up in the trees are marvelously designed ... | |
| DAIRY | 4/25/2005 |
| Q: WHY DOES MILK CURDLE? A: It curdles because of acid -- you can make it curdle instantly by adding lemon juice. The proteins ... | |
| mold | 4/24/2005 |
| Q: if mold grows, and its mixed with water, can it become a living thing? A: Mold is already a living thing -- not a plant, not an animal, but a fungus. Fungi reproduce with ... | |
| evaporation | 4/16/2005 |
| Q: Fink, We have been learning about how things change. We melted snow and have been observing the ... A: Three things affect the rate of evaporation -- the composition of the liquid, the liquid's ... | |
| Hot and cold water and cotton balls | 2/23/2005 |
| Q: I am in 6th grade. I recently did an experiment with hot and cold water and cotton balls. The ... A: You are thinking along exactly the right lines here, you did indeed figure it out! Your experimental ... | |
| Static Electricity | 2/19/2005 |
| Q: Mr. Fink, Hi...I am a student at Christopher Newport University. In my natural science class we ... A: Your information is pretty good, but there are some static electricity concepts that have very ... | |
| The Solar System | 2/17/2005 |
| Q: I am Jill Goodgion, and Lindsey is my 4th grade student. As part of an independent study project, ... A: No problem. And good questions! 1) I'm interested because the Earth is only one part of the solar ... | |
| Wind Power | 2/8/2005 |
| Q: I hit the button too soon. I realize that when you are not measuring the current then there is no ... A: You got it exactly right. Measuring voltage in an open circuit is useful, since it tells you at what ... | |
| pulleys and gears | 1/25/2005 |
| Q: My daughter has to do a science fair project in the pulleys and gears category. She wants to build a ... A: I've seen some pretty interesting wooden and paper clocks....there is actually quite a community of ... | |
| Wind Power | 1/25/2005 |
| Q: As you know, I am helping my daughter in grade 5 with a wind power project. We are using a variable ... A: You are correct on the turbulence issue; it makes using fans in wind power experiments ... | |
| Motor generator | 1/18/2005 |
| Q: I am helping my daughter to do a wind power project. So far we have been experimenting with a Radio ... A: Great to see kids and parents work on wind power projects! I work for http://www.otherpower.com/ and ... | |
| Sci Fair Background Info | 1/16/2005 |
| Q: I need to find the ingredients for Coke and Tropicana OJ. Thanks a bunch! ASAP Please! A: Coke is well-known for having their "secret ingredients" recipe locked in a high-security ... | |
| hey!!! | 1/15/2005 |
| Q: hey i've been doing research on Thermoaucustic Refrigeration, which is the process of using sound ... A: An extremely interesting subject! Here at my office we've always had fun working on home experiments ... | |
| ultrasound and whales | 1/14/2005 |
| Q: I heard that fishermen can use ultrasound as a bait to attract whales, since whales use ultrasound ... A: I was unable to find any references online to commercial whalers or scientists using ultrasound to ... | |
| making a heating element | 1/14/2005 |
| Q: I am in 7th grade and for my science fair project I want to take an aluminum (cheap thin kind) ... A: Sounds like a fun project. You'll have to do some experimenting to get the heat level right, but ... | |
| electricity | 11/18/2004 |
| Q: the magnitude of the voltage induced in a conductor moving through a stationary magnetic field ... A: I don't like how the quiz question is phrased from your book....The voltage induced in a coil ... | |
| electricity | 11/18/2004 |
| Q: including a full-wave rectifier in an AC circuit will yield a(n)____ current. A: I feel that it's unfair to both you and me to answer homework questions. A BIG part of school is ... | |
| electricity | 11/18/2004 |
| Q: a transformer has a primary voltage of 115 V and a secondary voltage of 24 V. if the number of turns ... A: You'll find the number of windings is proportional with the voltage.....so just set up an algebraic ... | |
| What I have created | 11/14/2004 |
| Q: Ok, I am wondering what I've made. I did a simple experiment: create an electricity current through ... A: The composition of of the blue stuff in the water and the crystals will depend on what your ... | |
| research on atoms | 11/11/2004 |
| Q: Sorry, you will have to use my Mom's e-mail. Can you tell me where a good place on the internet is ... A: Sorry for the delay in ansawering, I've been away from home and did not get your email until today. ... | |
| Removing Stains | 11/6/2004 |
| Q: My friend Sarah and I are doing a science fair project on which detergent best removes stains. We ... A: (answer below from my answered questions archive) What I would do -- is first use the library to ... | |
