Ep 12. All About Balance

Science Max: Experiments At Large is a Canadian television show that teaches viewers about science in a fun and engaging way. In season 1 episode 12, titled All About Balance, the show's host Phil makes viewers rethink balancing acts in a whole new way.

The episode starts with Phil looking at a variety of balancing toys and discussing how they all work on different principles of physics. He then explains how our bodies need balance to function properly, showing how our ears help us with balance and how our eyes can play tricks on us. He also discusses how balance plays a role in sports and how athletes use it to their advantage.

The first experiment on the show involves Phil trying to balance a broomstick on his hand. He explains that the challenge is more difficult than it looks because of the center of mass of the stick and the hand. Phil then goes on to explore the concept of center of mass, showing how he can balance an egg on top of a broomstick by finding the egg's center of mass.

Next, Phil explores the concept of rotational equilibrium by building a seesaw and trying different weights on each side. He explains how the seesaw stays balanced when his friend sits on one side and he sits on the other, even though they weigh different amounts, because the seesaw is designed for rotational equilibrium.

Phil then moves on to discuss another important aspect of balance: stability. He demonstrates how a pencil can be made more stable by adding weights to the bottom and shows how this principle is used in real-world applications like building foundations and skyscrapers.

The next experiment on the show involves Phil attempting to balance on a balance board while performing different tasks. He explains how this exercise can help with balance and how athletes use it to improve their performance. He also talks about the dangers of not having good balance, particularly for older adults who are at risk of falling.

Towards the end of the episode, Phil discusses how balance plays a role in technology, showing how drones use gyroscopes to stay balanced and how autonomous cars are programmed to maintain balance on the road. He also mentions how scientists are studying how balance works in the human brain and how this research could help people with balance disorders in the future.

Overall, Science Max: Experiments At Large season 1 episode 12, All About Balance, is a fascinating exploration of the science of balance. Phil engages viewers with a variety of experiments and discussions about how balance works in the human body, in sports, in technology, and in our everyday lives. It's a fun and educational episode that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for balance and stability.