GFCI outlets give people additional protection from electrical shock. They also reduce the risk of structure or house fires that electrical system faults cause and mitigate the risk that faulty electrical circuits pose to equipment. A ground fault circuit interrupter is used in a GFCI outlet in order to cut electrical power when a fault is detected. It may also be installed at a breaker box or used as a portable outlet. How does a GFCI Outlet Work? A GFCI outlet monitors the flow of current through the outlet’s circuit. Read More

A stereomicroscope is generally known as a comparison microscope and it is used in scientific fields primarily for comparing two side by side specimens. A stereo microscope is made up of two regular microscopes connected together with an optical bridge. For instance in forensics, it may be necessary to compare to samples to each other, using a traditional microscope the viewer will need to memorize the contents and switch slides, however with the stereo microscope, the viewer can see both slides side by side at the same time. The stereo Read More

Sound is characterised as a series of waves that move through a particular medium. A medium is some sort of a subtance–whether it be water, plasma, air, a solid, or anything else–that these waves move through. The waves cause the particles in this substance to vibrate which is how the sound is potentially heard. A medium is absolutely necessary for sound to travel. Without it, there is no sound. In other words, sound cannot travel in a vacuum. Creating Sound and Receiving Sound Before sound can travel, it needs to Read More

Nuclear energy is an incredibly effective way of generating electricity and providing power to tens of thousands of households in the region it powers. By creating a fission reaction and breaking apart an atom of uranium, the power plant is able to create incredible amounts of energy. While the explanation of nuclear energy is simple, the true might of nuclear energy requires such exact and detailed calculations. Otherwise, situations such as the Meltdown at Chernobyl can occur. What is Fission? Fission is a reaction that takes a compound such as Read More

In the field of spectroscopy, fluorescence can be analyzed from a sample of material through a special form of electromagnetic spectroscopy. This fluorescence spectroscopy uses a beam of light that is tailored for the type of fluorescence detection needed in compounds. The usual option is an ultraviolet light that is used to excite electrons in the molecules. This causes them to produce a light emitting phenomenon of lower energy, which can be within the visible and non-visible light spectra. A complimentary technique that is often used with fluorescence spectroscopy is Read More

Steroid use is becoming more and more common in both sports and the general public. Steroids refer to specific types of synthetic hormones that are able to enact change within the body by interacting with cell receptors. Steroids can be both good and bad, depending on how they are used and for how long. Steroids often present a major ethical issue on whether or not they should be allowed in sports. Steroid use without a prescription from a valid doctor is currently illegal. Anabolic Steroids The term "anabolic steroid" refers Read More

An adhesive magnet (“peel and stick” magnet) is one that is coated with an adhesive so that it can be stuck to a non-metallic surface. Adhesive magnets can be found in most hardware stores and can be purchased online in virtually any size. They are often used in construction, crafts, and tapestry. Adhesive magnets are similar to magnetic tape, but should not be confused with magnets that have been attached to a surface with hot glue.   How Adhesive Magnets Work An adhesive magnet can be any type of magnet, Read More

Copper turns green because of a process known as oxidation which is the removal of electrons from the substance. Specifically, copper turns green because of something known as copper carbonate. This is the substance that is found on top of copper–whether they be copper pipes, pennies, statues or anything else. So, the cause of copper turning green is copper carbonate. However, the big question is: why does copper carbonate appear? When a metal comes into contact with air or water, it undergoes environmental changes. In other words, it might rust Read More

What is Fingerprint Identification? Fingerprint identification is the process of using fingerprints to identify an individual. This is very effective because each person has completely unique fingerprints that do not change with age. Fingerprint identification is used for a variety of reasons: security, criminal investigations, and even ergonomics. Fingerprint identification often consists of a fingerprint reader or oil smear, with the former being used in electronic fingerprinting and the latter being used in manual fingerprint impressions. Other surfaces or materials may be used in fingerprint identification but are usually only Read More

Lemon juice has a natural pH of 2.0 and is naturally acidic. When mixed with vitamins and other additives in the lemon juice normally found in stores for human consumption, the pH is slightly less acidic with a pH measure of between 2.2 and 3.0. Due to the natural acidicy of lemon juice, it can be used to conduct electricity. How Can You Use Lemon Juice to Conduct Electricity? Since lemon juice is acidic, it will create both positive and negative ions when sitting in the naturally occurring water contained Read More