HS-PS4-4

Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in published materials of the effects that different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation have when absorbed by matter.

  1. Earth

    Explainer: How auroras light up the sky

    The northern and southern lights are considered natural wonders of the world. Here’s how these and related splendid sky glows form.

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  2. Physics

    Nuclear clocks are nearly here

    More precise clocks could improve technologies such as GPS and help scientists test major ideas in science.

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  3. Physics

    Light from space has record-breaking energy

    Hundreds of newly detected gamma rays hint at environments in the cosmos that accelerate particles to energy extremes.

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  4. Chemistry

    Sleep-friendlier lighting is on the way

    Chemists have created a new glowing material for LEDs. It should lessen how much near-bedtime lighting impairs your ability to nod off.

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  5. Physics

    Scientists Say: Radiation

    Radiation is the motion of energy through space as waves or particles.

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  6. Planets

    Let’s learn about Mars

    Traveling to Mars offers many challenges, including life without gravity, cosmic rays and communication delays.

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  7. Materials Science

    ‘Frozen smoke’ could protect electronics from annoying static

    A fluffy material made from cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires can protect electronic devices by blocking more than 99.99 percent of disrupting interference, a new study reveals.

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  8. Life

    If bacteria stick together, they can survive for years in space

    Tiny clumps of bacteria can survive at least three years in outer space. This raises the prospect of interplanetary travel by microbial life.

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  9. Physics

    Understanding light and other forms of energy on the move

    Radiation needn’t be scary, especially if it allows us to see our family or use our cell phones. Here’s a guide to light and other types of emitted energy.

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  10. Animals

    Going bright may help corals recover from bleaching

    When some corals bleach, they turn neon colors. Flashy hues may be part of a response that helps these corals recover and reunite with their algae.

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  11. Animals

    This tube worm’s glowing slime may help sustain its own shine

    Snot oozed by a marine tube worm can glow for up to 3 full days. The secret of how this works might lead to long-lasting lights that glow on and on.

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  12. Physics

    Explainer: Rainbows, fogbows and their eerie cousins

    Light shining through a water droplet can make more than just a rainbow. A range of other colorful arcs also can develop.

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