Using Computers

Even before there were personal computers, digital computing was put to use in a variety of different ways. Today, computer technology has been miniaturized to create mobile phones, and expanded to allow supercomputers to work at high speed. Virtual reality, a relatively recent development, now allows for realistic simulations in a three-dimensional, computer-generated world.

A large supercomputer that is almost the same height as the physicist who stands near it reading the data.  This supercomputer is used to study particles.

Mini Computers

Mobile phones and other small electronic devices, such as hand-held computers, use smaller and smaller chips to allow for portability and convenience.

A  handheld PDA (personal data device) with a stylus.  This is an example of a mini computer that allows for portability and convenience.

Supercomputers

By cooling the components so that they conduct electricity more efficiently, supercomputers are able to process information at a very fast rate. These computers gain speed by multi-tasking, performing several processes at once. The computer shown here is used in the study of particle physics.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is a threedimensional computergenerated world. Programs such as the NASA flight simulator shown here train students through interactive simulations.

A pilot sitting in a NASA flight simulator that uses virtual reality to train students by means of 3-D images.

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Table of Contents

Physical Science CHAPTER 1 Science Skills CHAPTER 2 Properties of Matter CHAPTER 3 States of Matter CHAPTER 4 Atomic Structure CHAPTER 5 The Periodic Table CHAPTER 6 Chemical Bonds CHAPTER 7 Chemical Reactions CHAPTER 8 Solutions, Acids, and Bases CHAPTER 9 Carbon Chemistry CHAPTER 10 Nuclear Chemistry CHAPTER 11 Motion CHAPTER 12 Forces and Motion CHAPTER 13 Forces in Fluids CHAPTER 14 Work, Power, and Machines CHAPTER 15 Energy CHAPTER 16 Thermal Energy and Heat CHAPTER 17 Mechanical Waves and Sound CHAPTER 18 The Electromagnetic Spectrum and Light CHAPTER 19 Optics CHAPTER 20 Electricity CHAPTER 21 Magnetism CHAPTER 22 Earth's Interior CHAPTER 23 Earth's Surface CHAPTER 24 Weather and Climate CHAPTER 25 The Solar System CHAPTER 26 Exploring the Universe Skills and Reference Handbook