Way Things Work (original version)

Covers the workings of hundreds of machines and devices and provides explanations of the scientific principles behind the machines.

Table of Contents:

Part 1: The Mechanics of Movement

Introduction

The Inclined Plane

• Locks and Keys
• Cutting Machines
• Can Opener
• The Plow
• The Zipper

Levers

• Principle of Levers
• 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-Class Levers
• Levers in Action
• Weighing Machines
• Grand Piano
• Manual Typewriter
• Parking Meter

The Wheel and Axle

• The Wheel and Axle at Work
• Hydroelectric Turbine
• The Windmill

Gears and Belts

• Spur Gears
• The Gearbox
• Mechanical Clocks and Watches
• The Rack and Pinion
• Bevel Gears
• The Differential
• Worm Gears
• Lawn Sprinkler

Cams and Cranks

• Cams and Cranks in the Car
• Sewing Machine

Pulleys

• Chain Hoist
• Counterweights
• Block and Tackle
• Tower Crane
• Escalator and Elevator

Screws

• The Screw at Work
• The Faucet
• Drills and Augers
• The Combine Harvester

Rotating Wheels

• Inertia at Work
• Starter Motor
• Window Shade
• Car Seat Belt
• Gyroscope

Springs

• The Stapler
• Car Suspension

Friction

• The Clutch
• Synchromesh
• Car Brakes
• Oil Rig
• Freedom from Friction
• Perpetual Motion

Part 2: Harnessing the Elements

Introduction

Floating

• The Submersible
• The Submarine
• Passenger Boat
• The Windsurfer
• The Yacht
• The Airship
• The Hot-Air Balloon

Flying

• The Airplane
• Flying Machines
• Airliner Wing
• The Helicopter
• Single-Rotor Helipcopter
• Twin-Rotor Helicopter
• The Jump Jet
• The Hydrofoil

Pressure Power

• Reciprocating Pumps
• Rotary Pumps
• Pneumatic Machines
• Pneumatic Drill
• Hydraulic Machines
• Suction Machines
• The Aqualung
• The Toilet Tank
• Pressure Gauges
• The Water Meter
• Jets and Sprays
• Manned Maneuvering Unit
• The Spray Can
• The Fire Extiguisher
• The Carburetor
• Pens

Exploiting Heat

• Heat Waves
• The Vacuum Flask
• Combustion Machines
• Blast Furnace and Steel Converter
• Electric Heat
• The Toaster
• Refrigerator
• Car Cooling System
• Air Conditioner
• Thermostats
• Thermometers
• The Gasoline Engine
• Steam Power
• The Jet Engine
• Rocket Engines

Nuclear Power

• Nuclear Fission
• Nuclear Fusion
• Nuclear Weapons
• Fallout
• Nuclear Reactor
• Fusion Power

Part 3: Working with Waves

Introduction

Light and Images

• Lighting
• Light Bulb
• Adding Colors
• Subtracting Colors
• Mirrors
• Endoscope
• Lenses
• Telescopes
• Binoculars
• Microscopes
• Polarized Light
• Liquid Crystals
• Laser
• Holography
• Hologram

Photography

• Single-Lens Reflex Camera
• Color Photograph
• Almost Instant Pictures
• Photo Booth
• Movie Camera
• Movie Projector

Printing

• Papermaking
• Printing Plate
• Printing Press
• Bookbinding

Sound and Music

• Woodwind Instruments
• Brass Instruments
• String and Percussion Instruments
• Microphones
• Synthesizer
• Electric Guitar
• Mixer
• Amplifier
• Loudspeakers
• Sound Recording
• The Tape Recorder
• The Record Player
• The Compact Disk Player
• Film Sound

Telecommunications

• The Telephone
• Radio Transmitter
• Radio Receiver
• Radio Signals
• Television Camera
• Video Recorder
• Television Set
• Satellites
• Radio Telescope
• Space Telescope
• Space Probes

Part 4: Electricity & Automation

Introduction

Electricity

• Photocopier
• Air Cleaner
• Lightning Conductor
• Ionizer
• Anti-Static Gun
• Quartz Clock
• The Current Cart
• Electric Circuit
• Batteries
• Car Temperature Gauge
• Solar Cell
• Remote Control Unit

Magnetism

• Magnets at Work
• The Electric Bell
• The Electric Horn
• Electric Motor
• Maglev Train
• Disk Drive
• Electric Generator
• Power Supply
• Transformer
• The Two-Way Switch
• Car Ignition System

Sensors and Detectors

• Seismograph
• Autopilot
• Breath Tester
• Smoke Detector
• X-Rays
• Sonar
• Ultrasound Scanner
• Radar
• Metal Detector
• Coin Tester
• Body Scanner
• Automatic Transmission
• Cruise Control

Computers

• Binary Code
• The Half Adder
• The Full Adder
• The Calculator
• The Microcomputer
• Computer Memory
• Microchip
• Microprocessor
• Mouse
• Computer Printer
• Supermarket Checkout
• Smart Card
• Flight Simulator
• Robots

Eureka! The Invention of Machines

Technical Terms

Index