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About 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


   

You are here:  Experts > Science > Science/Nature for Kids > Science for Kids

Questions Answered By Expert  Dan Fink 
In Category  Science for Kids

SubjectDate Asked

light an LED or bulb11/18/2009
  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 ...
Evaporation11/18/2009
  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 ...
chemistry11/17/2009
  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 Milk11/12/2009
  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 Bang11/12/2009
  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! ...
Sugar11/11/2009
  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 drop11/11/2009
  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 Milk11/9/2009
  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 Water11/4/2009
  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 magnets11/4/2009
  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 Propulsion11/4/2009
  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 magnets11/4/2009
  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 magnets11/2/2009
  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 ...
Science11/2/2009
  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 Questions11/2/2009
  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 corrosion11/1/2009
  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 magnets10/31/2009
  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 magnets10/30/2009
  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 magnets10/29/2009
  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 ...
magnetism10/29/2009
  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 Question10/27/2009
  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 machines10/26/2009
  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 water10/4/2009
  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 project9/30/2009
  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 footballs9/21/2009
  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 ...
h2o9/21/2009
  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/heat9/20/2009
  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 currents9/20/2009
  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 energy9/19/2009
  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/heat9/17/2009
  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 Drop9/17/2009
  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 ...
science9/14/2009
  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 water9/11/2009
  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 ...
Electricity9/8/2009
  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 fair9/4/2009
  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 ...
Science9/1/2009
  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 stove8/23/2009
  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 stove8/21/2009
  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 - hovercraft8/8/2009
  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 turbine7/23/2009
  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 magnetism7/21/2009
  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 evaporation7/20/2009
  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 solar7/19/2009
  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 Labs7/7/2009
  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 flat7/1/2009
  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 flat6/29/2009
  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 Motors6/28/2009
  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 liquids6/26/2009
  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 Flow6/8/2009
  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 Wheel6/8/2009
  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 heating6/4/2009
  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 transfer5/31/2009
  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 Cleaners5/25/2009
  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 ...
physics5/25/2009
  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 Cleaners5/25/2009
  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 MODEL5/22/2009
  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/energy5/20/2009
  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 goldberg5/20/2009
  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 cans5/19/2009
  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 panels5/3/2009
  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 turbine4/30/2009
  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-sound4/30/2009
  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 theory4/29/2009
  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 onions4/28/2009
  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 ...
pulleys4/28/2009
  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 onions4/28/2009
  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 project4/23/2009
  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 turbine4/22/2009
  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 Paracute4/21/2009
  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 turbine4/21/2009
  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 Gravity4/20/2009
  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 Box4/11/2009
  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 theory3/31/2009
  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 battereies3/22/2009
  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 ...
Pressure3/21/2009
  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 line3/20/2009
  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 ...
science3/20/2009
  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 ...
chemistry3/16/2009
  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 fountain3/15/2009
  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 drop3/11/2009
  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 electricity3/6/2009
  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 alarm3/6/2009
  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 river3/5/2009
  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 light3/5/2009
  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 Fair3/4/2009
  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 Project3/3/2009
  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 TOMMORROW3/1/2009
  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 Cans2/25/2009
  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 ...
Torque2/22/2009
  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 magnet2/21/2009
  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 trransfers2/20/2009
  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 ...
electromagnets2/19/2009
  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 magnet2/19/2009
  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 Project2/18/2009
  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 Friday2/17/2009
  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 ...
electricity2/17/2009
  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 Friday2/17/2009
  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. ...
electricity2/17/2009
  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 Bridges2/17/2009
  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 potatoes2/16/2009
  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 panels2/14/2009
  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 mo2/13/2009
  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 wire2/12/2009
  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 ...
Solar2/12/2009
  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 ...
Magnetism2/12/2009
  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 wire2/11/2009
  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 wire2/10/2009
  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 bulb2/8/2009
  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 ...
distillation2/8/2009
  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 Twist2/7/2009
  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 element2/7/2009
  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 Insulation1/31/2009
  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 Sound1/31/2009
  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 ...
carbonation1/30/2009
  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 panel1/30/2009
  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 water1/29/2009
  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 water1/28/2009
  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 Water1/28/2009
  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/Volume1/21/2009
  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 - electromagnet1/21/2009
  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 ...
