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Curious Questions from Curious Minds!
Welcome to Curiopedia, where imagination and discovery take shape! Discover something new today with these curious questions from children. Click on the ‘View Answer’ button to find out the answer! If you want your (child’s) curious question answered and featured here, submit it now.
Month Year
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Harnessing the sun’s energy
How do solar panels work?
B. Ashrith , Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
View AnswerSolar panels installed on the roof of a house capture energy from the sun. They can even work on cloudy days when the sun isn’t visible. They cannot provide a home with power at night, so, most people still have to remain connected to the National Grid (this is where you get your electricity from). There are a few steps involved. First, the sun shines on the solar panels which absorb the energy, creating direct current (DC) electricity. Next, the electricity is fed into a solar inverter which converts the current into alternating current (AC) electricity. Then, the AC is used to power the appliances in your home. Any power that your home does not use gets sent back (or sold) to the National Grid, for others to use.
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Star clusters
How does a constellation form?
Aarohi Singh , Secunderabad, Telangana
View AnswerConstellations are formed by bright stars which appear close to each other in the sky, but are really far apart in space. The shapes you see depend on your point of view. Many societies saw patterns among the stars, with gods and goddesses or stories from their culture. Most of the constellations with which we are familiar come from ancient Greece. But other civilisations created their own patterns in the sky based on stories and people that were important to them. Many people noticed that the planets, moon, and comets moved through the sky differently from stars. Because of the rotation of the Earth and its orbit around the Sun, we divide the constellations into two groups. Some constellations never rise or set. They are called circumpolar. The rest are divided into seasonal constellations.
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True blue?
Why does an octopus have blue blood?
Rachel Shajy John , Chennai, Tamil Nadu
View AnswerNot only octopus, even squids and a few other invertebrates have blue blood. This is because unlike humans who use haemoglobin, these invertebrates use a different protein called hemocyanin. This protein relies on copper, rather than iron (as we do), as the binding mineral of choice. When copper binds with oxygen, the resulting colour is blue. And, just adding more colour to life, the Papua New Guinea skink has green blood. This is because it breaks down used haemoglobin into constituent parts (bilirubin and biliverdin) which interact with blood to give it a green colour!
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In matters of safety
Why do medicines have an expiry date?
Mohammad Wasib , Hyderabad, Telangana
View AnswerDrug manufacturers are required to stamp an expiry date on their products. This is the date on which the manufacturer can still guarantee the full potency and safety of the drug. It is safe to use within the time prescribed. After the expiry date medicines may not be safe or as effective. Also, medicines have to be stored the as recommended on the packaging or leaflet.