"Physics Encounters: Scientific Discoveries through Cultural Collaboration". by Volkan Akyuz

How Does a Door Hinge Work?

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

A door hinge works as a practical example of a rotational motion system and demonstrates the concept of torque in physics. The hinge acts as a pivot point, allowing the door to rotate around it. When you push or pull the door, you apply a force at a certain distance from the hinge. This creates torque, which is the product of the applied force and the distance from the pivot. The farther from the hinge you apply the force, the easier it is to open or close the door. Door hinges efficiently transfer this torque to produce smooth, controlled motion with minimal friction, making them a simple yet effective mechanical device.

Liceul Teoretic Traian Lalescu

Newton's Laws of Motion

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

An airplane can fly through the combination of Newton’s Laws of Motion, Bernoulli’s Principle, and aerodynamic forces. According to Newton’s Third Law, the engines push air backward, making the airplane move forward and creating thrust force. As the airplane gains speed, Bernoulli’s Principle comes into effect: the air moving over the wings travels faster, causing lower pressure, while the air below moves slower, creating higher pressure. This pressure difference generates lift force, which lifts the airplane. According to Newton’s Second Law, when the lift force is greater than the airplane’s weight, it takes off. To stay in the air, lift must balance weight, and to keep moving forward, thrust must be greater than air resistance. When these forces are balanced, the airplane can fly at a stable speed and altitude.

TUBİTAK Science High School

Bottle Opener

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

The bottle opener is an example of a first-class lever, which is a simple machine and one of the practical tools we often use in daily life. Since the effort arm is longer than the load arm, it provides a mechanical advantage. In other words, it allows you to remove the cap by applying less force than you would normally need. This way, you can open the bottle cap more easily and without wasting energy.

Friction

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

In physics, friction depends on the roughness of the surfaces in contact. The smoother (more slippery) the surface is, the less friction there is. This causes objects to slide more easily.

When roughness is added, the contact between the surfaces increases. This makes the surfaces "grip" each other more, which increases the friction force.

As a result:

Shoes grip the ground better,

Car tires don’t slip on the road,

The risk of slipping on stairs decreases.

Trabzon Yomra Science High School

Newton's laws of motion

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

The opening of a door can be explained physically by the concept of torque, and this phenomenon is based on Newton's laws of motion and the principles of rotational motion in rigid bodies. Since the door rotates around the hinge axis, the applied force creates a rotational motion. The greater the force or the farther the point of application is from the hinge, the greater the resulting torque. A small force applied to the outer edge of the door generates a large torque, allowing the door to turn easily. This situation is also related to the law of the lever; as the length of the lever arm increases, less force is needed to do more work. According to Newton’s third law, the reaction force generated by the door’s motion is transmitted to the hinge. Thus, even the simple act of opening a door serves as an effective example of the fundamental physical laws of force, torque, and motion.

Trabzon Yomra Science High School

Why Do We Lurch Forward When the Car Brakes?

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

Why does a passenger lurch forward when a car brakes? The secret lies in the principle of inertia. Inertia is the tendency of an object to continue in its current state of motion unless acted upon by an external force. In other words, something in motion resists stopping or changing direction.

When a car brakes, its speed begins to decrease, but the passenger's body continues to move at the same speed. The passenger's body, due to inertia, resists the change in speed of the car and continues to move forward, causing the passenger to lurch forward. Simply put, the force applied to the car can't change the passenger's speed right away, so they move forward.

So, how does this simple yet powerful physical principle work in our everyday life? Inertia is always at play, hidden in every movement we make.

TUBİTAK Science High School

How do earphones work?

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

The magic of converting electrical signals into sound waves is performed by the drivers and headphone speakers in your headphones, specifically the magnet, voice coil, and diaphragm.

The diaphragm and voice coil inside your headphones are vital to the process of sound production. The voice coil, which is attached to the diaphragm, converts electrical signals into mechanical energy, resulting in movement of the diaphragm.

