James Kakalios explores the scientific plausibility of the powers and feats of the most famous superheroes -- and discovers that in many cases the comic writers got their science surprisingly right. Along the way he provides an engaging and witty commentary while introducing the lay reader to both classic and cutting-edge concepts in physics, including:What Superman's strength can tell us about the Newtonian physics of force, mass, and accelerationHow Iceman's and Storm's powers illustrate the principles of thermal dynamicsThe physics behind the death of Spider-Man's girlfriend Gwen StacyWhy physics professors gone bad are the most dangerous evil geniuses!
James Kakalios Livres
James Kakalios est un physicien réputé qui explore le monde des super-héros à travers le prisme de la physique fondamentale. Plutôt que de se concentrer sur des sujets physiques traditionnels, son travail de vulgarisation scientifique explore les principes scientifiques qui pourraient sous-tendre les capacités extraordinaires des super-héros. Son approche captivante motive les étudiants à réfléchir plus profondément à la physique, en utilisant des exemples fascinants tirés de récits de bandes dessinées. Kakalios suggère que la sociologie et les comportements des personnages dans les univers de bandes dessinées sont souvent plus irréalistes que les lois physiques qui permettent leurs pouvoirs.
The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics
- 336pages
- 12 heures de lecture
In the pulp magazines and comics of the 1950s, it was predicted that the future would be one of gleaming utopias, with flying cars, jetpacks, and robotic personal assistants. Obviously, things didn't turn out that way. But the world we do have is actually more fantastic than the most outlandish predictions of the science fiction of the mid-20th century. The World Wide Web, pocket-sized computers, mobile phones and MRI machines have changed the world in unimagined ways. In 'The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics', James Kakalios uses examples from comics and magazines to explain how breakthroughs in quantum mechanics led to such technologies. The book begins with an overview of speculative science fiction, beginning with Jules Verne and progressing through the space adventure comic books of the 1950s. Using the example of Dr. Manhattan from the graphic novel and film Watchmen, Kakalios explains the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, and describes nuclear energy via the hilarious portrayals of radioactivity and its effects in the movies and comic books of the 1950s. Finally, he shows how future breakthroughs will make possible ever more advanced medical diagnostic devices - and perhaps even power stations on the moon that can beam their power to earth.
The Physics of Everyday Things
- 256pages
- 9 heures de lecture
Physics professor, bestselling author and dynamic storyteller James Kakalios reveals the mind-bending science behind the seemingly basic things that keep our daily lives running, from our smartphones and digital 'clouds' to x-ray machines and hybrid vehicles.