Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Density - Episode 12

Long-time viewers realize that Dr. Carlson is dense. In this episode, dignity is again laid on the line as we find out exactly how dense is... Dr. Carlson.

Science Theater Episode 12: Density

6 comments:

Dr. Matt J. Carlson said...

Ah, apologies...

Hopefully you've checked back again to see they're now back up. (sigh)

I added a page counter which broke the whole feed. iTunes now has episodes back again...

Aliza Lila Murmers Something About.. said...

(this is a "compliment-but-comment")

I like your presentations very much. I've downloaded them all and i'm now watching them marathon-style ;-)

But ... i find myself thinking that you go a bit too fast for someone who is new to the subject.
This video about density is a good example: you explain density by saying that lead is denser then aluminium. You talk about volume and weight, etc. While these concepts are all part of the topic, in the end, density is simply based on the number (and type) of atoms that exist in a liter. So, while you explained density, i imagined a good illustration: fill a bucket with golfballs and pingpongballs (aprox. same sized balls). Same number of balls, different density.

Or.. connect e.g. 64 beats to each other with elastic string to form a simple square. Pulling them apart reduces density. this also is a good illustration for explaining the effect of temperature as well.

Unknown said...

Hey Doc, long time, how's things?

I must say, I look forward to viewing these podcasts. I can't from my dorm because I lack speakers and earphones aren't long enough based on where I've put my computer =/.

Dr. Matt J. Carlson said...

(Hi Fuhe!)

Aliza, you make a good point. However, I wanted to avoid a discussion of atoms at all in this episode and focus more on the property itself rather than what it arises out of...

Perhaps if I were doing a 1/2 hour show on density your great suggestions would fit in well...

(Note that some of your examples do not discuss types of atoms... whereas some atoms are not much larger than others but are still more dense... isotopes for example...)

Unknown said...

hi dr carlson !

I'm hadjer from Algeria ...

I like So Much this episode ...Especialy when you musererd Your volume ...
Thank you So much


P.S:: exuse me for my language ...'cause I'm not So good In english

Robin Bond said...

i always did like learning by watching it happen. if was pretty amusing, especially when he said he was going in a garbage can haha