Science and Technology Q&A for Kids and Others - Part 115

Engage in an unscripted science and technology Q&A session with Stephen Wolfram, where he addresses questions on topics like snow formation, water density, ice skating physics, and air composition. Explore complex scientific concepts explained in an accessible manner for all ages, covering subjects from meteorology to molecular behavior. Learn about unique properties of water, friction dynamics in ice skating, and even touch on advanced topics like Casimir effects in gecko feet adhesion. Gain insights into measuring CO2 absorption by plants and understand the composition of air. Perfect for curious minds seeking expert explanations on diverse scientific phenomena.

Start stream
SW Starts talking
What causes snow? Why doesn't rain just turn into ice?
OK, Stephen really knows his stuff on this branch of physics... he's studied in detail.
Why is the density of solid water lower than liquid water?
Is there any other molecule that also expands when it is solid?
Why is the density of solid water lower than liquid water?
For ice skating, the ice melts at the contact of your blade so there is a small layer of liquid water due to friction, and hence it skates.
But you also can push and speed up on ice while skating, so an increase in the friction must have happened?
Apparently, gecko feet exhibit Casimir-like effects.
Stephen, if I may make a suggestion: you need a blackboard or whiteboard behind you for the explanations.
Is air a molecule? What is air?
Can you measure the absorption of CO2 by plants with this device?