BrainStuff

Cars are heavy machines, so how can a few small, pressurized tires support their weight? Marshall Brain explains how tire pressure and contact patches work in this episode.

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Race car tires are often filled with nitrogen because nitrogen pressure is more consistent than air pressure. In this episode, Marshall explains why nitrogen is better for race cars -- but not for regular vehicles.

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Plastics have become so ubiquitous that we often take them for granted, but have you ever wondered where these popular materials come from? In this episode, Marshall explains what plastics are made of.

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Most people are familiar with speedometers in cars, but do you know how air speed is determined? In this episode, Marshall explains how devices called pitot tubes gauge the speed of moving aircraft.

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Continuous chest compression is an updated form of CPR that's much easier to administer -- and, studies suggest, more effective. In this episode, Marshall Brain explains how CCC works.

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When it comes to differentiating between hardwoods and softwoods, it's not a matter of hardness or density -- it's all about plant reproduction. Marshall explains what angiosperms and gymnosperms are in this episode.

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Computers have a small battery that's important because it keeps the machine's clock running -- and sometimes, your computer. Get the goods on computer batteries in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

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Nitrous oxide boosts engine power in two significant ways. Find out exactly how nitrous works its magic in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.

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When you think of storing oxygen, metal tanks full of gas might come to mind. There's also a chemical method -- tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to learn about how oxygen canisters work.

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A curveball is a pitcher's secret weapon for striking out batters. Discover the physics behind a great curveball in this episode of BrainStuff.

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