Piezoelectricity - why hitting crystals makes electricity

Published 3 years ago in Science. Submitted by sux2bu

Certain crystals, like quartz will produce a voltage when hit. It's all to do with the arrangement of atoms and charge in the lattice. It's used in lots of things like piezo lighters, sensors, speakers and oscillators for timekeeping.

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Aluminum and Mercury

Published 3 years ago in Science. Submitted by sux2bu

When mercury is added to aluminum, it forms an amalgam (a mercury alloy).
Aluminum is normally protected by a thick oxide layer, but the formation of the amalgam disrupts it. It allows fresh aluminum to react with air to form white aluminum oxide. As the oxide grows, it forms a…
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Timelapse Of The Future

Published 3 years ago in Science. Submitted by manro

A Journey to the End of Time

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Yooperlite Glow Rocks

Published 3 years ago in Science. Submitted by sux2bu

Yooperlites are Syenites rich in fluorescent Sodalite, found on Lake Superior beaches in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
It’s technically called a “Syenite Clasts Containing Fluorescent Sodalite” but Erik wanted something easier to pronounce. So he coined the name “Yooperlite” and has now trademarked the Yooperlite name.
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How Much of the Earth Can You See at Once?

Published 4 years ago in Science. Submitted by manro

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