PhYsIcS FoR A BeTtEr LiFe

INTRODUCTION

The most basic of the sciences, physics, is all around us every day. Have you ever wondered that how roller coaster works, why a Maglev train runs so fast, how do space craft worked in Star Trek and how Project Orion worked?

This presentation is going to tell you some of that amazing things in which physics is playing a very crucial role.

Roller CoasterRoller Coasters use electromagnets to accelerate the cars at a higher speeds than the older uphill chain starts. They are also used in the braking process which gradually slows the cars down by increasing the strength of the magnets on the track.Roller Coasters have many functions that

involve electromagnets. They now use magnetic propulsion, the attraction of magnetic fields between the track and the bottom of the train. It creates a quick acceleration, where as before roller coasters relied on an uphill chain start. Magnetic brakes have also been applied to roller coasters so that magnets attract each other, which gradually slows down the roller coaster.

Electro MagnetismElectromagnetism, or the electromagnetic force is

one of the four fundamental

interactions in nature, the other three being

the strong interaction, the weak interaction,

and gravitation . This concept is being used in

Maglev trains.

The train will be floating about 10mm above the magnetic guiding track. The train will be propelled to move by the guide way itself. Thus, there is no need of any engine inside he train. The train is propelled by the changing in magnetic fields. As soon as the train starts to move, the magnetic field changes sections by switching method and thus the train is again pulled forward. The whole guide way is run by electromagnets so as to provide the magnetic effect. Thus the power needed for the whole process is less when compared to a conventional electric train. Amongst the power used, only a little is used for the levitation process. But a higher percentage of power is needed to overcome air friction.

PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECTThe photoelectric effect is the observation that many metals emit electrons when light shines upon them. Electrons emitted in this manner may be called photoelectrons. This effect is used in spacecrafts.

The photoelectric effect will cause spacecraft exposed to sunlight to develop a positive charge. This can be a major problem, as other parts of the spacecraft in shadow develop a negative charge from nearby plasma, and the imbalance can discharge through delicate electrical components. The static charge created by the photoelectric effect is self-limiting, though, because a more highly charged object gives up its electrons less easily.

NUCLEAR PULSE PROPULSION

Nuclear pulse propulsion or external pulsed plasma propulsion, is a theoretical method of spacecraft propulsion that uses nuclear explosions for thrust.

Project Orion was the first serious attempt to design a nuclear pulse rocket.

Project Orion was a study of a spacecraft intended to be directly propelled by a series of explosions of atomic bombs behind the craft. Early versions of this vehicle were proposed to take off from the ground with significant associated nuclear fallout.