Blog 12: Circuits, Pickle Lamps

     Now in physics, we're learning about circuitry. Resistors are a big part of learning about circuits and also play a major role in our daily lives. Many things in our houses are resistors like light bulbs and TVs and radios. All these appliances work by affecting the flow of electrons through the circuit. Just like blowing through straws of different radius and length affects the air flow through the straws, the electricity the resistor receives is dependent on the geometry of the wires.

But what happens when the resistor is a pickle?

There is a lot of science (physics AND chemistry!) involved in this light show which I could attempt to explain, but I think that this video explains the science much better than I ever could. Basically it talks about the uneven resistance of the pickle causing voltage differences and the electrons of the sodium atoms inside the pickle to excite to a higher energy level, emitting photons of light... and all that good stuff.

 

But, for a cirtuitry lesson with less depranger, look to xkcd.

 

And also, check out this link that was in the discussion about this picture. 

Someone that plays an instrument, please play this for me. :] 

I will look forward to your moon walk.

(p.s. Here's the link for this picture if you can't see it: http://www.whitetreeaz.com/gibber/faeries_aire_and_death_waltz.jpg)