Your kitchen sink is the perfect model for the event horizon of a white hole (via io9) When the tap water hits the surface at the bottom of the sink, it spreads out in all direction[s], forming a stationary wave around the stream that is a little higher than the rest of the water. This momentary rise in the water level is known as a hydraulic jump, and if the waves inside the disc move faster than those outside the jump, it serves as the water equivalent of an event horizon. Specifically, it’s like the event horizon of a white hole, because water from the outside can’t enter the region bounded by the jump, while water from the inside is obviously still able to get out. Click through to see how they simulate mach cones to determine whether the waves on either side of the jump are travelling at the same speed. More reasons why I should have chosen physics instead of chemistry for my TEE. Not like I needed chem to get into computer science anyway… If you have to choose, always choose physics.  Sure you get organic chemistry, pop tests and, if you’re lucky, teachers who show you what happens when you drop pure sodium into water, but physics is way more fun.

Your kitchen sink is the perfect model for the event horizon of a white hole (via io9)

When the tap water hits the surface at the bottom of the sink, it spreads out in all direction[s], forming a stationary wave around the stream that is a little higher than the rest of the water. This momentary rise in the water level is known as a hydraulic jump, and if the waves inside the disc move faster than those outside the jump, it serves as the water equivalent of an event horizon.

Specifically, it’s like the event horizon of a white hole, because water from the outside can’t enter the region bounded by the jump, while water from the inside is obviously still able to get out.

Click through to see how they simulate mach cones to determine whether the waves on either side of the jump are travelling at the same speed.

More reasons why I should have chosen physics instead of chemistry for my TEE. Not like I needed chem to get into computer science anyway… If you have to choose, always choose physics.  Sure you get organic chemistry, pop tests and, if you’re lucky, teachers who show you what happens when you drop pure sodium into water, but physics is way more fun.