So, what are RAM, ROM, and flash
memory? All three are kinds of computer memory, but RAM, ROM, and flash
memory interact each in their own way with the data that they store.
Here’s a quick explanation of each kind of memory:
RAM: Stands for random access
memory; refers to memory that the microprocessor can read from and write
to. When you create something in memory, it’s done in RAM.
RAM is memory and vice versa.
ROM: Stands for read-only memory.
The microprocessor can read from ROM, but it can’t write to it or
modify it. ROM is permanent. Often, ROM chips contain special
instructions for the computer — important stuff that never changes. The
microprocessor can access information stored on a ROM chip whenever it
needs to. The instructions are always there because they’re not
erasable.
Flash memory: A special type of
memory that works like both RAM and ROM. You can write information to
flash memory, like you can with RAM, but that information isn’t erased
when the power is off, like it is with ROM.
Sadly, flash memory isn’t as fast as RAM, so don’t expect it to replace standard computer memory any time soon.
While Earth itself is spinning about 1,180 km/h to the east, the
ground and everything on it are travelling even faster – at about 1,670
km/h (1,037 mph). Even the air above the ground is travelling at around
this speed in an easterly direction. So for an aeroplane to get anywhere
at all, it has to be moving relative to the ground.
Say it’s travelling at 160 km/h (100 mph) – because it’s already
moving at 1,670 km/h with the planet, plus that little bit extra, it’s
able to keep itself ahead and actually get somewhere. On the other hand,
if it’s travelling towards the west, it’s actually moving 1,670 km/h
MINUS 160 km/h.
“Yes, to go west, you go east – just slower than Earth is going east,” says Henry Reich in the video above. “Unless you’re within 10 or so miles of the poles, in which case a brisk westerward walk will take you legitimately west.”
But it’s not so simple (we’re kidding – it was never simple), because winds in the upper atmosphere mess everything up.
in the video above, but let’s just say it’s to do with different parts
of Earth rotating at different speeds, because it’s a big, blue marble,
and that’s what big blue marbles do when you spin them.
