A New Record for Physics Graduates
Seven people graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in physics. This is a big deal. No, really. The…
The Independence Day: Resurgence Spaceship Has Its Own Gravity
In the trailer for Independence Day: Resurgence, the alien spacecraft seems to gravitationally lift some buildings. What kind of mass…
Physics Says Hollywood Shrank the Angry Birds for Their Leading Roles
In a previous analysis of the Angry Birds game, I found the size of the birds to be quite large.…
Go Ahead, Connect an Inductor and Capacitor and See What Happens
What happens when you connect a charged capacitor to an inductor? You get an oscillating circuit. Here’s how it all…
No, Jose Ramirez’s Helmet Doesn’t Defy the Laws of Physics
In this clip, José Ramírez kicks his helmet as it falls off his head. The helmet appears to both fly…
Whoa: A Tesla Coil Can Zap Nanotubes Into Long Nanowires
Researchers at Rice University have found a new method for assembling carbon nanotubes into wires using high electric fields produced…
Happy May the 4th! Let’s Break Down a Super Star Destroyer’s Super Death
In this scene from Return of the Jedi, a Super Star Destroyer crashes into the Death Star. What can we…
Don’t Put a Crane Outside a Physicist’s Window if You Don’t Want Some Math
With construction next door, I keep seeing physics examples. Here I calculate the torque and forces on a large crane.…
If Your Science Professors Aren’t Confusing, They’re Doing It Wrong
Students say they prefer science classes with “clear cut” answers. Sadly, real learning is never so straightforward. The post If…
Civil War’s Winter Soldier Couldn’t Survive This Giant Jump
In this clip from Captain America Civil War, the Winter Soldier jumps down from a great height. What kind of…