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Welcome to Dijemeric Visualizations

Where photography and mathematics intersect with some photography, some math, some math of photography, and an occasional tutorial.

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Saturday, November 26, 2011

Sock Physics - Experiments with Static Electricity

Zap!  Pull your clothes from the dryer and unless you've used one of those funny smelling anti-static papers you just might get a shock of electricity.   When the clothes tumble in the dryer and the water is removed, electrons are removed from their bonding atoms and static charges build on the clothing the same way walking across a rug on a dry day builds charge which is then released with a zap when you touch a conducting surface, like a door knob.  Zap!

When I tossed my clothes into a pile for sorting, I  watched as a loose strand from one sock reached upward as to defy gravity but stayed tethered to the sock.   Even knowing why this is so (or at least one explanation) it fascinates.  Over the next few minutes I held off sorting the clothes and took a few photographs.



Fig 1: Back lit sock with strand balanced against gravity by the repulsive force of static electricity

Even more amazing (to me), was the fine structure in the hair-like appendages that stood in repulsion to the main strand due to the repulsive forces of like charges.  When electrons are removed from neutrally charged atoms, a net positive charge remains.  The force between like charges is a repulsive one so the individual strands are forced apart.


Fig 2: fine structure detail from Fig 1 showing small fibers of the sock in mutual repulsion.

A few minutes later, the long strand was clearly losing the battle against gravity as the collected charges slowly dissipated as nitrogen and oxygen molecules took them away.   


Fig 3: Strand 5 minutes later

Eventually, the rebellious strand lost its charge and rejoined the sock.  


Fig 4:  Composite showing positions of strand over 5 minutes as it loses charge and settles under the force of gravity


Fig 5: Mouse-click for animation 


Monday, November 14, 2011

All Aboard II

6861 Next Time Take the Train6730_1_2_3_4_Recently Furnished6740_53_The Grand Room6760 Wheels Not Optional6764 Brickwork Exposed6897 Elegant
6771_2_A Peek Inside6773_4 Some Details6779 Beaux-Arts Style6781 A Rest For Your Foot6785 The View from Below6896 Spontaneity
6794 Seeing Differently6801_2_3_4_5_ Solid Oak V26801_2_3_4_5_Solid Oak6806_07_08_09_10_Woodwork Plus Commentary6806_07_08_09_10_ Woodwork Plus Commentary V26892 Textures In Stone
6827 Exterior Detail6887Curves Lines Shadows II 6890 Aging Gracefully 6836 Column Detail6888 Look Up for Details6842 Reflections in Marble
All Aboard II, a set on Flickr.
West Oakland's 16th Train Station was closed following Loma Prieta in 1989. The local train service has been relocated, but the 16th Street Train Station is gaining a new life as a center for community activities and special performances.

For more information, see http://www.indiegogo.com/16thStreetStation