You're Never Too Old For Bill Nye.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Some Interesting Videos, Compliments of Youtube
Here's a small collection of videos I stumbled upon earlier today, that I though I would share. Truth be told, I could fill this blog up with nothing but such videos, but then nothing else would be accomplished as I'd let myself fall into the vortex of YouTube. I'll let you battle that on your own though.
Schrödinger - Letting The Quantum Cat Out of The Bag
Schrödinger was yet another influential person in the history of science. After stumbling upon a certain Lolcat image, I couldn't help but let Schrödinger be the topic of Interest for this post. Of course he was brilliant, but the simplicity in his brilliance, such as through his explanation of simultaneous existence, with wave and particle-like properties, is what lead to my interest...
Schrödinger was an Austrian physicist who was known as one of the fathers of
Quantum Physics. He was born in Vienna in on August 12, 1887 and was an only child
from a semi-wealthy family. His parents were Rudolf Schrödinger and Georgine
Emilia Brenda (daughter of Alexander Bauer, Chemistry Professor at the Technical
College of Vienna). His father inherited a small and profitable linoleum and oil cloth
factory, he was also a gifted man with broad education .His mother was half Austrian
and half English, so Schrödinger learned both languages while growing up. He was
home schooled until the age of eleven. Then, he was sent to Akademisches Gymnasium
in autumn of 1898. Schrödinger was always the top of his class, especially in
mathematical and scientific studies. He graduated from the academy and enrolled
into the University of Vienna in 1906. His main interest in college was theoretical
physics. While at the University of Vienna, he studied under Franz Serafin Exner,
Friedrich Hasenohrl, and Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Kohlrausch. He obtained a PhD in
physics was a commissioned officer in the Austrian fortress artillery from 1914-1918.
In 1920, he married Annemarie Bertel and became the assistant to Max Wien. He
attained the position of an Associate Professor at Stuttgart. Then in 1921, he obtained a
position as a full professor in Breslau (Wroclaw), Poland.
In 1926, He produced several papers that brought about the creation of
quantum wave mechanics, which is now known as Schrödinger’s equation. Within
those papers, he described his partial differential equation, which is the basic equation
of quantum mechanics. It has a relation to the functions of an atom in a way similar to
Newton’s motion equations relate to planetary astronomy. Then he adopted the idea
from Louis de Broglie about particles of matter having dual natures and that in some
situations behave like waves. Using this idea, he introduced a theory describing the
behavior of such a system by a wave equation. The wave equation also described the
behavior or electrons around the nucleus in an atom. The wave equation is solved with
wave functions that can only be related to the probable occurrence of physical events.
The idea is visualized through the definite events of the planetary orbits through
Newton’s equations, but is replaced with abstract notions of probability. His theories
are often interpreted as a deeper glimpse into atomic behavior, such that it compares
to Bohr’s atomic model. Schrödinger made it clear that everything exists in multiple
states.
While Schrödinger is most commonly known for his famous experiment
involving a cat, it was merely an example to explain the concept in more simplistic
terms. The major truth behind Schrödinger’s genius is that everything, principally
atoms, possesses both particle- and wave-like properties. These properties are
apparent under certain circumstances, based not only on interacting particles, but
also on observation. Simply put, atoms behave differently when observed than when
not. The quality of wave mechanics in particles was demonstrated via a particle
cannon, which fired charged particles towards a plate with tiny slits permitting flow.
Under normal principles, and observation, the particles flow directly through the slits
and only proceed in a straight line. However, when observation is ceased, the particles
flow through the slits and bump against each other, refracting just as waves would
in a pond or other fluid body. When these particles reached the back wall lined with
detectors, they no longer were directed from the slits, but rather dispersed according
to the flow of the waves. This potentially opens many possibilities, such as data and
energy transmission.
Supporting Information Referenced From:
Wikipedia - Erwin Schrödinger
Nobel Prize Organization - Schrodinger Biography
Wolfram - Schroedinger Biography
Britannica - Erwin Schrodinger
And this picture.
