Torrid Telephone

Image Gallery

Diagram showing the telephone cord, where it shorted, and where it charred. Diagram showing three copper wires, with insulation, bundled into a single insulated cable. Photo of undamaged wires and insulation. Photo of charred insulation and wires.

Readings

Callister, Section 17.10: Oxidation. pp. 651-654

Russell, Ken. "Report on Fire-Damaged Telephone Cord." (PDF)

Assignments

What does the evidence about the telephone cord tell you? Can you rule "in or out" any possibilities from this evidence?

What information from the reading on oxidation applies to the case? Do you now have any additional hypotheses about what has happened?

Please prepare a short presentation on the Torrid Telephone case and evidence.

Please prepare a short presentation on oxidation.

Further Reading

"Calamities" column: The Case of the Torrid Telephone