Episode 1: Dancing Droplets
Astronaut and chemist Dr. Don Pettit does physics demos that are out of this world. Currently on board the International Space Station, Dr. Pettit presents fantastic physics that can only be demonstrated in micro-gravity.
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Challenge Question: In the end of the video, Dr. Pettit put a nylon knitting needle near the syringe used to squirt water droplets onto the Teflon knitting needle. Why did Dr. Pettit need a nylon needle near the injected drops and why must the other needle be Teflon?
Challenge Answer: Teflon acquires electrons from other materials when rubbed, thus attaining a negative charge.Nylon gives up electrons to other materials when rubbed becoming positively charged.When the droplets come out of the syringe near the positively charged nylon needle they give up some electrons to it becoming positive themselves.This makes the water droplets more attracted to the negatively charged teflon needle because dissimilar charges attract.
Challenge Winner: Michael Stevens of Effort, PA
More Science off the Sphere
Episode 1: Dancing Droplets
Episode 4: Lenses and Vortices
Episode 5: Fun with Antibubbles
