The interaction of light reflecting off the front and back of a soap bubble gives it…
Author: Rhett Allain
The Tricky Physics of How the Avengers Manage to Fly
To understand how Star-Lord flies, you have to consider both the forces acting on him (hello,…
The Basic Physics of the Kilogram’s Fancy New Definition
The kilogram is now based on energy changes in the quantum world rather than a physical…
The Physics of Mississippi Flood Control
Louisiana's Bonnet Carré Spillway diverts some of the Mississippi's floodwaters. But it also offers up a…
Why a Golf Ball Compresses Like a Spring—Until It Shatters
An experiment with a paper clip reveals both its elastic and plastic properties, a distinction that's…
Tram Bowling Is an Actual Sport. Let’s Look at the Physics
Driving a tram into a ball such that it knocks down pins—tram bowling, naturally—raises some physics…
Calculate the G’s of Using an Ejection Seat to Blast Out of a Jet
Using a jet's ejection seat to escape in an emergency means weathering some "hurt" level acceleration,…
A Physics Analysis of Every Jedi Jump in All of *Star Wars*
May the Fourth Be With You as you read this analysis of every time a Jedi…
The Physics of Heating Up Water With a Battery
You can make a simple water heater using a battery and a wire—here's how.
The Physics of a Bolt Smashing a Watermelon (or Your Brain)
It's easier to follow rules when you know why they exist. In this case, you can…