Physics news

Xjmt · Post by **Xjmt** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 2:46 pm

This morning on CNN I heard that the different CD/DVD formats will in all likelyhood be released on both sides of the disk. IOW each side will have different formats. I do not know if that was speculation or fact but it seems to make sense. None of the companies involved want to be the next Betamax.

So maybe just sit tight and wait and see what happens. I learned my lesson with 8 Track audio!

Lou · Post by **Lou** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:35 pm

Hey, thanks for that bit of news. Hope it's true.

And thanks for your very wise "sit tight" advice. You're both funny & wise!

Henry J · Post by **Henry J** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:00 am

CDF precision measurement of W-boson mass suggests a lighter Higgs particle

Scientists of the CDF collaboration at the Department of Energy's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory announced today (January 8, 2007) the world's most precise measurement by a single experiment of the mass of the W boson, the carrier of the weak nuclear force and a key parameter of the Standard Model of particles and forces.

(Use the force, Luke!)

Xjmt · Post by **Xjmt** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 8:22 am

As a quick follow up I found an article in Monday's newspaper about the CES, LG BH100 CD player as reviewed by CNET.com.

At $1199 (which sounds cheaper than $1200)

it will be capable of playing CDs, DVDs, HD DVDs available the first week of February at Best Buy and Circuit City among other outlets.

Another unit by the same folks GGW-H10N (computer drive) can play HD DVDs, Blue-ray Discs as well as read and write DVDs and CDs.

You might be able to get more info at CNET.com.

Henry J · Post by **Henry J** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 10:13 am

Physicists closing in on mysterious missing particle

University of Toronto researchers are now closer to answering contemporary physics’ most pressing question: where is the missing particle that gives matter mass, known as Higgs-boson? The breakthrough comes after researchers discovered that the mass of another subatomic particle – the W boson – is slightly heavier than previous measurements, pointing them in a new direction.

Henry J · Post by **Henry J** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 11:09 am

Theoretical Physicists Develop Test for String Theory

For decades, many scientists have criticized string theory, pointing out that it does not make predictions by which it can be tested. Now, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University; the University of California, San Diego; and The University of Texas at Austin have developed a test of string theory. [...]

lswot · Post by **lswot** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 12:07 pm

A ball of string? Are they going to sell it on e-bay?

Collecting string can take a lifetime......

Anyone have a yoyo?

Henry J · Post by **Henry J** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 9:12 pm

Nah, they're just trying to string us along...

Henry

lswot · Post by **lswot** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 11:40 am

Henry J · Post by **Henry J** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 8:46 am

Gravitational Wave Background

In the standard model of cosmology, the early universe underwent a period of fantastic growth. This inflationary phase, after only a trillionth of a second, concluded with a violent conversion of energy into hot matter and radiation. This "reheating" process also resulted in a flood of gravitational waves.

(Gravity - long may it wave?)

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Endless universe made possible by new model

CHAPEL HILL – A new cosmological model demonstrates the universe can endlessly expand and contract, providing a rival to Big Bang theories and solving a thorny modern physics problem, according to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill physicists.

The cyclic model proposed by Dr. Paul Frampton, Louis J. Rubin Jr. distinguished professor of physics in UNC’s College of Arts & Sciences, and co-author Lauris Baum, a UNC graduate student in physics, has four key parts: expansion, turnaround, contraction and bounce.

(So is this a loophole to avoid the predicted "heat death" of the universe?)

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Henry

Henry J · Post by **Henry J** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 8:24 am

Physicists Find Way To 'See' Extra Dimensions

Peering backward in time to an instant after the big bang, physicists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have devised an approach that may help unlock the hidden shapes of alternate dimensions of the universe.

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Henry

Henry J · Post by **Henry J** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:21 pm

Subject: Warning

A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before). I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he wanted to bring the water to a boil. When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but suddenly the water in the cup "blew up" into his face. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand, but all the water had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave scarring.

He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If! water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc., (nothing metal).

It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a tea kettle.

General Electric's Response:

Thanks for contacting us, I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.

To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything into it.

Here is what our local science teacher had to say on the matter: "Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen before It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup).

What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapor bubbles can form. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form. As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point.

What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken."

If you pass this on you could very well save someone from a lot of pain and suffering.

Henry

Website · Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 7:44 am

There's more on that phenomenon (and how to prevent it) here:

http://www.snopes.com/science/microwave.asp

lswot · Post by **lswot** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:04 am

Ouch!

Um, I wonder if activating the turn table would stop this from happening???
Or......as suggested.....USE THE TEA POT!

Xjmt · Post by **Xjmt** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 12:13 pm

Or put a lid on it.