Let’s imagine the diaphragm as a delicate, flexible membrane. When the voice coil moves, it sets the diaphragm into motion, creating the mesmerizing sound waves we hear. This movement is initiated by an electrical current passing through the voice coil, generating a magnetic field that propels the coil, thus causing the diaphragm to vibrate and produce sound.

The baffle is pivotal in headphone construction. It plays a dual role by dampening mechanical vibrations from the speaker, which in turn bolsters sound quality. Additionally, the baffle works to diminish sound wave diffraction, leading to a more faithful sound reproduction and enhanced off-axis response.

for more:https://youtu.be/_W2z-ikIgM0

Söke Amerikan Kültür Science High School

What is grounding?

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

Typically, two main cables enter a building: the neutral and the phase line. These two lines transmit electrical current to appliances, enabling them to function. However, if there is a third cable present in a building, it is usually the grounding cable. The grounding cable is used to safely direct any leaking electrical current to the earth.

Electrical current always follows the path of least resistance. Therefore, a properly installed grounding system ensures that leakage current is routed directly to the ground line, preventing potentially dangerous situations.

TUBİTAK Science High School

Magnetism and Energy Transformation

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

Magnetism plays a crucial role in the transformation of energy from one form to another. At the heart of this process lies the principle of electromagnetic induction. For example, when a metal disk rotates within a magnetic field, the magnetic flux passing through the disk changes as it moves. This change induces an electric current in the disk (Faraday’s Law). That current can then be directed through an electric circuit, lighting up a bulb, for instance. In this case, mechanical energy (motion) is first converted into electrical energy, and then into light energy. According to Lenz’s Law, the induced current also generates a magnetic field that opposes the motion, creating a resisting force. This fundamental principle forms the basis of how electric generators work today and represents one of nature’s key methods of energy conversion.

Tranzon Yomra Science High School

A Walkie Talkie - The Electromagnetic Spectrum

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

A walkie talkie is a device that allows wireless communication between 2 points. But how does a walkie talkie work? It works by using electromagnetic waves. A walkie talkie, using its antenna, can transmit and receive electromagnetic waves that contain information. There are many types of electromagnetic waves. Visible light, radio waves, UV light, IR light all have their place on the spectrum. Radios, walkie talkies and even cellphones use radio waves for exchange of information. Most radio waves behave like light - walkie talkies usually need direct line of sight for clear communication. This is why walkie talkies are limited by the World's curvature.

Every EM wave has a frequency. Radiowaves usually have lower frequency compared to other types of waves. Lower frequency means longer wavelength. As frequency increases, wavelength and the energy of the wave increases as well. Ionising radiation such as Gamma or X rays lay on the right end of the spectrum. They are harmful to organic matter since they are ionising radiation while radio waves, microwaves, IR light and visible light are non ionising radiation.

TUBİTAK Science High School

Batteries and Energy Conversion

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

Batteries are devices that directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. Inside each battery, there are two different materials: one acts as the anode (negative pole) and the other as the cathode (positive pole). The anode undergoes a chemical reaction that causes it to lose electrons (oxidation), and these electrons flow through an external circuit to the cathode. This electron flow creates an electric current. At the same time, the electrolyte, a conductive liquid or gel inside the battery, allows ions to move and complete the circuit. The main energy conversion in a battery is

chemical energy → electrical energy.

For example, in a simple zinc-carbon battery, the zinc acts as the anode, and manganese dioxide serves as the cathode. This chemical structure allows for the generation of energy, which can power devices such as light bulbs, remote controls, or even phone batteries. Batteries play a key role in providing portable electrical energy for a wide range of applications.

Trabzon Yomra Science High School

Phone's Battery

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

When you plug the charger into the socket, electric current flows through the cable and reaches your phone. The electricity goes into the phone’s battery, where it is stored by converting it into chemical energy. While charging, the phone heats up a little because the wires resist the flow of electricity. Thanks to the electricity, the battery fills up and stores the energy needed for the phone to work.

