Browse "Physics"

Viscosity is the ability of a flowing liquid or gas to develop internal shear stresses that resist flow. In air, viscous forces are generally small in comparison with inertia forces, a condition which leads to flow instability and turbulence.

Modern astronomy, however, is more concerned with the physical and chemical nature of matter beyond Earth, where conditions of temperature and pressure, and gravitational and magnetic fields allow astronomers to observe matter under extremes unattainable in terrestrial laboratories.

Astrophysicists use many branches of physics: nuclear physics to study power-generation in stars; atomic physics to understand the spectra of stars and gaseous nebulae; and gas laws and magnetic theory to probe starspots and flares on star surfaces.

A black hole is an object in outer space whose the gravitational field is so strong that no matter or light can escape. Astronomers believe such regions can form from the collapse of massive stars. Researchers at Canadian institutions have contributed to theories supporting the existence of black holes.

​There have been several fatal bridge disasters over the course of Canada’s history, some during construction, others after the bridge was in use for some time.

Canada helped develop the world’s first nuclear reactors and nuclear arms. During the Second World War, Canada participated in British research to create an atomic weapon. In 1943, the British nuclear weapons program merged with its American equivalent, the Manhattan Project. Canada’s main contribution was the Montreal Laboratory, which later became the Chalk River Laboratory. (See Nuclear Research Establishments). This Allied war effort produced the atomic bombs dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. It also led to the development of Canada’s nuclear energy industry. Click here for definitions of key terms used in this article.

CANADIANS ARE masters of the universe. Just look at the numbers. Sure, the U.S. leads the world in spending on space research, laying out roughly US$7 per American each year, while Britain, France and Germany budget between US$4 and US$5 for every citizen.This article was originally published in Maclean's Magazine on September 5, 2005

Canadian Meteorite Craters    Canadian Meteorite Craters    Canadian Meteorite Craters Name Location Diameter (km) Nouveau-Québec ...

The Challenger expedition, the first worldwide oceanographic expedition, voyaged 127 663 km in the Atlantic, Southern, Indian and Pacific oceans between December 1872 and May 1876.

​The spectacular suspension bridge across the Peace River south of Fort St. John, British Columbia, was opened in the summer of 1943, replacing a ferry crossing on the Alaska Highway.

Thomas Bopp is a big, broad-shouldered man with a deep voice, a quiet demeanor and a look on his face that suggests he would like to get this experience over quickly. The 47-year-old amateur astronomer from Phoenix, Ariz.This article was originally published in Maclean's Magazine on March 10, 1997

How the world began is a question as old as the human race. It was not before the 20th century, however, that the evolution and large-scale structure of the universe emerged as a well-defined problem of interest to science.

David Dunlap Observatory, see OBSERVATORY.

Driver required to operate robotic rover from 190 million kilometres away. Must be able to negotiate vehicle across rock-strewn martian terrain using commands that take 11 minutes to arrive. Experience with computer games an asset.This article was originally published in Maclean's Magazine on July 21, 1997

Serious attempts to estimate the size of the galaxy began in the 19th century.