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How can a ship made of steel float?

A solid piece of steel sinks, yet a steel ship can carry people and cargo. Its hollow shape changes how much water the whole vessel can push aside, making the material alone an incomplete explanation of floating.

3–5 min

Questions you could explore

  • How does displaced water relate to the weight a hull supports?
  • Why does adding cargo make a floating ship sit lower?

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Physics

Why metal can feel colder than wood

A metal handle and a wooden tabletop can share a room temperature yet feel quite different. The clue lies in the exchange of heat between your hand and the surface, which is not the same thing as measuring temperature.

5–7 min

Why metal can feel colder than wood

Physics5–7 minA metal handle and a wooden tabletop can share a room temperature yet feel quite different. The clue lies in the exchange of heat between your hand and the surface, which is not the same thing as measuring temperature.

Physics

How can headphones fight noise with more sound?

A steady engine hum can fade when noise cancellation switches on, while a nearby voice remains noticeable. The electronics and the physical ear covering do different jobs, and neither makes every sound disappear.

4–5 min

How can headphones fight noise with more sound?

Physics4–5 minA steady engine hum can fade when noise cancellation switches on, while a nearby voice remains noticeable. The electronics and the physical ear covering do different jobs, and neither makes every sound disappear.

Physics

Why does water climb a paper towel?

Dip the corner of a paper towel into water and the wet patch can travel upward. Water's attraction to the material, together with cohesion between water molecules, helps it move through small spaces against gravity.

3–5 min

Why does water climb a paper towel?

Physics3–5 minDip the corner of a paper towel into water and the wet patch can travel upward. Water's attraction to the material, together with cohesion between water molecules, helps it move through small spaces against gravity.

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