Making Stuff: Faster

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Making Stuff: Faster

1.         The ‘stuff’ that I have selected is based on making things faster. In this context, the focus is mainly on the innovations created by man in relation to speed. Accordingly, the element of speed is evident in nearly all matter regardless of its abstract features. Selection of this particular topic was important for me since I have always been intrigued by the inventions created by people in order to travel faster. For instance, the development of automobiles since the Henry Ford era has seen vehicles increase the rates of their speeds from a mere 50 miles per hour to rates escalating over 300 mph especially in these contemporary times. Such discoveries have prompted me to attempt and understand the elements of speed. In addition, I tend to ask myself several questions regarding speed. For instance, what defines speed? How is it possible to factor in speed despite its abstract nature? Hence, with such questions, my interest in understanding how things go fast has consistently increased. From the discourse on this particular element, my comprehension of speed escalated to the point whereby I view it more than simply an element factored into distance.

2.         With the discussion centered mainly on speed, different scientific concepts and principles were introduced. The application of physics is evident and highly assistive in enabling a significant comprehension of the definition and manipulation of speed. Foremost, the principle of flight is evidenced in significant parts within the video. While assessing the increase in speed, the concept of flight was introduced in order to explain the different elements that enable objects such as airplanes and sailboats travel at great speeds. Hence, for purposes of assessing the increasing speed of a sailboat, the principle of flight is introduced. Accordingly, the wing is viewed as the ‘engine’ that actually enables the sailboat to travel at a forward speed of 40 miles per hour. By assessing the wing, I was able to understand that the traveling of the wind under the carbon-fiber wing’s curved surface possesses greater pressure than the wind located above. This leads to the creation of a lift. This concept is also evidenced in airplanes whereby the pressure beneath the wing enables the plane to fly. Interestingly, for the sail, which is vertical, the low pressure pushes the boat forward instead of the wind.  

3.         The focus on understanding speed is relevant. As evidenced within the video, speed exists in different forms, which most people do not understand. Foremost, one of the problems that the scientists intend to solve comprises understanding if there are physical limitations to speed. Because of the manner in which speed tends to be variable, one may consider whether speed is infinite. As such, various objects are assessed in order to determine whether there are any existing limitations to speed. For instance, the analysis of the speed of sailboats to the evaluation of racing bicycles as well as actual human athletes. From these different analyses, it is evident that speed does not possess any limitations. As such, it is possible to continue creating solutions that actually assist in making things travel at a much faster rate. Secondly, the video attempts to see how effectively one can do things. In this respect, athletes are assessed in order to understand the ways in which speed can be used to save time and simultaneously, facilitate the efficiency of a particular action.

4.         Based on the second question, it is evident that speed can be used to ensure that things are carried out in order to save time. Accordingly, one can engage in a certain action at a faster rate and still be capable of achieving good results. For instance, the installation of fiber optic is an illustration of the ways speed can be used effectively. With the need to spend less on internet connectivity, the development of fiber optic provides a long-term solution for capitalizing on the infinite capabilities of the Internet. In this respect, the objective does not involve increasing the speed of connectivity. Instead, the focus is on developing a measure that can be applied in utilizing the facets of this connectivity effectively. However, the challenges posed on achieving such effectiveness amount to one factor: the utilization of copper on telephone poles. Consequently, it is impossible to use speed effectively due to the impact of copper on connectivity. Usually, fiber optic enables the movement of large data torrents that travel at lightning speeds via fiber. However, this speed is reduced when the torrents pass through copper installations. Despite this discovery, the main challenge lies in replacing millions of telephone poles and underground copper wires with material that does not restrict movement and effective use of speed.