VanCleave's Science Fun

Your Guide to Science Projects, Fun Experiments, and Science Research

Archives for 2010

Barycenter of Bodies of Unequal Mass

By

The Animation represents two celestial bodies of unequal masses orbiting around a common barycenter. The barycenter is the center of mass of the two bodies. If the bodies had a connecting rod between them, the center of mass would be where the bodies could be balanced. Animation The animation represents two celestial bodies of different […]

Types of Energy

By

Energy (E) is defined as the ability to do work (W). This relationship between energy and work can be expressed by this equation:  E = W Work is the force needed to move an object. The amount of work done is equal to the product of the force (F) times the distance (d) the object […]

Center of Gravity vs. Center of Mass

By

The center of gravity is also called the center of mass.The center of gravity is the point at which an object can be balanced. In the photo, a line has been added to show the center of gravity of the system (chairs + the lady). The center of gravity is also the center of mass […]

Butterfly vs Moth Wings

By

Butterflies and moths are insects in the order Lepidoptera. These insects are  similar in appearance, but there are distinct differences that can be used to identify one from the other. Period of Activity Moths are nocturnal (active at night) and butterflies are diurnal (active in the daytime).  This information helps you to distinguish a moth […]

Weather: Air Pressure

By

Meteorology is the study of weather in a given region. Weather refers to whats going on in the troposphere (atmospheric layer next to the Earth). In other words, weather is the condition of the air layer above the Earth at a given place and time. Weather reports include air temperature, humidity (how wet the air […]