Circuits1/20/2009
  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 - electromagnet1/20/2009
  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 - electromagnet1/19/2009
  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 projects1/19/2009
  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 1960S1/17/2009
  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 panel1/17/2009
  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 ...
science1/13/2009
  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 sources1/12/2009
  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 levitation1/11/2009
  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 panel1/8/2009
  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 ...
mold1/8/2009
  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 drop1/6/2009
  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 bat1/5/2009
  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 Power1/5/2009
  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 bat1/5/2009
  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 project1/4/2009
  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 ...
plants1/2/2009
  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 bones12/31/2008
  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 energy12/29/2008
  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 ...
electromagnetism12/18/2008
  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 ...
Sound12/18/2008
  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 water12/17/2008
  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 oven12/17/2008
  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 drop12/17/2008
  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 ...
ATOMS12/15/2008
  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 project12/14/2008
  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 Fair12/13/2008
  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 Corrosion12/13/2008
  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 Fair12/12/2008
  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 Corrosion12/11/2008
  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 Corrosion12/10/2008
  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 Fair12/10/2008
  Q: Can magnets attract liquids?
  A: it contains microscopic bits of iron, but aligned so that they can still form magnetic domains ...
Solar energy12/8/2008
  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 bonding12/6/2008
  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 battery12/4/2008
  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 ...
Science12/4/2008
  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 speed12/4/2008
  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 Fizz12/4/2008
  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 Generator12/3/2008
  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 modal12/3/2008
  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 Generator12/2/2008
  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 freeze12/1/2008
  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 panels11/27/2008
  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 project11/26/2008
  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 drop11/25/2008
  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 fair11/23/2008
  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 corrosion11/21/2008
  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 project11/21/2008
  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 ...
forces11/21/2008
  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 corrosion11/19/2008
  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 corrosion11/19/2008
  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 appliances11/18/2008
  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 project11/18/2008
  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 ...
Dams11/17/2008
  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 steel11/11/2008
  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 Report11/9/2008
  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 carbonation11/8/2008
  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 ...
Electricity11/7/2008
  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 Project11/6/2008
  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 batteries11/5/2008
  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 ...
Helium11/5/2008
  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 ...
electromagtism11/3/2008
  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 fair10/29/2008
  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 kids10/28/2008
  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 exhibit10/26/2008
  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 ...
friction10/26/2008
  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 Challenge10/25/2008
  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 power10/23/2008
  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 Project10/22/2008
  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 Bulbs10/22/2008
  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 metres10/21/2008
  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 project10/20/2008
  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 function10/19/2008
  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 dropping10/18/2008
  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 Challenge10/14/2008
  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 ...
conduction10/13/2008
  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 Water10/13/2008
  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 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please10/12/2008
  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 column10/11/2008
  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 turbines10/5/2008
  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 ...
oxidizing10/5/2008
  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 ...
evaporation10/5/2008
  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 motors10/4/2008
  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 wavelengths10/1/2008
  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 fuels10/1/2008
  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 ...
Mirrors9/14/2008
  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 ...
Hydrogen9/12/2008
  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 Theory9/11/2008
  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 ...
request9/9/2008
  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 fair9/8/2008
  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 Project9/3/2008
  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 &chemistry8/31/2008
  Q: what is nuclerenergy
  A: When you bombard an atom of a 'nuclear fuel' such as Uranium with neutrons, the nucleus splits, ...
telsa coil8/28/2008
  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 preschoolers8/23/2008
  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 model8/22/2008
  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 out8/12/2008
  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 Principles8/9/2008
  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 motors8/3/2008
  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 Coils8/2/2008
  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 nose7/21/2008
  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 blocks6/29/2008
  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 magnets6/3/2008
  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 ...
magnetism6/2/2008
  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 construction5/28/2008
  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. ...
science5/12/2008
  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 drop5/12/2008
  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 ...
science5/9/2008
  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 science5/4/2008
  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 ...
Electricity5/2/2008
  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 Transfer4/29/2008
  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 ...
tornadoes4/24/2008
  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 Panels4/23/2008
  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 ...
science4/22/2008
  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 Energy4/21/2008
  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 wire4/18/2008
  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 energy4/15/2008
  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 question4/14/2008
  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 project4/9/2008
  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 drop4/1/2008
  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 project3/31/2008
  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 drop3/30/2008
  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 floats3/29/2008
  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 drop3/28/2008
  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 energy3/27/2008
  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 coil3/19/2008
  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 Project3/19/2008
  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 Seeds3/17/2008
  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) ...
Plants3/17/2008
  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 centers3/17/2008
  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 ecosystem3/17/2008
  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 Fruits3/13/2008
  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 ...
Plants3/13/2008
  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 batteries3/8/2008
  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 projects3/7/2008
  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 science3/6/2008
  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 water3/6/2008
  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 expansion2/7/2008
  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 ...
carbonation2/6/2008
  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 toaster2/6/2008
  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 ...
styuff2/5/2008
  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 motor2/4/2008
  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 materials2/3/2008
  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 fuels1/30/2008
  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 experiment1/29/2008
  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 experiment1/29/2008
  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 ...
