IMAX, which stands for Image Maximum, is a motion picture format with the capacity for greater size and clearer resolution than standard movie systems. It was developed by the Canadian IMAX Corporation. It dramatically enhances image resolution by making use of larger film stock (70mm with 15 perforations per frame – 10 times larger than standard). This results in a movie with incredible clarity, even on huge screens that are the hallmark of IMAX theaters worldwide. This, combined with a six-channel sound system, results in an extraordinary movie-going experience. IMAX Read More

Hydrogen-powered cars are still currently under the development stage. A hydrogen car runs mainly on either a hydrogen fuel source like that of an internal combustion engine, or on a fuel cell like that of an electric car. Hydrogen comes in abundance in many of the things we could see today, most especially petroleum. It is a very light gas that is flammable and could be used as a fuel source, or could be directly burned in a way similar to that in conventional internal combustion engines. How It Works Read More

One of the basic questions regarding the earth is, how fast does it spin? The earth is constantly spinning; it spins around its axis. An axis in this case is an imaginary line running through the center of the earth from the North Pole to the South Pole. To calculate how fast the earth spins, we need to know a few details. To figure out the speed of the earth at the equator, we need to know the circumference of the earth at the equator. The circumference of the earth Read More

Refractometers measure the refractive index of liquids, gases, and translucent solids such as gemstones. The measurement of how much the speed of light is reduced when traveling through a gas, solid, or solution is referred to as the refractive index. When the device is used to test liquids, it typically measures the salinity, fluid concentration, specific gravity, and blood proteins. The lenses and prisms inside the refractometer create a shadow line inside it that can then be viewed through a magnifying eye piece to note the measurement. Who Invented the Read More

An earthquake is caused when two blocks or plates of the Earth slip past each other in the lateral, vertical, or a combination of directions in a sudden manner. Due to the large pressures that develop between the Earth’s plates along fault lines at the Earth’s surface, one of the bodies will eventually give way. This resulting movement results in one of the plates moving above or to the side of the other during the resulting earthquake. A common question that arises amongst students and the general public is what Read More

Automated Meter Reading (AMR) refers to the technology used for automating collection of water and energy (electricity or gas) consumption data for the purposes of real-time billing and consumption analysis. At any given time, the AMR system gathers real-time data and transfers the information gathered to the central database through networking technology. Benefits of Automated Meter Reading The primary benefit of this technology is more accurate and precise measurement of water, electricity or gas consumption. Consumers will be billed the amount that exactly corresponds to what they have consumed. On Read More

Stem cells have been widely publicized over the last decade as being the key to huge health breakthroughs. While only time will tell just how stem cells will be used in the future, millions of people around the world are either involved in stem cell research or closely monitor it for news of advances. What are Stem Cells? Stem cells are found in practically all multi-cellular organisms. Their defining characteristic is that they are able to renew themselves, usually through a process of mitotic cell division. Besides having the ability Read More

A noble gas is a non-reactive, monatomic gas that is located on the far right edge of the periodic table. Noble gases include argon, helium, krypton, neon, radon, xenon, and unonoctium. Helium is the most common of the noble gases and argon is the most common on Earth, making up approximately one percent of the planet’s atmosphere. Helium is found throughout the universe, including on the Earth, and is also found in large quantities in underground reserves. Noble Gas Uses Noble gases are used when an inert atmosphere is required Read More

Virtual reality refers to any computer simulation that can mimick real life by displaying sound, 3D images, and other sensory perceptions. Virtual reality systems can often respond to hand and other body movements by the user in order to provide a realistic environment. Virtual reality systems are constantly being upgraded and outfitted with new technologies that improve the quality and control of the virtual reality system. While virtual reality is already available in many forms by a wide range of individuals and organizations, there are still many misconceptions about virtual Read More

What are Alpha Particles? An alpha particle is a type of ionizing radiation that is exerted from radioactive materials. Alpha particles consist of two neutrons, two protons, and no electrons, giving it a net positive charge. This positive charge allows the alpha particles to leave their nucleus and bombard any nearby items with radiation. Alpha particles have a high mass, which makes them the most destructive form of radiation compared to others such as gamma particles and beta particles, which are much lighter. Where Do Alpha Particles Come From? Alpha Read More