Honey never spoils
Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are still edible. Its low water content and acidity stop bacteria from growing.
Read the fact →Science facts
Every fun fact in this category.
Hot water can freeze faster than cold water
Known as the Mpemba effect, it has been observed for centuries — Aristotle mentioned it — and scientists still debate exactly why it happens.
Read the fact →Bananas are radioactive
They are rich in potassium, and a small fraction of potassium is the radioactive isotope potassium-40. The dose is tiny — you would need millions of bananas for any harm.
Read the fact →Glass is not a slow-moving liquid
The old story that medieval windows are thicker at the bottom because glass flows is a myth. The panes were simply made unevenly. Glass is an amorphous solid.
Read the fact →Lightning is about five times hotter than the Sun’s surface
A bolt can heat the air around it to roughly 30,000 °C. The Sun’s surface is a comparatively mild 5,500 °C.
Read the fact →Water can boil and freeze at the same time
At a precise pressure and temperature called the triple point (0.01 °C at 611.7 pascals), ice, liquid water and water vapour all exist together.
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