| science | 10/24/2004 |
| Q: "Hi, :) my question is: What is chromatography and what are use of it... can u explain this to me ... A: Chromatography is a technique used to separate the different compounds in a mixture, both to find ... | |
| egg drop | 10/20/2004 |
| Q: I need help in finding products to use in an egg drop experiment. It has to be in a small coffee ... A: The egg drop experiment is really fun. And the physics of it are really interesting....you are ... | |
| Which will thaw faster hot or cold water? | 10/15/2004 |
| Q: Mr. Fink, I'am a fifth grader. Last year I did a science project to see which would freeze ... A: I'm not quite understanding your question..... >>This year I figured I would see which would melt ... | |
| In which liquid will food coloring fall to the bottom the fastest? | 10/15/2004 |
| Q: Dan, I'am a 5th grade student. I'am doing a science project titled: "In which liquid will ... A: Which liquid ends up at the bottom or top depends on the density. The denser liquids will be on the ... | |
| Invention Convention | 10/13/2004 |
| Q: Unfortunately we have waiting until the last minute. My daughter is working on a school project and ... A: These are the hardest questions to answer! It should be something your daughter is interested in, ... | |
| Science | 10/12/2004 |
| Q: Please write in exponent. What is the Mass of the earth, sun, and moon? What is the distance between ... A: It's not fair to you or to your teacher for me to answer homework questions--the idea is for you to ... | |
| nutrients | 10/3/2004 |
| Q: .. i wanted to know at what level they are absorbed...is it microvilli or lumen or rugae i believe ... A: You are getting far beyond the scope of my 'science for kids' knowledge. I recommend asking your ... | |
| science fair project | 9/23/2004 |
| Q: Which color paper can be burned fastest using a magnefying glass A: The darker the paper, the less reflective it is, and the faster it will ignite. White paper should ... | |
| Balloon experiment w/ marbles | 9/18/2004 |
| Q: the marbles are supposed to heat up the balloon to demonstrate Charles' and Boyle's Laws.There's an ... A: I can't find any reference to this experiment on google or in my usual references. BUT -- if you ... | |
| Wheel Effect Alternator | 9/9/2004 |
| Q: I was extremely surprised. Anyways, I'm using a wheel alot like the one at Other Power. It is the ... A: Two choices on the motor or alternator. If you go with a hobby motor (from radioshack, etc.), it's ... | |
| Wheel Effect Alternator | 9/8/2004 |
| Q: My name is Megan and I am in the 8th grade doing a science project. Finally we are allowed to use ... A: I'd be happy to help. It's not very expensive, the magnets cost $1 each, and the wire is available ... | |
| magnetism | 7/29/2004 |
| Q: how does a flying train work? I just have an idea that it works by magnetism and I am keen to know ... A: You are exactly right -=- and there's a few different ways that levitating trains are built, but ... | |
| LAWS of Nature | 6/14/2004 |
| Q: What are the LAWS of nature? Meaning what does the "L.A.W.S." stand for? If you could help me that ... A: I don't think it stands for anything. There's nothing about L-A-W-S that I can find in the ... | |
| Electric shocks | 5/29/2004 |
| Q: I'm only a kid at heart,but your profile seemed to best fit my question or problem. I do hope you ... A: Perhaps it's your 'electric' personality -- or maybe you could find an orchestra and get into ... | |
| geography | 5/28/2004 |
| Q: good morning sir, i have doubt in fundamental physics. my doubt is how scientists found the ... A: Weight depends on the acceleration of gravity. So it's a better question to ask "how did scientists ... | |
| earths magnetic field | 5/26/2004 |
| Q: What is the earths magnetic field A: (parts of this answer are copied from one of my answers from a couple weeks ago) The source of the ... | |
| Science Experiment ideas | 5/24/2004 |
| Q: I'm an eigth grader and I have to do a science inquiry lab. I need a lab idea that I can do in a ... A: Well, it's a hard question to answer, because I don't know what your interests are. Biology, ... | |
| physiscs | 5/22/2004 |
| Q: how does sound move through air? this is for my research. Please Answer A.S.A.P A: Sound moves through air as a series of pressure waves. For example, watch a loudspeaker while it is ... | |
| biosphere | 5/12/2004 |
| Q: can you list three things that make up the biosphere A: You bet. Did you know that the term "biosphere" was invented in 1929 by a Russian scientist? He ... | |
| Science Fair | 5/6/2004 |
| Q: I am trying drop an egg from a second story building onto concrete without breaking the egg. I have ... A: The egg drop is a classic and very fun experiment (I think I did it 3 times while I was in ... | |
