What Are the Everyday Applications of the Leidenfrost Effect in Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Leidenfrost effect, particularly its everyday applications and the search for literature that explains such physical phenomena in a way that assumes a basic understanding of undergraduate physics. Participants express interest in finding books that cover surprising and paradoxical everyday effects, including the Leidenfrost effect.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about observing the Leidenfrost effect on a hot stove plate and expresses interest in finding books that explain everyday physical effects without overly simplifying the concepts.
  • Another participant suggests a specific book, "Flying Circus of Physics" by Jearl Walker, as a resource that may contain relevant explanations of everyday phenomena.
  • A different participant mentions their experience with photocopied pages of the same book during their studies and recommends it, noting its various editions over the years.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the interest in finding literature related to the Leidenfrost effect and similar phenomena, but there is no consensus on specific recommendations beyond the mentioned book.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the specific criteria for what constitutes a suitable book, nor do they address the depth of explanation required. There is also no discussion of the scientific principles underlying the Leidenfrost effect itself.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in physics, particularly those looking for resources that explain everyday physical phenomena at an undergraduate level.

andresB
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Once upon a time a young me noticed that when I spinkled some water on the hot surface of an stove plate the droplets refused to boil and instead they started to move around, but only if the plate was hot enough. Years and years later I was shocked to find that it is actually a well stablished and studied effect, the Leidenfrost effect.

I'm looking for books with a collection of explanaitions for "everyday" physical effects like the aforementioned Leidenfrost effect. Though I'm not looking for overly simplified explanation, I'm looking for books that assume knowledge in basic undergraduate physics. I wonder if such books exist.
 
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andresB said:
Once upon a time a young me noticed that when I spinkled some water on the hot surface of an stove plate the droplets refused to boil and instead they started to move around, but only if the plate was hot enough. Years and years later I was shocked to find that it is actually a well stablished and studied effect, the Leidenfrost effect.

I'm looking for books with a collection of explanaitions for "everyday" physical effects like the aforementioned Leidenfrost effect. Though I'm not looking for overly simplified explanation, I'm looking for books that assume knowledge in basic undergraduate physics. I wonder if such books exist.

"Flying Circus of Physics" by Jearl Walker:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471762733/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471762733/?tag=pfamazon01-20

This was as set of photocopied pages by some crazy grad student (at U of Maryland if memory serves ) when I was studying for my quals. There have been many editions with and without answers during the intervening 40 years. Highly recommended.

I see I have been pre-empted !
 
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