Did you know?
X-Ray
X-rays were first observed and documented in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a German scientist who found them quite by accident when experimenting with vacuum tubes.
Gears
The earliest written reference to gears was by Hero of Alexandria in AD 50. He invented a machine called a “baroulkos” which used a sequence of gears to lift weights.
Car Engine
The fastest recorded time for removing and then and replacing a car engine is 42 seconds. It was performed on a Ford Escort in 1985.
Jet Engine
Before the 1950s jet engines were only used for combat aircraft. The first jet fighter was the German Messerschmitt 262, produced in late World War II.
Speedometer
Speedometers have been fitted to motorised vehicles since the early 20th century. They were originally called “velocimeters”.
Turbine
Turbines are rotary engines that use a continuous stream of fluid, gas or liquid, to turn a shaft and power machinery.
Wind Turbines
The blades of wind turbines used to produce electricity rotate at up to 22 revolutions per minute. At this speed the tips of the blades are moving at 91 metres per second.
The Big Bang
Big Bang theory is based on the idea that the universe is continually expanding and cooling. It is currently the most popular explanation for how the universe began.
Space Nebula
A nebula is composed of dust, helium, hydrogen and other ionised gases. These form a cloud which will attract further matter to eventually form stars.
Satellite
Artificial satellites in space allow us send information all over the world.