TÜBİTAK Science High School

How Do Wind Turbines Work?

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

Wind turbines are systems that convert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy, and then into electrical energy. As the wind blows, it turns the large blades of the turbine. This rotating motion is transferred to a generator connected to the turbine shaft. The generator then converts this mechanical motion into electrical energy. The faster the wind blows, the more energy the turbine can produce. These systems are widely used as a renewable and environmentally friendly source of electricity.

Söke Amerikan Kültür Science High School

Why steam rises from Hot Drinks

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

When a cup of coffee or tea releases steam, it's due to evaporation and convection. Heat energy from the liquid excites the water molecules, increasing their kinetic energy. When molecules near the surface gain enough energy to break free from intermolecular forces, they escape as steam. The warmer, less dense air rises due to convection, carrying the steam upward while cooler air moves in to replace it. This is an example of heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation.

TUBİTAK Science High School

Pendulum clocks

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

Pendulum clocks are based on the idea that potential and kinetic energy can be stored. As the pendulum moves, energy is transformed from one form to another.
Liceul Teoretic Traian Lalescu

Gravity

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

When we drop a ball from above, gravity pulls it downward. That's why it accelerates as it falls toward the ground.

When the ball hits the ground, it still has kinetic energy. If the ball is elastic (like a rubber ball that can bounce), it gets slightly squished on impact, then returns to its original shape and bounces back up.

But the ball never bounces as high as it started from, because:

Some of the energy is lost as heat and sound,

There is friction between the ball and the ground.

Trabzon Yomra Science High School

What Is a Hydraulic Press (Water Press System)?

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

When two syringes of different sizes are connected with a tube and filled with water, they create a hydraulic pressure system similar to a water press. In this system, the liquid transmits pressure evenly due to its incompressible nature. This principle is based on Pascal’s Law, introduced by the French scientist Blaise Pascal. According to this law, pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions throughout the fluid. As a result, a small force applied to a smaller syringe can generate a larger force in the bigger syringe. Hydraulic brakes, jacks, and construction machinery operate based on this principle.

TUBITAK Science High School

Construction equipment

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

Excavators, which are an example of mechanical physics, a branch of physics, are machines that operate with hydraulic power and perform material excavation, transportation, and unloading tasks through mechanical arms. Thanks to the hydraulic system, a small force is transformed into a large force, allowing the excavator to easily lift heavy materials. The arm and bucket parts are moved correctly to pick up and transport material from the ground. It also has a lower chassis capable of rotational movement, which allows the excavator to move easily. Finally, the reason excavators have tracks instead of wheels is to distribute their weight more evenly, reducing the risk of sinking into soft terrains. This is an example of the concept of pressure.

Söke Amerikan Kültür Science High School

Why the sky is blue?

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

The sky appears blue due to Rayleigh scattering, where shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) scatter more than longer wavelengths (red and yellow) when sunlight interacts with the atmosphere. Although violet scatters more, our eyes are more sensitive to blue, and the Sun emits less violet light, making the sky look blue. At sunrise and sunset, sunlight passes through more atmosphere, scattering away blue light and leaving red and orange tones. This is why the sky changes color depending on the time of day!

For more: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/blue-sky/en/

TUBİTAK Science High School

The Physics of Soap Bubbles

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

See the video by clicking the link below:

Soap bubbles can be explained by surface tension and pressure balance. The most important factor in bubble formation is surface tension and cohesion force. Water molecules attract each other strongly. Surface tension balances the difference between the air pressure inside the bubble and the external pressure. Bubbles eventually burst due to water evaporation or external factors that disturb the surface tension.

Trabzon Yomra Science High School

Water Waves

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

The waves created by a droplet falling into a puddle from a sink are actually a common physical phenomenon we encounter in daily life. For example, a raindrop falling into a puddle on the street forms similar ripples. A stone thrown into the water generates waves that spread outward from the center. These waves are excellent examples of water movement and energy transmission. On a larger scale, the waves formed by the wind applying force to the sea surface follow the same principle. Regardless of size, wave motion can be observed everywhere in nature, clearly demonstrating the fundamental principles of physics.