| physics (my mom thinks) | 5/5/2004 |
| Q: I'm 4 and last week I asked my mom, why does a hill look small when you are far away from it and ... A: That's a great question, and the answer is really weird: It's all in your brain. This is probably a ... | |
| Earth's magnetic field | 4/25/2004 |
| Q: What is the main function of the Earth's magnetic field? Is it like a shield of sorts? Thanks. :) A: You are right, the Earth's magnetic field helps to shield us from charged particles from space -- ... | |
| hello...how can you prevent... | 4/4/2004 |
| Q: ..how can you prevent air and water pollution? thanks A: I'd say there's two important things to remember for preventing pollution -- the things that you ... | |
| Balance | 3/27/2004 |
| Q: If you could design a tail to be worn by a human so they could run with a lower center of balance by ... A: Wow, what an interesting question! To really get a detailed answer I think you'd have to do some ... | |
| teaching science for kids | 3/27/2004 |
| Q: how can we teach chemical formulas for kids their age are 10 years? A: I think it would depend on how detailed you want to get. Do you want to teach about atoms, molecules ... | |
| Harris Hawk | 3/17/2004 |
| Q: 1.What senses do Harris Hawks have? 2.How do Harris Hawks protect themselves? A: Google is your friend ;-) Some things are hard to find there, but in this case a search on "harris ... | |
| FRICTION | 3/17/2004 |
| Q: HOW DOES FRICTION CHANGE THE ENERGY IN A MACHINE? A: Friction takes some kinetic energy out of any mechanical system and turns it into heat. Usually this ... | |
| help...Science Project - Marble Clock | 3/1/2004 |
| Q: my son is in the 5th grade...science project due on Wednesday-Friday....not real sure what the ... A: I still need more details to be able to help -- I don't quite understand the project. The only thing ... | |
| Why some crayons work better than others? | 2/28/2004 |
| Q: I am doing a science fair project about why some crayon brands work better than others and what ... A: Normally, your best bet is to contact the manufacturer directly by phone or email. Crayola is great ... | |
| Science Fair | 2/23/2004 |
| Q: For my science fair project I am creating a tornado simulator. according to the scientific method, i ... A: I answered this same question twice recently, so here's a copy of it. DAN Subject: Science FairWhat ... | |
| help...Science Project - Marble Clock | 2/23/2004 |
| Q: my son is in the 5th grade...science project due on Wednesday-Friday....not real sure what the ... A: sorry for the delay. I couldn't find anything about this as a common science experiment on the web. ... | |
| The science behind stain removal | 2/15/2004 |
| Q: I am doing a science fair project on whether generic or name brand laundry detergent works best on ... A: Soaps and detergents are surfactants, which lower the surface tension of water. This allows them to ... | |
| good idea for a Science Project | 2/13/2004 |
| Q: I found out the fair is not on Monday, but on Wednesday, that gives me a little more time to fix ... A: The speaker magnets will be ceramic and not powerful enough for levitation. Hard disk drives do have ... | |
| good idea for a Science Project | 2/12/2004 |
| Q: I am trying to find something cool for my brother's science fair. I need something that can be built ... A: We love tesla coils up here, but they are still pretty dangerous. The low-amperage sparks that come ... | |
| physical science | 2/11/2004 |
| Q: for my science fair project; I would like to know about "How does a pully help you do work" ... A: This sounds like a great science project. With a simple spring scale and careful notes you can prove ... | |
| amplifier | 2/9/2004 |
| Q: You guys are the best! They don't teach you stuff like that in school, it's always stuff like ... A: Portable radios don't have that much output power -- like 250 milliwatts (1/4 of a watt) max. And ... | |
| HELP! | 2/8/2004 |
| Q: I need a good hypothesis for my science fair project. My project is a tornado simulator. I need you ... A: I just answered this one for someone else....here's a copy of the answer. Have fun. DAN Subject: ... | |
| science | 2/1/2004 |
| Q: hi i need help with something why does cold and hot liquids stay that way and what effect it has ... A: When something is hot, it's molecules are moving faster than something that's cold. They have more ... | |
| solar power | 11/26/2003 |
| Q: How the energy is stored and transformed for use and how the energy is transformed to produce ... A: I'm assuming you mean electricity from the power utility. To generate electricity with energy, ... | |
| Inventions | 10/23/2003 |