Evaporation1/28/2008
  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 question1/27/2008
  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 ...
evaporation1/25/2008
  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 ...
electricity1/23/2008
  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 rate1/22/2008
  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 rate1/21/2008
  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 arm1/21/2008
  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 ideas1/20/2008
  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 Question1/19/2008
  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 ...
pediatrician1/19/2008
  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 experiment1/17/2008
  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 cat1/16/2008
  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 Removal1/15/2008
  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 ...
friction1/13/2008
  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 ...
friction1/11/2008
  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 ...
Energy1/11/2008
  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 ...
Sound1/10/2008
  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 evaporation1/8/2008
  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 eels1/7/2008
  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 ...
Science1/4/2008
  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 project1/1/2008
  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 motors12/21/2007
  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 motors12/20/2007
  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 ...
Indium12/14/2007
  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 ...
Indium12/13/2007
  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 PRINTS12/13/2007
  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 ...
science12/12/2007
  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 ...
magnets12/6/2007
  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 resources12/5/2007
  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 ...
copper12/3/2007
  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 ...
Evaporation11/30/2007
  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 ...
chemistry11/28/2007
  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 ...
conduction11/27/2007
  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 ...
conduction11/25/2007
  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 ...
chemistry11/25/2007
  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 answers11/21/2007
  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 soda11/21/2007
  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 Flashlight11/20/2007
  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/Plants11/18/2007
  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 Water11/13/2007
  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-puddles11/12/2007
  Q: how and why do puddles evaporate?
  A: the molecules are held together by intermolecular forces. The molecules also have kinetic ...
Sodas Fizz11/10/2007
  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 soda11/5/2007
  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 cycle10/31/2007
  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 ...
science10/26/2007
  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 Car10/24/2007
  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 Cars10/24/2007
  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 ecosystems10/23/2007
  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 strength10/22/2007
  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 ...
plant10/18/2007
  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 ...
electricity10/17/2007
  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 water10/16/2007
  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 blocks9/21/2007
  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 drop9/7/2007
  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 moon9/6/2007
  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 panel8/17/2007
  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 only8/14/2007
  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: ...
GAS8/3/2007
  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 research7/13/2007
  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 cube7/9/2007
  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 ...
rainbows6/20/2007
  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 Field6/13/2007
  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 ...
science5/29/2007
  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 ...
science5/29/2007
  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 ...
science5/28/2007
  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 help5/26/2007
  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 waves5/20/2007
  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 house5/19/2007
  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 waves5/19/2007
  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 Sugar4/23/2007
  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 , Gas4/19/2007
  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 project4/17/2007
  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 ...
QUESTION4/16/2007
  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 help4/12/2007
  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 reprot4/11/2007
  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 gas4/10/2007
  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 lifting4/8/2007
  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 ...
electromagnets4/2/2007
  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 friends3/30/2007
  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 studies3/28/2007
  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 question3/27/2007
  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 ...
electricity3/26/2007
  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 Project3/5/2007
  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 ...
magnetism3/5/2007
  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&soda3/3/2007
  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 science3/2/2007
  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 ...
magnets2/27/2007
  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 question2/19/2007
  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 polish2/18/2007
  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 - density2/9/2007
  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 Cycle2/2/2007
  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 fair1/30/2007
  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 ...
Sugar1/22/2007
  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 controls1/18/2007
  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 cleaners1/16/2007
  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 LIQUID1/12/2007
  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 project1/2/2007
  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 ...
science1/1/2007
  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 ...
insulation12/29/2006
  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 element12/25/2006
  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 Coil12/13/2006
  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 ...
science12/10/2006
  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 something12/9/2006
  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 motion11/21/2006
  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 ...
magnetism11/19/2006
  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 ...
magnetism11/18/2006
  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 ...
magnetism11/18/2006
  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 project11/18/2006
  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 ...
insulation11/16/2006
  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 ...
magnetism11/11/2006
  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 wire11/10/2006
  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. ...
lipgloss11/8/2006
  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 science11/3/2006
  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 coil11/3/2006
  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 element10/31/2006
  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 science10/31/2006
  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 ...
