E-Book Overview
Presenting a fun and educational way to explore the wonders of the world of science, this newly updated edition poses and answers 2,200 questions, providing an abundance of original and interesting science facts. Children and adults will uncover some of the most interesting, unusual, and quirky science curiosities such as: Are cell phones dangerous to your health? Is the same strain of yeast used to make different types of beer? What is the cleanest fossil fuel? What is the largest invertebrate? Readers will find this informative and enjoyable resource is chock full of hundreds of intriguing science and technology topics, from the inner workings of the human body and outer space to math, computers, planes, trains, and automobiles.
E-Book Content
THE
HANDY SCIENCE ANSWER BOOK
THE
HANDY SCIENCE ANSWER BOOK F O U R T H
E D I T I O N
Compiled by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Detroit
THE
HANDY SCIENCE ANSWER BOOK
Copyright © 2011 by Visible Ink Press® This publication is a creative work fully protected by all applicable copyright laws, as well as by misappropriation, trade secret, unfair competition, and other applicable laws. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or web site. All rights to this publication will be vigorously defended. Visible Ink Press® 43311 Joy Rd., #414 Canton, MI 48187-2075 Visible Ink Press is a registered trademark of Visible Ink Press LLC. Most Visible Ink Press books are available at special quantity discounts when purchased in bulk by corporations, organizations, or groups. Customized printings, special imprints, messages, and excerpts can be produced to meet your needs. For more information, contact Special Markets Director, Visible Ink Press, www.visibleinkpress.com, or 734-667-3211. Managing Editor: Kevin S. Hile Art Director: Mary Claire Krzewinski Typesetting: Marco Di Vita Proofreaders: Sarah Hermsen and Sharon Malinowski ISBN 978-1-57859-321-7 (pbk.) Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-Publication Data The handy science answer book / [edited by] Naomi E. Balaban and James E. Bobick. — 4th ed. p. cm. — (The handy answer book series) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-57859-321-7 (pbk.) 1. Science—Miscellanea. I. Balaban, Naomi E. II. Bobick, James E. Q173.H24 2011 500—dc22 2011000429 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Contents INTRODUCTION I NDEX … 643
vii
GE N E RAL SC I E NC E, MATH E MATIC S, AN D TEC H NOLO GY … 1 Introduction … Societies, Publications, and Awards … Numbers … Mathematics … Computers
PHYSIC S AN D C H E M I STRY … 55 Energy, Motion, and Force … Light, Sound, and Other Waves … Electricity and Magnetism … Matter … Chemical Elements … Temperature, Measurement, and Methodology
ASTRONOMY AN D SPAC E … 93 Universe … Stars … Planets and Moons … Comets and Meteorites … Observation and Measurement … Exploration
EARTH … 145 Air … Physical Characteristics … Water … Land … Volcanoes and Earthquakes … Observation and Measurement
C LI MATE AN D WEATH E R… 181 Temperature … Air Phenomena … Wind … Precipitation … Weather Prediction
M I N E RALS, M ETALS, AN D OTH E R MATE RIALS … 221 Rocks and Minerals … Metals … Natural Substances … Man-made Products
v
E N E RGY … 257 Fossil Fuels … Renewable and Alternative Energy … Nuclear Energy … Measures and Measurement … Consumption and Conservation
ENVIRONMENT … 293 Biomes, Ecological Cycles, and Environmental Milestones … Pollution and Wastes … Recycling and Conservation … Extinct and Endangered Plants and Animals
B IOLO GY … 34