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The chain fountain video is amazing

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March 6, 2014

Steve Mould, a host of science television shows in the UK, stumbled on the chain fountain while he was looking for a way to demonstrate something else. Mould, who has a master’s degree in physics from Oxford, discovered a rising curve in a moving chain of beads as the beads flow out of a container. Once he starts it, the bead chain keeps going, like water or gasoline being siphoned from a tank.

Why does this happen? Check out this slow mo video of the chain fountain, with an explainer, for the answer:

The Chain Fountain Explained at the New York Times

Steve Mould’s blog

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March 6, 2014

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Deborah Byrd

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About the Author:

Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.