Remember “that dress” that had people arguing incessantly about its colour? And then there were the running shoes of indeterminant hue. Now it is the turn of the tennis ball as Marina Koren asks are they green or are they yellow? Koren also explores why tennis balls are that particular colour in the first place.
If you happen to be in London tomorrow (18 May) be sure to drop by the Institute of Physics, which is hosting a family open day on Exploring Measurement. Hosted in partnership with the UK’s National Physical Laboratory.
Among the questions to be answered are:
- How long does a second last?
- How did we decide the length of a metre?
- What is the difference between dark and light?
While activities are suitable for children aged 5-11, there will be plenty for the whole family as well as free snacks and refreshments. The event celebrates World Metrology Day, which is this Monday. There is much more on the Physics World homepage about metrology – just scroll down to our Weekender box.
Meanwhile at the University of Guelph, members of the physics club have attempted to set a new world record for creating the most “elephant toothpaste”. I have no idea what that is but it seems to involve mixing chemicals together and then running away very quickly from the volcanic emission of foam. You can watch the action here.
