Description
Book SynopsisDescribes twenty-nine practical experiments, detailing how they are done and the math and physics behind them. The experiments in this book cover a wide field of physics and the borders of chemistry, ranging from dynamic mechanics ('Kinetic Curiosities') to electricity ('Antediluvian Electronics') and combustion ('Infernal Inventions').
Trade Review"This is great interactive stuff, amusingly written by a British scientist who honed his skills conducting a Saturday activity center for kids... As well as the fun there is science too, equations and all."--Douglas Palmer, New Scientist "A fertile and funny idea-book for the Erector set crowd."--Booklist "A fascinating new book... The style is eclectic and interesting... It brings together practical, accessible physics with a gentle amount of theory in an entertaining and educational manner. There is much here that will both stimulate a curiosity about physics and help with good--if not inspirational--physics teaching."--Physics World
Table of ContentsContents in Detail vii Project Ratings xi Preface xiii KINETIC CURIOSITIES 1. Hovering Rings 3 2. Dynabrolly 14 3. Gravity Reversal 21 4. Maypole Drill 28 5. Rotarope 33 STRONG STRING THINGS 6. String Nutcracker 45 7. Twisted Sinews 51 STRONG NOTHING 8. Vacuum Muscles 61 9. Vacuum Bazooka 70 SOUNDS PECULIAR 10. String Radio 83 11. Mole Radio 93 12. Bat Doppler 102 TRANSMISSIONS WITH OMISSIONS 13. Toothless Gearwheels 113 14. Flying Pulleys 121 CLOCKS WITHOUT CUCKOOS OR QUARTZ 15. The Crank and the Pendulum 127 16. A Symphony of Siphons 134 17. Bernoulli's Clock 142 CURIOUS CONVEYANCES 18. Dougall or U'brocraft 151 19. Follow That Sunbeam 157 20 Duohelicon 167 21. Fishy Boat 174 22. Rotarudder 182 23. Cable Yacht 190 ANTEDILUVIAN ELECTRONICS 24. Beard Amplifier 199 25. Tornado Transistor 207 ELECTRIC WATER 26. Meltdown Alarm 215 27. Electric Rainbow jelly 222 INFERNAL INVENTIONS 28. Binary Match 229 29. Ultimate Bunsen Burner 234 Useful Materials and Components 241 A Reminder about Units 245 Bibliography 247 Index 251
