Science
Why Does Ice Float on Water?
When water freezes, its molecules form an open crystal structure and expand by roughly 9 percent. The resulting lower density keeps ice afloat.
SCIENCE
Science
The principles and discoveries behind the phenomena all around us.Science
A Puffy Cumulus Cloud Can Hold About 500 Tonnes of Water
In a standard example, the tiny droplets spread through a cumulus cloud add up to about 500 tonnes of water. A simple calculation explains the estimate—and why the cloud still floats.
Science
A Rainbow Is Actually a Full Circle
Rainbows are circular optical phenomena, but the horizon usually hides the lower half from observers on the ground.
Science
Even a Single Banana Contains Radiation
Bananas contain trace amounts of radioactive potassium, which scientists sometimes use as a fun reference unit called the "banana equivalent dose."
Science
The Food That Never Spoils: The Secret of Honey
Honey jars found in ancient Egyptian tombs were still perfectly preserved after 3,000 years — here's the science behind why honey never goes bad.
