What Stresses Gorilla Glass Makes It Stronger
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Theory tackles how glass remembers earlier forces. Alterations to the usual glass production process, such as putting the material under stress, can introduce effects that linger even after the material hardens. While manufacturers have long ... more

How to Sell a Particle Accelerator: Positron-Electron Love Explosions
Monday, May 20, 2013
While the discoveries and excitement surrounding the LHC have started to cool down, a new contender in particle physics is emerging. Over 2000 scientists are currently working on one of two competing particle accelerator proposals: the International Line... more



 
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Cloaking Earthquakes

Scientists aim to "hide" buildings from seismic waves


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The Cyborg Scientist

Blurring the lines between man and machine with electronic implants


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"Living" Crystal Colonies

These inanimate crystals form colonies under UV-light, like bacteria
 
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Mysteries of the Glass Transition

Why do certain liquids transition into glass? There's no easy answer.


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Cracked Windshield Physics

The number of cracks in glass reveal the strength of projectile impacts


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Physics of the Bed of Nails

How do people lie on a bed of nails without leaving a mark?
 
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How to Do a Handstand with Physics

Physics can help you master this move


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Detecting Schizophrenia with Magnetic Fields

Using physics to detect the brain disorder earlier


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Supersonic Ping Pong Bazooka

Engineers create a ping pong gun that breaks the sound barrier
 
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Backyard Roller Coaster Physics

Learn about centripetal force with a bucket of water


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Floating Ping-Pong Balls

Floating ping-pong balls can teach us how airplanes stay aloft


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Overflowing Surface Tension

How does water rise above a full glass without spilling?


 

NASCAR Physics
May 22, 2013
See how NASCAR teams use physics to boost speed while keeping their drivers safe on the track.

Red Rover
May 15, 2013
Calla talks with Roger Wiens about NASA's successful and not-so-successful missions, including the recent Curiosity rover. Read more on this podcast's blog post

Listening to the Earth
May 08, 2013
Listening to various waves in the Earth can reveal the source and power of truck bombs, nuclear explosions, and natural disasters.
Read more on this podcast's blog post

Podcast Archive

PhysicsQuest

PhysicsQuest in full swing!

Henri VillainFinished with this year's PhysicsQuest? Want to receive a certificate for your class and the chance to win a class set of iPods? Then submit your answers here.  Only had time to do a few experiments?  No problem, even if you submit partial answers you will be in the drawing to receive iPods and other fabulous prizes.

It’s wintertime, and the swim team of Tesla Junior high has gone to Pasadena, CA for their yearly winter training camp.  The state championship meet is coming up, where they will face the unbeaten Edison Middle School Wizards of Menlo Park, IN. Coach Henri Toueaux will stop at nothing to secure a new trophy for his office, and he doesn’t care who he leaves in his wake, including his team.

The PhysicsQuest kits have been sent, and teachers across the country are helping Spectra stop H. Toueaux.  If you weren't able to receive a kit this year you can still be part of the fun.  Download the manual and create your own kit.  You can still submit answers, receive a certificate and be eligible for prizes.  Join our Facebook group to be part of the fun.

Learn more about PhysicsQuest

Featured Topic

Thermodynamics & Heat
When your coffee or hot chocolate cools before you get to drink it, is because of thermodynamics, the study of energy, work, and heat often at the molecular and atomic level. This section explores the relationship between energy, work, and heat and how it impacts scientific studies and everyday life.

Discover all Physics Topics

Comic Books

Click to Read Physics Comics

Read all of our physics comic books online, and follow the adventures of Spectra, the original laser superhero.

Science off the Sphere

Science off the Sphere

Astronaut and chemist Dr. Don Pettit did physics demos that are out of this world while he was aboard the International Space Station. Now you can enjoy videos of his fantastic micro-gravity experiments safely on the surface!

Watch the videos

Physics Stuff

View and Order Physics Posters

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Spectra Sound

Purchase Posters, Spectra Sound, Tshirts and More in the APS store.

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Resources for Educators

PhysicsCentral runs programs for all ages with the goal of making physics fun and interesting for everyone. From coloring books to at home experiments we have something perfect for you and your students to enjoy. 

Resources for Educators