Atoms Under the Floorboards

Book excerpt: Using the modern home as a springboard, Atoms under the Floorboards introduces the reader to the fascinating and surprising scientific explanations behind a variety of common (and often entertainingly mundane) household phenomena, from gurgling drains and squeaky floorboards to rubbery custard and shiny shoes. Packed with facts and fun, each chapter focuses on a feature in each of the areas and slowly unpicks the science behind it. * Is it better to build skyscrapers like wobbly jellies or stacks of biscuits? *Can you burn your house down with an electric drill? *How many atoms would you have to split to power a lightbulb? *How can a raincoat be waterproof and breathable at the same time? Atoms under the Floorboards answers all these questions, and hundreds more. You'll never look at your home the same way again ...