| Q: I am interested in documenting the major scientific inventions from the 18th century onwards. Could ... A: I found a keyword trick on Google that might help you. Include the word "timeline" in your search! ... | |
| Generating power with rodents | 9/23/2003 |
| Q: My daughter is very good about thinking of science fair questions, sometimes they are difficult to ... A: Oh, no.....I never thought I'd actually have to research this one for real ;~) It's a great idea! ... | |
| Energy | 7/7/2003 |
| Q: Hey, I just wanted some help with my science energy project: Just so I know how to go about it, what ... A: Good questions! Forms of energy are classified into 2 broad categories: Potential and Kinetic. ... | |
| Electricity Conductors | 4/6/2003 |
| Q: Why can paper not conduct electricity or be elctrified? Is it because it is a plant origen? A: It's all in the atomic structure. Electricity flows by electrons breaking free from their atoms, and ... | |
| nuclear energy | 3/15/2003 |
| Q: what were the long term and health effects from the chernobyl nuclear disaster? What is synroc? How ... A: I was able to find quite a bit about Chernobyl on Google--lots of recent articles because of the ... | |
| science fair projects | 3/10/2003 |
| Q: My 10 year old has to make an orange tell time for his 5th grade science fair and i have not been ... A: Of course you could set the orange up to be the center (gnomon) of a sundial.....;~) However I ... | |
| Forces on an egg | 3/7/2003 |
| Q: Could you please let me know how to prove experimentally that an egg can withstand a greater force ... A: The way I would do it -- is use an xacto saw to cut some eggshells in half, some across the long ... | |
| Gum smell and flavor. | 3/6/2003 |
| Q: My 3rd grade daughter was assigned a science fair project. She was assigned to do an experiment with ... A: First, I suggest checking some science fair resources on the web. The first and most important thing ... | |
| I have a six year old son... | 2/25/2003 |
| Q: I have a six year old son who is very excited about, and interested in anything electrical, ... A: You should check out the Robot Store -- http://www.robotstore.com. They have a great website and ... | |
| Removing stains from cotton cloth. | 1/3/2003 |
| Q: I'm doing a science project about which commercial stain remover works best on tough stains like ... A: What I would do -- is first use the library to find the latest issue of "Consumer Reports" magazine ... | |
| is a circular rainbow possible? | 12/9/2002 |
| Q: based on a viewer's height (ground level vs. viewing from an elevated hot air balloon) is a circular ... A: You mean a naturally-occuring phenomena, right? It is possible--if it weren't for the horizon in ... | |
| Equals | 10/14/2002 |
| Q: what does one ohm equal? one amp? Thank for da help, Love **H** A: Ohms are a unit of electrical resistance. Amperes define how many electrons are moving. And Volts ... | |
| Science grade 9 | 10/6/2002 |
| Q: I am in a grade nine science class and we are learning about electricity . There are 24 or so ... A: The big one, which I use every day in my alternative energy job, is Ohm's Law. Most of the ... | |
| Maggots | 8/11/2002 |
| Q: I am a kid who presented at the Ontario Institute of Studies and education, from rose avenue school ... A: There are over 100,000 different species of flies (Diptera)...so there may be some exceptions I ... | |
| ignition temperature | 7/17/2002 |
| Q: What is the burning temperature of tissue paper? Not just ordinary paper - tissue paper. Like that ... A: There aren't any tables out there that I could find. I think the reason for this is that there are ... | |
| sugar crystals | 4/9/2002 |
| Q: Mr. Fink, my granddaughter would like the recipe for making sugar crystals. I would very much ... A: Sugar crystals are a fun project...but adult supervision is needed, because the sugar solution is ... | |
| how many lightbulbs | 4/5/2002 |
| Q: I am a scupltor, not a kid, but I have my moments. I hope you don't mind answering this question ... A: Actually, kids are the ones who ask the really hard questions! Most normal household circuits are ... | |
| Sodium Sulfite | 4/4/2002 |
| Q: Though this is a chemistry, not a physics question, your obvious interest in children gives me the ... A: The problem is buying only 8 tablespoonsful, and finding it locally! If you can locate a local hobby ... | |
| What makes the bubbles | 2/28/2002 |
| Q: I wanted to know what makes bubbles in my toothpaste and in my soap. I heard from my teacher at ... A: Bubbles are an amazing scientific phenomenon...and are really fun! And kind of complicated.... ... | |
| Science Fair | 1/26/2002 |
| Q: My daughter is participating in her school science fair and she wants to do a comparison of ... A: (What material would be able to be stained like tooth enamel and yet be able to be cleaned like ... | |
