Everyday science: What are the invisible geniuses around you?
The Hindu
Uncover the hidden science in everyday objects, from soap to smartphones, shaping our lives and driving innovation.
Science is everywhere, even in the simplest things we do! Without realising it, we interact with brilliant scientific principles daily, often missing the invisible geniuses working behind the scenes. Let’s uncover the science hidden in plain sight!
You wake up, check your phone, brush your teeth, and grab a cold drink from the fridge—just another ordinary day. But have you ever stopped to think about the science behind these simple actions? How does your phone recognise your face? What makes soap wash away dirt? How does your refrigerator keep food fresh? Science isn’t just in laboratories or textbooks; it’s all around you, silently shaping your everyday life. Let’s uncover the invisible geniuses at work behind the things we use without a second thought!
Science isn’t just in textbooks — it’s in your hands, in your kitchen, and even on your skin! Let’s take a closer look at how everyday objects work their magic:
Soap is more than just a nice-smelling bar; it’s a microscopic cleaning force. Each soap molecule has two ends—one that loves water (hydrophilic) and another that loves grease but repels water (hydrophobic). When you wash your hands, the hydrophobic ends grab onto grease and dirt, while the hydrophilic ends pull them into the water, breaking them apart and washing them away. It’s a tiny battle happening every time you lather up.
Your fridge doesn’t create cold — it removes heat! This happens through a special liquid called a refrigerant, which cycles through different states to absorb and release heat. Inside the fridge, the refrigerant absorbs heat and turns into a gas, cooling the interior. Then, the gas is compressed and sent to the condenser coils at the back, where it releases the heat and turns back into a liquid. This cycle repeats, keeping your food fresh and your drinks chilled.
Your smartphone is packed with incredible tech:
The science we’ve just explored isn’t confined to textbooks or laboratories. It’s the invisible engine powering our modern world. These seemingly simple principles have shaped everything from the cleanliness of our homes to the way we communicate and access information.
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