Science Facts

Did You Know...

What makes popcorn pop?

Popcorn is a special kind of corn. Of all the types of corn popcorn is the only variety that pops. Inside each kernel of popcorn is a tiny droplet of water surrounded by a hard shell called a hull. As the popcorn is heated the water turns into steam which builds pressure inside the kernel.

What causes thunder?

Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. Depending on the distance and nature of the lightning thunder can range from a sharp loud crack to a long low rumble. The sudden increase in pressure and temperature from lightning produces rapid expansion of the air surrounding and within a bolt of lightning.

What causes a rainbow?

A rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. It takes the form of a multicoloured arc. Rainbows caused by sunlight always appear in the section of sky directly opposite the sun.

Why does hair turn grey?

As we get older the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. When there are fewer pigment cells in a hair follicle that strand of hair will no longer contain as much melanin and will become a more transparent color like gray, silver or white as it grows.

Why do we feel dizzy when we spin?

As each hair bends it makes its nerve cell send a signal telling the brain about that movement. When we spin around the fluid starts spinning too. ... When we stop, the fluid keeps moving. That may make us feel that we are spinning backward.