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5 Lies You Were Told in School

SciShow・2 minutes read

Science teachers play a crucial role in dispelling misconceptions from elementary school that can persist into adulthood, such as the misconception that astronauts are weightless in space due to gravity's absence. Gravity is essential for the existence of galaxies, and planets, with Sir Isaac Newton's equation explaining its dependence on mass and distance.

Insights

  • Gravity is crucial for the formation of galaxies, solar systems, and planets, including Earth's ability to hold the International Space Station in orbit, causing astronauts to float around the Earth due to the gravitational pull.
  • Humans possess more than the traditional five senses, such as thermoception for temperature detection, proprioception for body awareness, and equilibrioception for balance, all involving specialized receptors and systems that play essential roles in our daily interactions with the environment.

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Recent questions

  • Do astronauts experience weightlessness in space?

    Yes, astronauts on the International Space Station are not weightless due to the absence of gravity; gravity is present in space. They appear weightless because they are in a state of free fall around the Earth, caused by the Earth's gravitational pull. This continuous free fall creates the sensation of weightlessness, allowing astronauts to float inside the spacecraft.

  • How do atoms differ from the traditional model?

    Atoms are more complex than the traditional model of electrons orbiting the nucleus. The traditional planetary model of the atom, where electrons orbit the nucleus like planets around the sun, has been replaced by more accurate models. The electron cloud model is the most current representation of an atom, showing the probability of electron locations in specific regions around the nucleus. This model accounts for the uncertainty in electron positions and provides a more detailed understanding of atomic structure.

  • What is the role of gravity in the universe?

    Gravity is essential for the existence of galaxies, solar systems, and planets. Sir Isaac Newton's equation explains gravity's dependence on mass and distance between objects, influencing the motion of celestial bodies. In space, the Space Station is held in orbit by Earth's gravity, causing astronauts to continuously fall around the Earth. Gravity plays a crucial role in shaping the universe and maintaining the stability of celestial objects through its attractive force.

  • Can dogs see colors like humans?

    Dogs are not colorblind; they can see blue and yellow but not red, distinguishing between various shades of yellow, blue, gray, and a dirty greenish brown. Recent experiments have shown that dogs can differentiate between different shades and colors, indicating their ability to perceive a range of hues. While their color vision may not be as extensive as humans, dogs can still distinguish between certain colors and shades, enhancing their visual perception in their environment.

  • How do humans sense temperature changes?

    Humans have more than the traditional five senses; thermoception helps us sense temperature changes. Mechanisms like the transient receptor protein channel (TRP) family play a crucial role in detecting heat and cold stimuli, allowing us to perceive changes in temperature. Thermoception is essential for maintaining our body temperature and responding to environmental conditions, highlighting the intricate sensory systems that contribute to our overall perception and well-being.

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Summary

00:00

"Gravity's Role in Science and Space"

  • Science teachers are appreciated for their hard work in making the world better.
  • Misconceptions from elementary school can persist into adulthood due to misleading information.
  • Astronauts on the International Space Station are not weightless due to the absence of gravity; gravity is present in space.
  • Gravity is essential for the existence of galaxies, solar systems, and planets.
  • Sir Isaac Newton's equation explains gravity's dependence on mass and distance between objects.
  • The Space Station is held in orbit by Earth's gravity, causing astronauts to fall around the Earth.
  • Atoms are more complex than the traditional model of electrons orbiting the nucleus.
  • Ernest Rutherford's gold foil experiment led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus and the planetary model of the atom.
  • Niels Bohr's model adjusted the planetary model to explain stable atoms and energy levels.
  • The electron cloud model is the most current representation of an atom, showing the probability of electron locations.

14:07

"Canines see blue and yellow, not red"

  • Dogs are not colorblind; they can see blue and yellow but not red, distinguishing between various shades of yellow, blue, gray, and a dirty greenish brown.
  • Recent experiments show that dogs can differentiate between different shades and colors, as they were able to find dark yellow objects even when replaced with very light yellow ones, without mistaking dark blue objects for the dark yellow ones.
  • Humans have more than the traditional five senses; thermoception helps us sense temperature changes, with mechanisms like the transient receptor protein channel (TRP) family playing a role in detecting heat and cold stimuli.
  • Proprioception allows us to know where our body is in space, involving specialized receptors in our skin, joints, and muscles that provide information to the brain, particularly the cerebellum, about movement and position.
  • Equilibrioception, our sense of balance, relies on the inner ear's vestibular system, which includes semicircular canals and otolith organs that send signals to the brainstem to help us navigate the world successfully and safely.
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