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How can glass become unbreakable? How can metal revert to its original shape after bending? Magic is not the answer to these questions - these processes are the result of continuous research by scientists into the properties of materials and their innovative applications. Running from today (December 12) until April 15 at the Hong Kong Science Museum, the "Strange Matter" exhibition will reveal the secrets of various innovative materials and scientific applications.
The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum, with exhibits produced and provided by the Ontario Science Centre, Canada, and the Materials Research Society in the US.
Featuring 13 groups of interactive exhibits, the exhibition will introduce the scientific principles behind many interesting and useful materials. The exhibition will also explain how these materials are used to develop new products such as car shock absorbers, eyeglass frames, computer chips and golf clubs, as well as speculating on the future development of materials science.
The exhibition includes some interesting interactive features. For instance, a "Smash the Glass" challenge allows visitors to test the strength of tempered glass by smashing it with a bowling ball. If you wish to test your vision and dexterity, don't miss "Shape Memory Alloy", where you can try to drop a marble into a cup using a robotic arm made of shape-memory alloy wires. Visitors to "Ferrofluid" will be able to see how iron particles create an amazing artwork through the application of a magnetic field, while "Demonstration Theatre" and "Touch Tables" explore the fascinating properties of different materials. In addition, the exhibition includes a display of objects and models which show the material properties and evolution of various modern items, such as glass, tin cans and snowboards.
For details of the exhibition, please visit the Hong Kong Science Museum's website at hk.science.museum, or call 2732 3232.
Ends/Friday, December 12, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:43
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