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Exploring Heat: Insulation

Related Article: Learn more about physics.

Heat moves from warm areas to cold. Insulators such as wool slow down the movement of heat.

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New Wind Energy Technologies (2:13)

Watch this video about wind energy on HowStuffWorks. Wind is the fastest growing energy source in the world and here in the U.S., wind farms have popped up in more than 30 states, producing enough energy to power an estimated 2.5 million homes a... More »

Physics: Overview of the Motor Effect (1:02)

This video investigates the principles involved in the forces on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. Additionally, this video compares DC motors to meters and shows how to build a simple DC electric motor.

Invention Nation: Solar Panels (1:22)

Take a closer look at the technology used to build solar panels. Learn more about solar cells in this video.

Energy Policy: Searching for Natural Gas (1:43)

John Hofmeister, President of Shell Oil Corp., stresses the importance of discovering and utilizing new outlets of natural gas and oil. Learn more about alternative fuel pricing in this video.

Energy Policy: Alternative Fuel Technology (1:28)

John Hofmeister, President of Shell Oil Corp., discusses the role of technology in alternative fuels. Learn more about alternative fuel technology in this video.

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Basics of Physics: Introduction to Sound Waves (7:39)

Sound is possible because of vibrations. Sound travels in longitudinal waves, and can travel only through a medium, such as air. Its speed depends on the medium through which it travels and how easily the particles of matter can hit each other.

Simply Science: Energy and Reacting Molecules (5:37)

Reacting molecules must possess enough energy for a chemical reaction to occur. The amount of energy absorbed or released determines whether a reaction is endothermic or exothermic.

A Sense For Technology: Cochlear Implants (33:35)

Cochlear implants can be placed in the ears of hearing-impaired or deaf individuals. These implants imitate hair cells in the ear that transmit sound to the brain. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of cochlear implants in this video.

A Sense For Technology: Super Sonar (6:11)

Sonar allows us to “see” sound waves. The U.S. Navy uses sonar to detect underwater mines and studies bats to learn more about sonar.

Simply Science: Calculating Consumption (4:20)

Electricity production and consumption are discussed, calculated, and graphed.

Simply Science: Appliance Energy (6:17)

Household appliances are used to illustrate energy conversion and consumption.

Simply Science: Forcing Power to Work (6:32)

Practical examples are used to illustrate and calculate the relationship among force, work, and power.

Simply Science: What's Watt (3:48)

The transfer of energy, focusing on units for power, such as watts and joules, is illustrated using living and non-living examples.

Simply Science: Graphic Grain Distance (4:47)

A distance/time graph is demonstrated using data from the bucket belt of a grain elevator.

Simply Science: Energy Diving (3:27)

A platform diver demonstrates energy conversion.