FlipFact of the Day: Most materials expand when subjected to hotter temperatures and contract or shrink when cooled. However, rubber bands behave differently because of their unusual molecular structure.
A rubber band’s molecules are actually long chains called polymers, and when they get hotter and vibrate, they tend to shorten, making the rubber band shrink. Conversely, the rubber band expands when it cools down, because its polymers stretch out as they stop vibrating.
Try this experiment at home with rubber bands and see for yourself.
Today’s Science History Milestone: On September 5, 1977, NASA launched the Voyager 1 spacecraft.
Still remember your 5th-grade science classes? Test your knowledge and see if you still remember these facts and fundamental concepts in human anatomy, biology, botany, and other branches of science. Click here to try the “Are You Smarter Than A Pinoy Fifth-Grader” Challenge.
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Cover: Bill Ebbesen
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Author: Mikael Angelo Francisco
Bitten by the science writing bug, Mikael has years of writing and editorial experience under his belt. As the editor-in-chief of FlipScience, Mikael has sworn to help make science more fun and interesting for geeky readers and casual audiences alike.
