Physics in Pictures by Topic
Compression Waves & Sound
Color Charge: Hearing and Hair Bundles
We're thrilled to release the first page from our new all-ages coloring book project, Color Charge!
Fluid Turbulence
Simulations reveal a striking battle between two forces when lighter fluids flow above heavier ones.
Patterns in the Sand
When a Chladni plate vibrates patterns emerge in the sand. It’s not magic, or the hand of an invisible artist, but the vibrations themselves that cause the lines and patterns to emerge
Cloud Waves
When people think of waves they often look to the oceans, but waves can also be found high in the sky. In this picture Amsterdam Island in the Indian Ocean made waves in the clouds.
Laser-Plasma Creates Electro-Optic Shocks
High power laser pulses create shock-waves and bubbles in plasma.
Centrifugal Instability of an Oscillating Boundary Layer
A cylinder twisting back and forth in water, produces a "centrifugal instability," as shown by fluorescent dye. This fluid pattern will not only help scientists better understand ocean dynamics, but it is also aesthetically beautiful.
Cornstarch Dimples
A vibrating cornstarch solution appears to come alive and grow fingers. A dimple in the fluid created by a burst of air expands into a deep hole.
Catch a Quasiperiodic Wave
Quasicrystals are unusual metallic alloys whose atoms are arranged in orderly patterns that are not quite crystalline.
