13 November 2017
Lower sixth physicists attended a Physics in Action day at Warwick University and were treated to a stimulating series of lectures. The beach balls in the photo were used to demonstrate acceleration by radio frequencies in particle accelerators alongside other crowd pleasing demonstrations. Next we were shown how to see oxygenated blood in our veins using just a phone torch. This was extended to show how light is being used to monitor metabolism in newborns at the cot-side. 3-D printed voice boxes demonstrated sound generation and the reason why opera singers don't need microphones was explained.
It was a relief to find out that even the experts find Quantum Physics 'weird' and finally a very brave presenter showed experimentally how the speed of sound is affected by temperature. The equipment 'mostly' worked!
