Chapter 1
The physics of the pop
Chapter 2
The ultimate roommate agreement
Chapter 3
Underwater sonic warfare
Chapter 4
The weird world of eusocial colonies
YOUR GOAL
Master of The secret sonic weapon of the pistol shrimp
Ch 1 · The physics of the pop
alicecooks The Cavitation Bubble
The massive snap is not the sound that breaks, A bubble pops and all the water shakes.
alicecooks Extreme pressure compresses gas inside the pistol shrimp's collapsing bubble, causing sonoluminescence that lasts less than 10 nanoseconds
alicecooks A 3D animated pistol shrimp snaps its massive claw, releasing a glowing bubble.
Fun Fact
Pistol shrimp claws: A snapping shrimp's claw can grow up to half its total body size, making it one of the largest relative weapons in the animal kingdom.
Glossary
cavitation (noun)
The formation of vapor bubbles in a liquid caused by a rapid decrease in pressure. In Caribbean reefs, pistol shrimp shoot water jets at 100 kilometers per hour, triggering this process.
The formation of vapor bubbles in a liquid caused by a rapid decrease in pressure. In Caribbean reefs, pistol shrimp shoot water jets at 100 kilometers per hour, triggering this process.
Quiz
What physical feature allows the pistol shrimp to lock its claw open before snapping?
Quiz
What is the scientific term for the brief flash of light produced by the collapsing bubble?
Quiz
In what year did scientists first discover that the pistol shrimp's bubble produces light?
Quiz
Which muscle in the pistol shrimp's claw is responsible for pulling the plunger closed at high speed?