Category: Laws of Physics (That Feel Fake)
Browsing posts filed under "Laws of Physics (That Feel Fake)".
Why does a sealed plastic zipper bag inflate slightly on a hot day?
Your sealed zipper bag puffs up on a hot day because the air inside warms up, expands, and pushes against the plastic, making it inflate slightly.**
May 28, 2025
Why do car headlights seem dimmer in fog even at close range?
**Fog particles scatter your headlight beams in all directions, meaning less light reaches where you need it and a lot bounces back, making things look dim and hazy even up close.**
May 26, 2025
Why does an aerosol spray can feel colder after use?
When you spray an aerosol can, the propellant inside quickly changes from liquid to gas, absorbing heat from the can and making it feel cold.
May 11, 2025
What causes a thin layer of oil to rainbow on a puddle?
Rainbows on oily puddles are caused by 'thin-film interference,' where light waves reflecting off the top and bottom surfaces of the super-thin oil layer interfere with each other, canceling some colors and boosting others depending on the oil's thickness.**
April 29, 2025
Why does a sealed plastic bag sometimes collapse inward on the countertop?
A sealed plastic bag collapses inward because the air trapped inside cools down, contracts, and creates lower pressure than the surrounding air, causing the outside pressure to push the bag inward.**
April 26, 2025
Could a stack of hardcover books float if sealed in plastic wrap?
Theoretically yes, if you trap *enough* air with a *perfect* plastic wrap seal to make the whole package less dense than water, but practically, it's extremely difficult and unlikely to succeed.**
April 24, 2025
Can you balance a key on its edge in wet sand?
Yes, you absolutely *can* balance a key on its edge in wet sand, thanks to the magic of surface tension and the cohesive properties of damp sand creating a surprisingly stable platform.**
April 23, 2025
What happens if you pour soda into a helmet underwater?
Pouring soda into an air-filled diving helmet underwater would be difficult due to pressure, but if achieved, it would create a fizzy, sticky mess inside the helmet as the CO2 escapes the liquid, potentially obscuring vision and being generally unpleasant.**
April 22, 2025
Can you balance an egg on a spoon in a moving car?
Yes, you can balance an egg on a spoon in a moving car, but it requires a steady hand, a smooth ride, and preferably, a hard-boiled egg.
April 22, 2025