Acoustic levitation is a fascinating phenomenon in which small objects, like the Styrofoam balls seen here, are levitated by a standing acoustic wave. In this image, a color schlieren system Keep reading
Tag: acoustics
How Frogs Block Unwanted Noise
In a crowded room, it can be hard to pick out the one conversation you want to hear. This so-called “cocktail party problem” is one animals have to contend with, Keep reading
How the Hummingbird Got Its Hum
Summer hikes in the Rocky Mountains are frequently pierced by a hum that can deepen to a bomber-like buzz as hummingbirds flit by. They’re so small and fast that they’re Keep reading
The Sounds of Leidenfrost Stars
On a hot surface, droplets can float on a layer of their own vapor and vibrate in star-like shapes. These so-called Leidenfrost stars also make noise, with distinct beats that Keep reading
Recreating Acoustics
The cultural heritage of a site is made up of more than its appearance; its soundscape is vital, as well. Acousticians and historians work together to preserve and recreate the Keep reading
Hot Ice, Buoyancy Tricks, and More DIY Fun
Here’s a smorgasbord of DIY experiments from Dianna at Physics Girl. Some are fluidsy, some aren’t, but all of them give you a chance to stretch your science muscles at Keep reading
Ultrasound in Medicine
When you hear the term “ultrasound,” your brain likely jumps to grainy black and white images of unborn babies, but this technology has a lot more medical uses than just Keep reading
“Waves”
The “Waves” installation by artist Daniel Palacios appears deceptively simple, just a rope mounted between two motors. But once the motors start spinning, it is anything but. The installation shifts Keep reading
Toad Singing
With spring heading into summer, many parts of the United States enjoy a nighttime chorus of frogs and toads. These amphibians are singing to attract mates and delineate territory. Some, Keep reading
The Eerie Singing of the Golden Gate Bridge
Recent changes to the Golden Gate Bridge’s guardrails have created a new soundscape in the Bay Area. Under high winds, the bridge gives off an eerie, otherworldly wail that can Keep reading