Could I power my computer or my TV with a bicycle generator?

I live in California, where we are having a power crunch. I have a hypothetical question: Could I power my computer or my TV with a bicycle generator? What I mean is, could I sit on a bicycle and pedal fast enough to generate enough power to run my computer?

How Aerosol Cans Work

They dispense everything from hairspray to cleaning products to whipped cream. Without them, you'd be doing a whole lot of pumping.

How Black Lights Work

Black lights look like normal lights, but they do something completely different. Switch one on, and fingernails, laundry detergent, highlighters, money and teeth will glow in the dark. Find out what why.

How Blowtorches Work

Blowtorches aren't just for welders and plumbers. These fire-breathing machines can cut metal and brown creme brulee.

How Corrective Lenses Work

Eyeglasses are one of the most common sights in the world. Learn what goes into creating the lenses and how to read an eyeglass prescription.

How does glow-in-the-dark stuff work?

You can find glow-in-the-dark item everywhere these days. Have you ever wondered how these items produce their light? Find out the answer to that question in this article.

How Dry Cleaning Works

Want to know what happens to your clothes after you give them to the dry cleaner? Do they actually stay dry? Take a behind-the-scenes look at the dry-cleaning process!

How Electricity Works

Electricity is one of those things that completely surrounds us. For most of us, modern life would be impossible without it. So what is this mysterious stuff? Find out all about electricity.

How Hair Coloring Works

Got a few grays? Just want a new look? Well, if you are like 75 percent of women, you’re part of a billion dollar industry. (Men: You only spent $113.5 million last year on home coloring, so it’s time to catch up!)

How Instant Film Works

Before digital cameras, you needed instant film to get instant pictures. With instant-film photography, you can watch the image slowly come together in a matter of minutes. While it seems like magic, the process relies on elements of science. Find out how instant cameras give you the image in a snap.

How Light Sticks Work

You see light sticks everywhere during the holidays – especially Halloween. Have you ever wondered why these cool light sources glow? What's happening when you crack one? Take a look inside a light stick.

How Photographic Film Works

Photographic film has been around for more than a century, and it's still the best way to capture an image. Discover what's going on when you take a picture.

How Spud Guns Work

A spud gun can hurl potatoes hundreds of feet at close to 400 miles per hour. But why is this staple of the dinner table such a popular projectile? Learn the science of spud guns and how they can be customized.

How Sunglasses Work

Whether you're hitting the surf or the slopes or just spending a day on the lake, sunglasses are a must-have accessory. Find out if the $10 sunglasses are as good as the high-cost ones.

How the Scientific Method Works

You don't have to be a scientist in a white coat to use the scientific method. We all use it every day to make observations and solve problems.