Schrödinger was an Austrian physicist who was known as one of the fathers of
Quantum Physics. He was born in Vienna in on August 12, 1887 and was an only child
from a semi-wealthy family. His parents were Rudolf Schrödinger and Georgine
Emilia Brenda (daughter of Alexander Bauer, Chemistry Professor at the Technical
College of Vienna). His father inherited a small and profitable linoleum and oil cloth
factory, he was also a gifted man with broad education .His mother was half Austrian
and half English, so Schrödinger learned both languages while growing up. He was
home schooled until the age of eleven. Then, he was sent to Akademisches Gymnasium
in autumn of 1898. Schrödinger was always the top of his class, especially in
mathematical and scientific studies. He graduated from the academy and enrolled
into the University of Vienna in 1906. His main interest in college was theoretical
physics. While at the University of Vienna, he studied under Franz Serafin Exner,
Friedrich Hasenohrl, and Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Kohlrausch. He obtained a PhD in
physics was a commissioned officer in the Austrian fortress artillery from 1914-1918.
In 1920, he married Annemarie Bertel and became the assistant to Max Wien. He
attained the position of an Associate Professor at Stuttgart. Then in 1921, he obtained a
position as a full professor in Breslau (Wroclaw), Poland.
In 1926, He produced several papers that brought about the creation of
quantum wave mechanics, which is now known as Schrödinger’s equation. Within
those papers, he described his partial differential equation, which is the basic equation
of quantum mechanics. It has a relation to the functions of an atom in a way similar to
Newton’s motion equations relate to planetary astronomy. Then he adopted the idea
from Louis de Broglie about particles of matter having dual natures and that in some
situations behave like waves. Using this idea, he introduced a theory describing the
behavior of such a system by a wave equation. The wave equation also described the
behavior or electrons around the nucleus in an atom. The wave equation is solved with
wave functions that can only be related to the probable occurrence of physical events.
The idea is visualized through the definite events of the planetary orbits through
Newton’s equations, but is replaced with abstract notions of probability. His theories
are often interpreted as a deeper glimpse into atomic behavior, such that it compares
to Bohr’s atomic model. Schrödinger made it clear that everything exists in multiple
states.
While Schrödinger is most commonly known for his famous experiment
involving a cat, it was merely an example to explain the concept in more simplistic
terms. The major truth behind Schrödinger’s genius is that everything, principally
atoms, possesses both particle- and wave-like properties. These properties are
apparent under certain circumstances, based not only on interacting particles, but
also on observation. Simply put, atoms behave differently when observed than when
not. The quality of wave mechanics in particles was demonstrated via a particle
cannon, which fired charged particles towards a plate with tiny slits permitting flow.
Under normal principles, and observation, the particles flow directly through the slits
and only proceed in a straight line. However, when observation is ceased, the particles
flow through the slits and bump against each other, refracting just as waves would
in a pond or other fluid body. When these particles reached the back wall lined with
detectors, they no longer were directed from the slits, but rather dispersed according
to the flow of the waves. This potentially opens many possibilities, such as data and
energy transmission.
Supporting Information Referenced From:
Wikipedia - Erwin Schrödinger
Nobel Prize Organization - Schrodinger Biography
Wolfram - Schroedinger Biography
Britannica - Erwin Schrodinger
An Informational Rant On Tesla
Many people hold a prominent place in history, some being labeled Genius. Tesla is one such individual, influencing more than the apparent aspects of science or modern life. Patents of his have been used for many things, including an e-mail capable VCR produced by Sony (View Original Patent and Citations such as Pat. No. 6925567 or Pat. No. 7376843). I find Tesla to be quite an innovator and influential person, and thus hold him in high regard. This post serves to break the ice as my first blog post, as well as to give me an excuse to browse through records of Telsa's brilliance.
Nikola Tesla has been touted as one of the greatest men in science. With invention ranging
from commonplace (fluorescent lighting) to extreme (death rays), Tesla is far beyond what one would call revolutionary. Born July 10, 1856 in Smiiljan, Lika, Tesla has accumulated over 100 US Patents, and over 300 internationally recognized patents. While there, he studied at the Realschule and the University of Prague. He originally studied physics and mathematics, but later became engrossed in electricity. He first built a prototype of the first induction motor in
1883, which was an idea so radical that no one would accept it. With the failed promotion of
his revolutionary device, he then opted to move to New York and work for Thomas Edison. Due
to business and personal issues between himself and Edison, he later quit and turned to other
work.