SCIENCE10/27/2006
  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 fair10/12/2006
  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 hot10/10/2006
  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 behavior10/6/2006
  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 science10/5/2006
  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 Ocean9/13/2006
  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 field9/11/2006
  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 drop9/7/2006
  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 ...
chemistry9/2/2006
  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 science8/23/2006
  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 Switch8/22/2006
  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 experiment8/18/2006
  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 colors7/24/2006
  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 ...
magnetism6/28/2006
  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 stuff6/27/2006
  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 Formulas6/27/2006
  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 Drop6/21/2006
  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 bag6/7/2006
  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 ...
evaporation6/6/2006
  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 Drop6/4/2006
  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 ...
ambleeopa6/1/2006
  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 ...
science5/2/2006
  Q: What are the five questions needed for a hypothesis?
  A: of which hypothesis is one of the parts: * Research * Problem * Hypothesis * ...
magetic project4/18/2006
  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, ...
science4/10/2006
  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 breath4/5/2006
  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 GRAD3/27/2006
  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 water3/27/2006
  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 Art3/26/2006
  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 drop3/21/2006
  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 bearing2/20/2006
  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 Warming2/18/2006
  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 sports2/14/2006
  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 ...
evaporation2/5/2006
  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 Competition1/26/2006
  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 wheel1/22/2006
  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 ...
Telephone1/18/2006
  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 Kids1/16/2006
  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 questions1/7/2006
  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 project1/4/2006
  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 ...
Energy1/2/2006
  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 field12/28/2005
  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, ...
brainstorm12/13/2005
  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 Experiment12/3/2005
  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 moon12/1/2005
  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 ...
Dams11/29/2005
  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 efficiency10/15/2005
  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 grade10/6/2005
  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 ...
shuttle8/12/2005
  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 ...
shuttle8/9/2005
  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 ...
universe8/8/2005
  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 Propulsion7/16/2005
  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 bridge7/7/2005
  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 property6/4/2005
  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 ecosystem5/10/2005
  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 ...
ANIMALS4/25/2005
  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 ...
DAIRY4/25/2005
  Q: WHY DOES MILK CURDLE?
  A: It curdles because of acid -- you can make it curdle instantly by adding lemon juice. The proteins ...
mold4/24/2005
  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 ...
evaporation4/16/2005
  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 balls2/23/2005
  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 Electricity2/19/2005
  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 System2/17/2005
  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 Power2/8/2005
  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 gears1/25/2005
  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 Power1/25/2005
  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 generator1/18/2005
  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 Info1/16/2005
  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 whales1/14/2005
  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 element1/14/2005
  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 ...
electricity11/18/2004
  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 ...
electricity11/18/2004
  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 ...
electricity11/18/2004
  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 created11/14/2004
  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 atoms11/11/2004
  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 Stains11/6/2004
  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 ...
science10/24/2004
  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 drop10/20/2004
  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 Convention10/13/2004
  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, ...
Science10/12/2004
  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 ...
nutrients10/3/2004
  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 project9/23/2004
  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/ marbles9/18/2004
  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 Alternator9/9/2004
  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 Alternator9/8/2004
  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 ...
magnetism7/29/2004
  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 Nature6/14/2004
  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 shocks5/29/2004
  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 ...
geography5/28/2004
  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 field5/26/2004
  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 ideas5/24/2004
  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, ...
physiscs5/22/2004
  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 ...
biosphere5/12/2004
  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 Fair5/6/2004
  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 field4/25/2004
  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 ...
Balance3/27/2004
  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 kids3/27/2004
  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 Hawk3/17/2004
  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 ...
FRICTION3/17/2004
  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 Clock3/1/2004
  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 Fair2/23/2004
  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 Clock2/23/2004
  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 removal2/15/2004
  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 Project2/13/2004
  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 Project2/12/2004
  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 science2/11/2004
  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 ...
amplifier2/9/2004
  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: ...
science2/1/2004
  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 power11/26/2003
  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, ...
Inventions10/23/2003
  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 rodents9/23/2003
  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! ...
Energy7/7/2003
  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 Conductors4/6/2003
  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 energy3/15/2003
  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 projects3/10/2003
  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 egg3/7/2003
  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 ...
Equals10/14/2002
  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 910/6/2002
  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 ...
Maggots8/11/2002
  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 temperature7/17/2002
  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 crystals4/9/2002
  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 lightbulbs4/5/2002
  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 Sulfite4/4/2002
  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 bubbles2/28/2002
  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 Fair1/26/2002
  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 project1/20/2002
  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 ...
Physics1/14/2002
  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 spreading1/8/2002
  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 Electricity12/23/2001
  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 ...
Science11/18/2001
  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 Project11/13/2001
  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 water11/12/2001
  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 building10/28/2001
  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 fluids10/10/2001
  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 project10/6/2001
  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 air9/23/2001
  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 ...

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