Resources by Veritasium

How to make a quantum bit

This video explains that to compute the prime factors in a 2048 number would take a classical computer years, yet the ability of a quantum computer to use superposition, which reduces the number of steps to complete a computation, makes it possible in minutes.

The explanation

The...

I'm atoms (scientific cover of Jason Mraz's I'm yours)

A song that explains how atoms form the basis of matter.

Ice cutting experiment

This video introduces the process of regelation.  This is when ice melts as pressure is applied to it and then re-freezes when the pressure is removed. An experiment is conducted using two lengths of wire attached to two 1.5kg masses. One wire is made from copper and the other is fishing wire.  Students are asked...

Imploding drum

This video demonstrates how the pressure exerted by the atmosphere (10,000kg on an average person) can implode a large drum when the air inside the drum is removed (Heat water to vaporise and remove all air. Condense the vapour by cooling the drum). 

Notes

The scientists states that...

Is there gravity in space?

This video explains why astronauts float. The common misconception is that there is no gravity in space, yet the astronaut is in the Earth’s gravitational field.  Rather, the astronaut is falling towards the Earth (as is the spacecraft). However, their horizontal speed is 28,000km/hr. This and the curvature of the...

Jetpack rocket science

This video takes a light-hearted look at motion. It applies Newton’s second and third laws to explain how motion occurs in the space shuttle and a jetpack. Misconception about reaction forces are identified (the need for the ground/lake for a reaction force to be generated) for motion to happen. This explains how...

Khan academy and the effectiveness of science videos

This video discusses the use of video to learn science.  It shows that to be most effective a misconception is introduced at the beginning. The more mental effort used the greater the effectiveness.

Levitating barbecue! Electromagnetic induction

This video shows Faraday’s electromagnetic induction ring, and discusses how a changing magnetic field can induce a current in a wire.  A dramatic demonstration of magnetic induction is shown by levitating a large aluminium plate. 

Make plasma with grapes in the microwave

This video demonstrates how a plasma can be made from heating a grape in a microwave. When gases from the grape absorb microwave energy electrons are removed. The free-moving electrons and positively charged gas molecules form the plasma.  The experiment shows how plasma produces visible light. However, the...

Making solid nitrogen

This video begins by showing how reducing the pressure above water reduces its boiling point (it boils at RT).  This is because the water molecules require less energy to escape into the atmosphere above it. It also shows that as the most energetic molecules boil, the liquid is left with less energetic molecules...