logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2022
3m 46s

What makes water go up a straw?

American Public Media
About this episode

It’s always fun to sip a drink through a straw, whether it’s a frosty milkshake or an ice-cold lemonade. But did you know that the earth’s atmosphere actually plays a part in how liquid travels up a straw? Aerospace engineer Nicole Sharp explains it for us.

If you’ve reached the last straw on a question you need quenched, send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact.

Up next
Jun 11
A big update about Moment of Um and the Brains On Universe
We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.In the mean ... Show More
2m 56s
Jun 6
How do braces work?
They come in cool colors, catch popcorn kernels and sometimes even have spacers - it’s braces! Ever wondered how braces magically straighten teeth? We asked Dr. ArNelle Wright - a real life dentist! - to help us break down the science of these tiny metal wonders.Bracing for a tou ... Show More
6m 19s
Jun 4
How do stoplights know when to change?
Waiting for a stoplight to turn green can be really annoying, especially when you’re running late. It would be awesome if you had a magic wand you could wave to get the light to change. But alas, such things don’t exist. But how do stoplights know when to switch colors? We asked ... Show More
5m 24s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2023
Origins: How did Earth get its water?
Life as we know it needs water, but scientists can’t figure out where Earth’s water came from. Answering that question is just one piece of an even bigger mystery: “Why are we here?”This is the first episode in our new three-part series, Origins, about the beginnings and boundari ... Show More
27m 4s
Mar 2022
Why do sodas explode? (when we shake them)
#131We've all shaken up a carbonated drink, either accidentally or on purpose, so we all know what happens. But why? Why does simply shaking it agitate the carbonation so much? And why do shaken sodas overflow the can so much? How to start a podcast. 
33m 56s
Jul 2022
Why does ice float on water?
#140Ice is water right? It's just that it's solid. So why does it float in liquid water? And also why does water expand when it freezes, when typically things contract when they freeze? These are things we are used to observing daily, but they actually are a little strange, and w ... Show More
44m 12s
Sep 2022
Water Water Everywhere, But How Much Do You Really Need?
The water advice is everywhere - how much to drink (8 cups a day - really?), what to drink, when to drink, and all its benefits. On this episode we produced with our colleagues at Life Kit, hosts Aaron Scott and Emily Kwong take some cherished hydration beliefs and get to the rea ... Show More
19m 19s
Apr 2024
How did Earth get its water?
Life as we know it needs water, but scientists can’t figure out where Earth’s water came from. Answering that question is just one piece of an even bigger mystery: “Why are we here?” (Updated from 2023)For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscriptsFor more, go to vox.com/unex ... Show More
25m 31s
Apr 2021
Pourquoi l'eau dans un verre enfle avant de déborder ?
Rediffusion (je reviens le 26 avril ;)Vous avez sans doute remarqué que, quand vous remplissez votre verre d'eau, il se forme une espèce de bourrelet à l'extrémité supérieure du récipient, sans pour autant que l'eau déborde. Ce phénomène est dû à certaines propriétés des molécule ... Show More
1m 51s
Nov 2020
ELI5 Dry Ice - why it should not go in the swimming pool?
How is dry ice made? Why does metal make a 'screaming sound' when dry ice is touched to it? Is it possible to make fizzy fruit with it? Why should we never put dry ice into a swimming pool?   ... We explain like i'm five!   Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community as always ... Show More
9m 4s
Nov 2019
Ice, Ice, Baby: Why Is Ice Slippery?
How does water turn into ice? Why is ice sometimes slippery and other times sticky? Why is it so cold? Why does it float? How are icicles made? Why are icebergs mostly underwater? What was the ice age? We'll get answers to all of those questions with help from Celeste Labedz of t ... Show More
21m 20s