Physics, math and science toys

April 8, 2016 9:57 AM

Physics Fun is an Instagram account with short videos of physics, math and science 'toys.' An accompanying blog looks at some in more detail.
posted by carter (7 comments total)

Look, I don't want to pretend to be an expert or anything, but I'm pretty sure some of those are straight up magic.
posted by cjorgensen at 10:08 AM on April 8, 2016 [1 favorite]

Question re. third video, the thermometer, is there a vacuum inside of glass thermometers? There's got to be, right? If not how would the liquid compress the atmosphere inside?
posted by Keith Talent at 10:34 AM on April 8, 2016

I have the pocket laser show thingie. Projected on a wall, it's pretty cool, sure, but it's really amazing when projected through campfire smoke. I put in a better laser and regularly wow folks at music festivals.
posted by MrMoonPie at 10:56 AM on April 8, 2016

Aww, there was a Natural Wonders in my mall growing up. Those places were awesome! Where do I get my random cool physics toys now?

Oh, this blog? Cool.
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 11:15 AM on April 8, 2016 [1 favorite]

I'm pretty sure some of those are straight up magic.

"Sufficiently advanced technology".
posted by roystgnr at 11:42 AM on April 8, 2016

Question re. third video, the thermometer, is there a vacuum inside of glass thermometers? There's got to be, right? If not how would the liquid compress the atmosphere inside?

Not necessarily. Thermal expansion of fluids and solids can impart some pretty substantial forces; that's why sidewalks will crack in the heat unless they put gaps into them, and the expansion of water into ice when it freezes can split boulders apart.
posted by Johnny Assay at 1:36 PM on April 8, 2016 [1 favorite]

seriously this looks like witchcraft to me
posted by BungaDunga at 4:31 PM on April 8, 2016 [1 favorite]