Söke Amerikan Kültür Science High School

Refraction Of Light

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

The refraction of light is an issue that is present in many places in daily life. For example, the fractures of a pencil immersed in water, the formation of its formation, the refraction of light from glasses, or the different distributions of objects in a pool are examples of this phenomenon. The problems of white light scattering by prisms and the different explosions and refractions of the Sun in the atmosphere. This phenomenon is frequently observed in both the following and technology.

Söke Amerikan Kültür Science High School

The Fascinating Nature of Shadows

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

Shadows are a natural phenomenon that changes throughout the day. The darkness that forms in a brightly lit area due to an opaque object blocking the light is called shadow. In the morning, the sun's light travels a longer path through the atmosphere, causing it to hit objects at a shallow angle. As a result, shadows are long and distinct. As noon approaches and the sun rises higher, the light strikes objects more directly, shortening the shadows. Weather conditions also affect the appearance of shadows; on sunny days, light comes directly, making shadows sharp and dark, while on cloudy days, light is diffused, causing shadows to appear softer and lighter.

Moreover, when an object is illuminated by two different light sources, two distinct shadows are cast. Each shadow differs in size, tone, and sharpness, depending on the direction and intensity of the light. The influence of each light source can make the shadows broader, shorter, sharper, or more diffused. This interaction highlights the dynamic and fascinating nature of shadows.

TUBİTAK Science High School

Physics in guitar (music)

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

Guitar strings are an example of how physical principles work together in everyday life. The tension, frequency, and vibrations of the strings lead to the creation of sound. When playing the guitar, whether by finger or pick, the length and tension of the string change. This, in turn, determines the frequency of the string, or the pitch of the sound it produces.

In physics, the vibration of a string is influenced by two main factors: the length of the string and the tension applied to it. Shorter and tighter strings vibrate at higher frequencies, while longer and looser strings vibrate at lower frequencies. This affects the arrangement of chords and notes, creating variety in music. Additionally, the guitar's soundbox amplifies the vibrations of the strings, making the sound louder. This interaction forms the fundamental physical properties of the guitar.

Söke Amerikan Kültür Science High School

Shadows

vakyuz — 2025-06-02 11:38:02 UTC

Trabzon Yomra Science High School

A shadow is the dark area that forms behind an opaque object when it is placed in front of a light source, where the light cannot reach. The formation of a shadow is primarily based on the principles of the rectilinear propagation of light and the obstruction of light. Light travels in straight lines through space and transparent media. Due to this property, when an object is placed in front of a light source, areas behind the object where light cannot reach are formed. These areas are called shadows.

Trabzon Yomra Science High School

How Do Disc Brakes Work?

vakyuz — 2025-06-11 09:42:14 UTC

Disc brakes in vehicles operate by using friction to slow down or stop motion, making them a clear example of the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure forces brake pads to clamp onto a rotating metal disc (called the rotor) attached to the wheel. The friction between the pads and the disc opposes the wheel’s rotation, causing the vehicle to decelerate. This process transforms the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat energy, which is then dissipated through the air. Disc brakes are designed to handle high temperatures and provide strong, reliable stopping power by applying Newton’s First Law—an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.

TUBİTAK Science High School

How a Seesaw Works

vakyuz — 2025-06-16 07:51:08 UTC

A seesaw is a great example of a lever in action. When one side is pushed down, the other rises due to the pivot point (fulcrum) in the center. The balance depends on the torque produced by each person’s weight and distance from the fulcrum.

Liceul Teoretic Traian Lalescu

How Sunglasses Block Light

vakyuz — 2025-06-16 07:55:13 UTC

Sunglasses use polarizing filters to block certain light waves. They reduce glare by eliminating horizontally polarized light, using principles of optics and wave behavior.

Liceul Teoretic Traian Lalescu