During this period, he worked on designs for what is considered his greatest triumph: AC
power. In 1886, Tesla formed a company to promote and produce his concepts. Once again,
he ran into issues due to his radical ideas, most of which upset investors. After this attempt
failed and he was removed from the company, he began work with George Westinghouse.
Westinghouse promoted his ideas, including his AC polyphase concepts. Tesla proved that AC
power could be carried over longer distances than DC, which was the start of a battle between
Tesla and Edison over electrician dominance. While working with Westinghouse, he also
developed the concept for his Tesla Coil, a revolutionary device that used charged waves to
transmitted power without the need for wires.
As early as 1891, he demonstrated a working model of this, which would later be called the
Tesla Effect: the electrical conduction over space and matter without the use of a conductor.
He then began using this to wirelessly light lamps and power other devices, even outside of
his laboratory. From this point forward, much of his work focused on cyclic waves and other
related topics. Some of his later inventions included the first radio transmitter, large-scale AC
generators, and fluorescent lights, the latter of which were showcased at the 1893 World’s
Fair. Tesla also demonstrated magnetic induced levitation in an invention he called the “Egg of
Columbus”.
Tesla’s earlier discoveries related to radio transmission latter led to his invention of radio
operated and controlled boats and other products. Between this and his other inventions,
mainly the Tesla Coil, he proved that the Earth was in fact a conductor and that it could be
used to transmit power long distances with his Tesla Coil. Tesla further developed long range
telecommunications systems using this technology that he believed could even be used to
communicate with other planets, documenting that he had received transmissions from
long range that were out of the spectra generated by the earth, storms, and other natural
phenomena. This also led to early concepts similar to RADAR technology. Towards the end of
his life, he worked on designed for a high-energy ray device, which could be used as a death ray. It was, however, never fully developed, and much of his work regarding it was either
destroyed or lost. It has been determined by some historians and scientist, using information
that remains from his work and correspondence, that this device may have been an earlier
prototype for what we now know as a Railgun or possibly a Gaussgun.
Tesla died on January 7, 1943 in New York. Much of his work was disregarded during his life,
however, in modern times his genius has been realized. His legacy, mainly that related to his
discovery of alternating current lives today as it has revolutionized the world, making much of
what goes on today possible. It has often been overlooked, however, that many of his other
inventions have had a significant influence on modern science and society.
Though he was not given credit for the invention of the radio, he was the first pioneer in that
field, and many argue that he did invent it. His genius goes deeper than merely these ground
breaking discoveries. His research in wave mechanics was nothing short of remarkable, having
devised a method of using the wavelike properties of all matter to transport energy through
matter long distances. This discovery of his was not fully realized until much later when
quantum mechanics evolved. Many other technologies, such as DC power and the Van De Graff
generator were proven inferior to Tesla’s inventions, being AC power and his popular Tesla Coil.
Many do not realize the full potential of Tesla’s wireless electricity, for it has the potential to
be far greater than what infrastructure we have in place today. Electrical power is a recently
emerging trend with small devices, such as cell phones or iPods. This technology is regarded as
new, revolutionary technology, when in fact, this is decades old.
Tesla left a unique legacy. He developed many concepts that even today are not fully realized.
Much of his work not only directly shaped modern society, but also indirectly formed it in ways
unseen by much of the population. Such a large part of modern technology is due to Tesla that
many argue he was the molder of today’s many technological marvels.
Supporting Information Referenced From:
Tesla Society - Biography
About.com - Nikola Tesla
Wikipedia - Nikola Tesla
Wikipedia - Tesla Patents
Wikipedia - AC Power
Tesla Society - AC
The Badass of The Week - Nikola Tesla
Oh and here's Mario via Tesla Coil
Nikola Tesla has been touted as one of the greatest men in science. With invention ranging
from commonplace (fluorescent lighting) to extreme (death rays), Tesla is far beyond what one would call revolutionary. Born July 10, 1856 in Smiiljan, Lika, Tesla has accumulated over 100 US Patents, and over 300 internationally recognized patents. While there, he studied at the Realschule and the University of Prague. He originally studied physics and mathematics, but later became engrossed in electricity. He first built a prototype of the first induction motor in
1883, which was an idea so radical that no one would accept it. With the failed promotion of
his revolutionary device, he then opted to move to New York and work for Thomas Edison. Due
to business and personal issues between himself and Edison, he later quit and turned to other
work.
