10 Everyday Things You Didn’t Know Involve Science

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By Shannon Quinn - June 23, 2025

Have you ever wondered how much science hides in plain sight? From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, our routines are packed with fascinating scientific principles at work—often unnoticed and unappreciated. The ordinary objects and experiences you encounter every day are actually the result of complex processes, clever inventions, and centuries of discovery. This article uncovers the unexpected science woven into your daily life, inviting you to look at familiar things with new curiosity and a sense of wonder.

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1. Toasting Bread

10 Everyday Things You Didn’t Know Involve Science — Golden slices of toasted bread rest on a plate, showcasing the delicious results of kitchen chemistry and perfect browning. | Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Pexels

Ever wondered why toast smells so irresistible? The answer lies in the Maillard reaction—a complex chemical process that occurs when heat meets bread, causing sugars and proteins to react and create hundreds of new flavor compounds. This is the same reaction behind the golden crust of roasted coffee, grilled steak, and baked cookies. Learn more about the Maillard reaction and discover the delicious side of chemistry in your kitchen!

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2. Refrigerator Magnets

That simple magnet holding up your grocery list is a marvel of physics. Refrigerator magnets work thanks to the alignment of electrons in certain metals, creating a permanent magnetic field that attracts them to your fridge’s metal surface. The same fundamental forces are at play in the powerful magnets that drive MRI machines in hospitals, though on a much larger and stronger scale. Curious about how magnets really work? Check out this physics explanation of magnetism to dig deeper.

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3. Soap Bubbles

Blowing soap bubbles is more scientific than it seems! The surface tension of water, altered by soap molecules, allows bubbles to form and float through the air. Soap weakens water’s surface tension just enough to trap air, creating a delicate film. Why are bubbles always round? Geometry dictates that a sphere has the smallest possible surface area for a given volume, making it the most stable shape. Dive into the science of soap bubbles to learn more about these shimmering orbs.

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4. Smartphone Screens

Every swipe and tap on your smartphone screen is a showcase of cutting-edge science. Most screens use liquid crystals (in LCDs) or organic compounds (in OLEDs) to create vibrant, responsive displays. LCDs use a backlight and manipulate liquid crystals to filter colors, while OLEDs emit their own light, allowing for deeper blacks and more vivid colors. Underneath, a network of sensors detects your touch through changes in electrical charge. Want to peek behind the glass? Explore more about how touch screens work at the intersection of physics and technology.

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5. Ice Melting in a Drink

Watching ice cubes melt in your drink is a live demonstration of heat transfer and phase change. As ice absorbs heat from the liquid, it transforms from solid to liquid, cooling your beverage in the process. Adding salt speeds up melting by lowering the freezing point of water—a trick often used on winter roads. For a deeper dive into the science behind melting, check out this scientific article about salt and ice.

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6. Bread Rising

The fluffy texture of fresh bread is thanks to yeast fermentation, a marvel of biology happening right in your kitchen. Yeast, a living microorganism, feeds on sugars in the dough and produces carbon dioxide, causing the dough to expand and rise. This same fermentation process is used in brewing beer and crafting cheese. It’s a classic example of how microbial science shapes everyday foods. Want to know more about the science of baking? Dive into this food science resource on yeast.

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7. Sunglasses and UV Protection

Wearing sunglasses isn’t just about style—it’s a clever use of materials science to protect your eyes. Special coatings and lens materials block dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, reducing the risk of eye damage. Polarized lenses go a step further by filtering out glare from reflective surfaces, making them ideal for driving or outdoor sports. Learn more about how sunglasses safeguard your vision at the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

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8. Microwave Heating

Your microwave oven is a masterpiece of applied physics. Instead of using hot air like conventional ovens, microwaves emit electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies that cause water molecules in your food to vibrate rapidly. This vibration produces heat, which cooks your meal from the inside out—much faster than traditional methods. That’s why foods with higher water content heat up more quickly. Curious about the science behind your quick meals? Read more in this physics resource on microwave ovens.

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9. Rainbow Formation

Seeing a rainbow after rain is witnessing optics in action. When sunlight enters water droplets in the air, it bends (refraction), splits into colors (dispersion), and bounces back (reflection) to create a brilliant arc in the sky. This process is similar to how a glass prism separates light into its spectrum of colors. The angle and position of the observer are key to spotting a rainbow. For a colorful dive into the science, visit this meteorology resource on rainbows.

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10. Opening a Soda Can

That satisfying fizz when you open a soda can is pure chemistry in action. Inside the sealed can, carbon dioxide gas is dissolved under pressure. Once opened, the pressure drops suddenly, causing the gas to escape and form bubbles. This same principle of pressure differences applies to aerosol sprays and other pressurized containers. For a deeper look at the science behind the pop, check out this chemistry explanation of soda fizz.

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Everyday Science, Everywhere

As you can see, science quietly shapes our daily experiences in remarkable ways. From the chemistry of your morning toast to the physics behind a rainbow, each routine moment is powered by fascinating principles. Recognizing the wonders woven into ordinary life not only deepens appreciation but also sparks curiosity to keep exploring. Next time you encounter a simple task, pause and ask: What’s the science behind this?

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