Articles written by Matthew Vannette

What is Helium

About me - Matthew Vannette

Apart from the educational history, this has turned into something of a list of the traits I see myself having. Some may be wishful thinking, but that is difficult to see from the inside. I appreciate your interest, and I hope you liked/will like my writing.

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Sciences > Physics A critique of Einstein's theory of relativity: 2 of 9
The Special Theory of Relativity (distinguished from Galilean Relativity, a limiting case of SR or General Relativity, a generalization of SR) is based on two postulates. A postulate is a statement assumed to be true without proof. The validity of this assumption is measured by the accuracy of the consequences derived from it... More..
Sciences > Physics Physics myths: The clock paradox: 1 of 4
The clock paradox is more often referred to as the twin paradox. It, like all paradoxes in science, comes about due to a lack of applicability of a theory to a particular experiment.The twin paradox is based on the verified fact that the faster an inertial reference frame (IRF) moves, the slower time passes in said IRF from t... More..
Sciences > Physics Centrifugal forces explained: 2 of 6
The "centrifugal" force experienced by an object moving along a curved path is only present in the rotating reference frame of the object. The fact that it does not exist unless you are in the rotating frame is evident from an analysis of Newton's laws.Newton's First Law (N1L) - An object at rest tends to stay at rest and an ... More..
Sciences > Chemistry The uses of helium: 3 of 6
Helium is the lightest of the noble gases and the second lightest element. The most common isotope of helium is helium-4 (2 protons and 2 neutrons). It is inert, which means it is not chemically reactive with other elements or compounds. A minor use of helium is in the entertainment industry for the filling of balloons. The m... More..
Sciences > Chemistry Determining the temperature of liquid nitrogen: 1 of 1
The easiest way to actually determine the temperature of liquid nitrogen is with a constant pressure gas thermometer (we'll use CPGT for an abbreviation). This is also a method useful for determining absolute zero (see other articles regarding this temperature.A CPGT is a narrow tube of uniform diameter closed at one end with... More..
Sciences > Physics Defining semiconductors: 4 of 6
Semiconductors are materials that would be electrical insulators at zero kelvin, but at room temperature are merely poor conductors. A thorough understanding of semiconductor theory requires considerable effort in developing a background in physics, however, a basic picture can be developed with a little thought.All normal st... More..
Sciences > Chemistry What flames are made of: 2 of 3
Flames are neutral plasmas (gases with the atoms or molecules lacking some electrons, but the electrons are still in the neighborhood). The glowing part of the flame is made of positive ions. It is surrounded by a "bath" of electrons. The electrons must not be completely free or else flames would exhibit large electrostatic e... More..
Sciences > Physics The scoop on the uncertainty principle: 5 of 6
The uncertainty principle, like many aspects of physics, is often misunderstood. Mathematically, it is a consequence of the 'non-commutivity' of the operators (mathematical constructs of things we can observe like momentum and position) in quantum mechanics. What this means is the order you do the math in matters. Just like d... More..
Sciences > Anthropology (Other) The debate on Darwin's theory of evolution: 27 of 30
To say evolution is 'just a theory' is to say the Bible is just a book. In science 'theory' is a term reserved for an explanation that is overwhelmingly supported by the evidence. The vast majority of ideas never make it to theory status. If you are going to disagree with evolution, fine. I suppose you can disagree with gravi... More..