Welcome to the Nucleus!

The Nucleus is a website designed for physics and astronomy undergrads. There are all sorts of resources for research and learning, plus cool links and discussion forums for talking with fellow students.

The Nucleus is also home to The Lounge, a website focused on student discussions, with fun contests and polls for you to participate in!

Featured Resources

Splung.com: Capacitors
This page provides a good introduction to capacitors at the freshman-sophomore level. It's also a good refresher if you haven't thought about them for a while.

Current discussions going on in The Lounge!

For the ladies
Post on the IYA Summer blog! board.
Posted by Blay on June 25 at 11:18 AM.
STOP THE GALILEO TYPE OPPOSITION TO...
Post on the STOP THE GALILEO TYPE OPPOSITI... board.
Posted by harold kraus on June 23 at 8:12 PM.
Extraordinary Baby!
Post on the funny videos, post 'em here board.
Posted by Joshua Smith on June 23 at 10:29 AM.
Re: We Need Ideas
Reply to We Need Ideas on the How To Get A New Physics Advis... board.
Posted by Jarrett Mattson on June 22 at 1:58 AM.
are you interested in a zone 8 meet...
Post on the Zone 8 - University of Louisvi... board.
Posted by oleg ovchinniko... on June 9 at 6:11 PM.
Textbook Reviews

Editor's Choice

Nanoflower Bouquet
Nanoflower Bouquet - This is a picture of interesting physics submitted to the Summer 2006 Nucleus Photo Competition. It was originally related to an article in Volume 5, Issue S1 of EMBO Reports.

Popular Physics Blogs

#1 - Dynamics of Cats
This blog is written by a faculty member who is involved in applied math/physics.

#2 - The Quantum Pontiff
Dave Bacon is a theoretical ski bum who is also a pseudo professor. His research is on quantum computing, his scientific passions extend to everything in physics, mathematics, computer science and beyond, and his personal pleasures include making wine, playing poker, skiing, camping, and daydreaming (although not all of those at the same time.) Nothing he says on this blog should be construed as having anything to do with his employer or his dog.

#3 - Dispatches from the Culture Wars
A highly political blog with a scientific bent.

#4 - Adventures in Ethics and Science
Not physics per se, but some good discussion of ethical issues in science.

#5 - Uncertain Principles
This is the blog of a physics faculty member who is also writing a book.

Fun Physics Videos

#1 - ISU SPS Something Destructive
The Idaho State University SPS chapter soaked various things in liquid oxygen then set them on fire. Very entertaining!

#2 - LHC Rap
The now famous LHC rap.

#3 - Singing Tesla Coil
Cool demo of a large Tesla coil being used as a speaker.

#4 - Liquid Nitrogen vs. Trash Can
Classic demo of a sealed LN2 container dropped in a trash can full of water.

#5 - Cool Liquid Nitrogen Demo
This is a demonstration I hadn't seen before. Pouring hot water into a large volume of liquid nitrogen.