The Surprising Physics of Pipe Organs

I love reading stuff like this. For some odd reason, finding the answer to long-standing “common” puzzle has always been something I have always been keen on reading. So when I came around this article, I gobbled it up!

The problem deals with a puzzle that was observed by Lord Rayleigh, so it is OLD! It deals with a peculiar behavior exhibited by pipe organs.

In 1877, English physicist Lord Rayleigh observed that when two almost identical organ pipes are played side by side, something strange happens. Rather than each blaring their own tone, the two pipes will barely make a whisper. But put a barrier between them, and they sing loud and clear.

You have to read the whole article to figure out the explanation for this. Fascinating!

Zz.

Science and Technology Policy: A View from Washington, D.C.

If you are in the Chicagoland area, this might be something worth attending.

As science and technology becomes more important in the health and well-being of our nation, Washington, D.C. is important in advocating for a more scientifically informed public. Join C²ST for a discussion with local representatives from Washington on how to maintain healthy and stable levels of funding for basic and applied scientific research and the impact of working to strengthen our countries’ basic scientific research facilities.

The panelists are Congresswoman Judy Biggert (13th-IL.) and Congressman Bill Foster (14th-IL.). It will be moderated by Nobel Laureate Leon Lederman. It will be held on Northwestern University campus on Friday, Sept.18.

Zz.

Nuclear Fission

Definition of nuclear fission

Doppler Radar

A description of the physical principle behind Doppler radar.