During this period, he worked on designs for what is considered his greatest triumph: AC
power. In 1886, Tesla formed a company to promote and produce his concepts. Once again,
he ran into issues due to his radical ideas, most of which upset investors. After this attempt
failed and he was removed from the company, he began work with George Westinghouse.
Westinghouse promoted his ideas, including his AC polyphase concepts. Tesla proved that AC
power could be carried over longer distances than DC, which was the start of a battle between
Tesla and Edison over electrician dominance. While working with Westinghouse, he also
developed the concept for his Tesla Coil, a revolutionary device that used charged waves to
transmitted power without the need for wires.
As early as 1891, he demonstrated a working model of this, which would later be called the
Tesla Effect: the electrical conduction over space and matter without the use of a conductor.
He then began using this to wirelessly light lamps and power other devices, even outside of
his laboratory. From this point forward, much of his work focused on cyclic waves and other
related topics. Some of his later inventions included the first radio transmitter, large-scale AC
generators, and fluorescent lights, the latter of which were showcased at the 1893 World’s
Fair. Tesla also demonstrated magnetic induced levitation in an invention he called the “Egg of
Columbus”.
Tesla’s earlier discoveries related to radio transmission latter led to his invention of radio
operated and controlled boats and other products. Between this and his other inventions,
mainly the Tesla Coil, he proved that the Earth was in fact a conductor and that it could be
used to transmit power long distances with his Tesla Coil. Tesla further developed long range
telecommunications systems using this technology that he believed could even be used to
communicate with other planets, documenting that he had received transmissions from
long range that were out of the spectra generated by the earth, storms, and other natural
phenomena. This also led to early concepts similar to RADAR technology. Towards the end of
his life, he worked on designed for a high-energy ray device, which could be used as a death ray. It was, however, never fully developed, and much of his work regarding it was either
destroyed or lost. It has been determined by some historians and scientist, using information
that remains from his work and correspondence, that this device may have been an earlier
prototype for what we now know as a Railgun or possibly a Gaussgun.
Tesla died on January 7, 1943 in New York. Much of his work was disregarded during his life,
however, in modern times his genius has been realized. His legacy, mainly that related to his
discovery of alternating current lives today as it has revolutionized the world, making much of
what goes on today possible. It has often been overlooked, however, that many of his other
inventions have had a significant influence on modern science and society.
Though he was not given credit for the invention of the radio, he was the first pioneer in that
field, and many argue that he did invent it. His genius goes deeper than merely these ground
breaking discoveries. His research in wave mechanics was nothing short of remarkable, having
devised a method of using the wavelike properties of all matter to transport energy through
matter long distances. This discovery of his was not fully realized until much later when
quantum mechanics evolved. Many other technologies, such as DC power and the Van De Graff
generator were proven inferior to Tesla’s inventions, being AC power and his popular Tesla Coil.
Many do not realize the full potential of Tesla’s wireless electricity, for it has the potential to
be far greater than what infrastructure we have in place today. Electrical power is a recently
emerging trend with small devices, such as cell phones or iPods. This technology is regarded as
new, revolutionary technology, when in fact, this is decades old.
Tesla left a unique legacy. He developed many concepts that even today are not fully realized.
Much of his work not only directly shaped modern society, but also indirectly formed it in ways
unseen by much of the population. Such a large part of modern technology is due to Tesla that
many argue he was the molder of today’s many technological marvels.
Supporting Information Referenced From:
Tesla Society - Biography
About.com - Nikola Tesla
Wikipedia - Nikola Tesla
Wikipedia - Tesla Patents
Wikipedia - AC Power
Tesla Society - AC
The Badass of The Week - Nikola Tesla
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