28 results found for Colin Byfleet

An introduction to the various types of numbers which are recognised as important.

John Maier's team at the University of Basel solved the riddle of C60+ in 2015.  In this brief view Colin Byfleet looks at the unique apparatus used in John's work.

The early (mid 1990s) work on the electronic spectroscopy was carried out by John Maier's group, trapping C60+ in a neon matrix in this apparatus.

It seems likely that C60+ will act as a stable site for a wide variety of adducts and that these entities will contribute to the Diffuse Interstellar Bands.  John Maier's group in Basel is looking for species like C60(Fe)+.

A short video showing a simple classroom method of checking the way in which this force is related to mass, speed and radius.

An introduction into the writing down of fully balanced chemical equations. The process is explained starting with word equations, finding all the relevant formulas and then working with some useful rules for finding the correct coefficients in the b....

A brief look at the Physics behind sending signals along cables and via geostationary satellites. An experiment to measure the speed of an electrical pulse in a cable is described and the Physics of the orbits of communcations satellites is develope....

The main problems associated with communicating with distant space probes like Voyager 1 are investigated. The role played by diffraction in limiting the amount of power receivable on Earth is discussed. The further problems of reaching a nearby st....

An introduction to constructing and recognising chemical formulas. Using 20 well-known elements, the valency-rules which govern the atomic ratios are explained and used with several examples.

A description and demonstration of the way in which craters formed by dropping objects into sand can be linked to some elementary physics

How can we make sensible estimates of very large numbers? It is often very important to know the size of an unknown number, at least to within a factor of ten.

How can we represent fractions in the simplest way?   Equivalence of decimal and common fractions.

An approach to adding and subtracting fractions, using an understanding of the processes involved.

Mutiplying and dividing fractions: a systematic approach to this perennial problem.

A presentation showing both the ideas about centripetal force and a simple classroom method of checking the way in which this force is related to mass, speed and radius.

A look at what was known when Newton started to develop his theory of gravitation and how he used these ideas and data to make his great forward step

'The amazing Mr Briggs' or 'Where do Logarithms come from?'

A short clip showing the experimental measurement of the speed of electrical pulses in a cable - a large fraction of the speed of light.

A presentation showing how to measure the speed of sound over a short distance on a laboratory table.

A short clip showing the measurement of the speed of sound over short distances.

The concept of oxidation and reduction is explained and generalised using oxidation numbers with ionic and covalent examples. Several equations are balanced, using the oxidation number method to fix various atomic ratios.

Real-life story about one of the first uses of penicillin.  An interview with a survivor.

Making life easy when using percentages. A sometimes fraught topic looked at differently.

Be wary of high interest rates! An introduction to how loans grow.