Categories: Geek

Learn Something New Today: The Exact Size Of A Nanosecond

They always say that a great teacher can make even the most boring topics interesting. Learning about electricity and nanoseconds isn’t boring at all to me, but if it is to you, naval officer Rear Admiral Grace Hopper will explain it in a way that makes it super fun. If you think old people (and old video clips) are boring, well, I’m about to prove you wrong.

Some people credit Grace Hopper with creating the world’s first computer. That might be a stretch, but it’s true she started winning awards for her computer science discoveries beginning in 1969. She also had a warship named after her, so back in the day, she was most likely a badass.

In this video below, she illustrates with a piece of wire how long a nanosecond is. A nanosecond is a billionth of a second. According to Wikipedia, one nanosecond is to one second as one second is to 31.7 years. According to Ms. Hopper, a nanosecond is 11.8 inches of wire. That is amount of space or distance it would take light (like electricity) to travel a nanosecond.

Speaking of electricity, have you ever wondered what color electricity is? Electricity can’t be seen. When we see lightning, we are really seeing heat energy. What we think is the color of electricity is really the color of the ionized gas that the electricity passes through. This concludes our science lesson for the day. :)

Via: [Geekosystem] [aiBOB]

Diana Adams

Diana has a passion for blogging. You can usually find Diana working in her home office in Atlanta or sitting in the corner of a downtown Starbucks somewhere with her mobile devices in one hand and a Grande Caramel Macchiato in the other. She loves Star Wars, hot chicken wings, and nice people.

Recent Posts

Insights From Lena Esmail On How Technology And Community-Based Care Can Work Together

The healthcare industry is at a crossroads. As technology continues to revolutionize the way we…

2 days ago

Dennis Pappas: Designing Green Spaces For A Better City

Dennis Pappas is a landscape architect with a clear mission—make cities greener, healthier, and more…

2 days ago

David Bellini: Navigating The Future Of Technology With A Grounded Vision

In the fast-paced world of technology, David Bellini stands out not just for his innovations…

2 days ago

The Smart Shooter’s Checklist For Buying 12-Gauge Ammo

Shotgun shells are not one-size-fits-all. Whether used for hunting, home defense, or sports, the proper…

2 days ago

What Conditions Qualify For Medical Cannabis At A Dispensary In Cincinnati?

Have you ever wondered whether medical cannabis could be an option for your health concerns?…

2 days ago

Financial Planning For Long-Term Senior Care

Assuredly, planning for senior care offers an opportunity to find peace and security for the…

4 days ago