| science fair project | 1/20/2002 |
| Q: fink. i am having a problem with my science fair project. i want to find in what liquids a certain ... A: I also had no luck searching the web for background information. So my best advice is, think of all ... | |
| Physics | 1/14/2002 |
| Q: It's winter. So I wanted to put on the heater as it very, very cold. My dad refused saying that it's ... A: Well, it takes energy of some form to make heat...and energy is expensive, and making it pollutes ... | |
| Molecule spreading | 1/8/2002 |
| Q: In class we have been discussing what happens to a drop of food colouring in water. We have been ... A: Your electrical charges theory is a good guess...but #2 is the correct answer. It's called "Brownian ... | |
| Science Project on Electricity | 12/23/2001 |
| Q: Neither my wife, myself or my 11 yo daughter are great at science (wife and I never participated in ... A: Wow, what a good idea! I am also a firefighter for the local VFD. Electrocution by downed power ... | |
| Science | 11/18/2001 |
| Q: What is the defention of airpressure? A: Definition of Air Pressure: It is the weight of the atmosphere's air pushing down on you and ... | |
| Material for Science Project | 11/13/2001 |
| Q: Can you help me find out wher i can buy Strips of Carbon and Strips of Zinc, I look everywhere, I ... A: Sounds like you're experimenting with a LaClanche cell...an early battery formula. Cool! We've made ... | |
| salt in water | 11/12/2001 |
| Q: i need to do a report on salt water,i was hoping that you might help me, my question is where does ... A: The salt comes from rivers running through mineral salt deposits and dissolving. Once the -very ... | |
| Hydroelectric powers. | 11/2/2001 |
| Q: Hi, my name is Alfred, and I am a grade 9 student in Toronto. I have read some books which were ... A: I run an alternative energy website for do-it-yourselfers, http://www.otherpower.com. I love ... | |
| raft building | 10/28/2001 |
| Q: My daughter (7th grade) has a science project that's shes practically got the whole neighborhood ... A: Buoyancy is governed by Archimedes Principle: any body completely or partially submerged in a fluid ... | |
| About fluids | 10/10/2001 |
| Q: Can one fluid displace another? Are solids the only things that can displace fluids? Is there a ... A: They key thing with fluids is the specific gravity. Water is specific gravity=1.00 (at a certain ... | |
| science fair project | 10/6/2001 |
| Q: I am a 6th grader. I have to make a science fair experiment. What do you think would be the most ... A: Well, since you decided you like electricity, here's some ideas. I think one of the coolest things ... | |
| I'm studying what happens to heated balls of air | 9/23/2001 |
| Q: Can you help me in suggesting ways to study hot and cold air in a compressed environment such as a ... A: Getting the experimental data is the hard part...the formulas are really easy. Boyle's law: If ... | |
Science for Kids
Answers by Expert:
Dan Fink
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Though my experience is mostly in the fields of electricity, magnetism, and physics, I have a broad science background. My career is in the field of alternative power sources -- solar, wind, water and battery power. But any questions about electricity, magnetism, energy conservation, power generation, electric motors, and even general physics are very welcome--especially from kids. They ask the best questions of all! I pride myself in answering science questions accurately, with ideas for SAFE, easy experiments that kids can perform by themselves--and that let them prove the answers to their own satisfaction. I think science should be fun, and available to everyone, regardless of age.
Experience
I have volunteered in our local public schools for 5 years. I currently make presentations at our schools about electricity and magnetism, with a focus on solar, wind, water and other alternative power sources. I try to demonstrate at our schools how easy it is to make electricity, with simple devices using spinning magnets and coils of wire--powered by wind, water, bicycles, gerbils...etc. And of course solar panels! I am the webmaster of Otherpower.com, an alternative energy website. I have lived 10 miles from the nearest power pole for 11 years--I make all my own electricity from scratch with sun, wind and water.
Publications
Otherpower.com
Wondermagnet.com
Co author of the book "Homebrew Wind Power" ISBN 978-0-9819201-0-8
My articles appear regularly in such magazines as Home Power and Back Home
Education/Credentials
BA Technical Journalism
Education/Credentials
BA Technical Journalism
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