Science Quiz

[Rift Zone]

This week: Why do older credit cards need to have a plastic bag put over the magnetic strip in order for them to work in a card reader?

Spoiler

Plastic=non conductive... -But probably more electrostaticly charged than the card... Anyway, I guess the bag magnetically aligns with the card strip and it more strongly interacts with the sensor giving it a better read on the data.

Last week: When a large vessel is sinking ... why do you NOT want to be close to it?

Spoiler

The vessel will create a low pressure system of turbulence behind it as it goes under and sinks. If you are too close you may get caught up with the volume of water meant to equalize that low pressure system... =You'll get sucked under.

 

[Eventhorizon]

No reason not to be close to a vessel when it sinks other then getting caught up in rope or something and bieng dragged down with it. They did a thing on myth busters...the ship does NOT drag you down with it.