When we measure temperature what we're really measuring is energy being released by moving molecules. To make a soothing cup of tea, we take some water and put it over a source of heat, like an electric element or a gas stove. As the heat enters the water, it makes the water molecules move faster and faster. These molecules absorb the energy from the heat and convert it to movement energy also known as kinetic energy. The opposite can happen also. When molecules slow down, their kinetic … [Read more...]
g-forces or Why No One Completed the Meditative Journey by Being Blasted Out of a Cannon
When astronauts blast off for space, the quick upward acceleration of the rocket results in a force pushing down on the astronauts’ bodies. This force is so strong it has its own name. It’s called g-force. The g in g-force is a reference to the force of gravity on Earth which is the standard for measuring g-forces. Although it’s called g-force, it’s not really a force but an increase in weight due to sudden acceleration. Imagine sitting in a chair and a Sumo wrestler sits down in your lap and … [Read more...]
Diffusion Gradient or How to Make Your Tranquility Flow Everywhere
Diffusion is the process of particles distributing themselves equally across a specified area. Much like passengers on a bus, particles move from a crowded area to a less crowded area. They keep moving until they are more or less evenly distributed in the space available to them. When you wake up in bed and smell the aroma of a delicious breakfast on the stove you experience the results of diffusion. The microscopic food molecules have wafted from an area of high concentration, your kitchen, to … [Read more...]
Potential Energy or is Meditation a Boulder or is it a Ball?
Balls are the most fun and ubiquitous sports equipment in the world. A ball can be thrown, caught, bounced, kicked, batted, hit with a racquet or bashed with a body part. This creates many possibilities for gaming joy. Before we can have fun with a ball we have to perform work with it. Work is a physics term meaning using force to move a thing from one place to another. We work on a ball by using body forces to move it against the force of gravity. Our work adds energy to the ball, energy … [Read more...]