The Physics of Superheroes applies the reality of physics to the fantasy of comic books. James Kakalios explores the scientific plausibility of the powers and feats of the most famous superheroesβand 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:
β’ What Supermanβs strength can tell us about the Newtonian physics of force, mass, and acceleration β’ How Icemanβs and Stormβs powers illustrate the principles of thermal dynamics β’ The physics behind the death of Spider-Manβs girlfriend Gwen Stacy β’ Why physics professors gone bad are the most dangerous evil geniuses!
BACKCOVER: Praise for The Physics of Superheroes
βSurprisingly enough, according to Kakalios, comic books get their physics right more often than youβd think.β βThe Boston Globe
βWriting with tongue firmly planted in cheek, Kakalios looks at classic comics with a physicistβs eye. . . . Outstanding.β βThe Orlando Sentinel
βKakalios, a University of Minnesota physicist and unrepentant comics nerd, offers up jovial, largely equation- free deconstructions of Ant-Manβs shrinking ability, the centripetal acceleration of Spider-Manβs swing, and the strength of his silk web.β βDiscover
βWildly entertaining, yet scientifically accurateβ¦ Comprises a fairly solid introductory education in physics, sweetened with a history lesson in classic comic book superheroes.β βMetro
βOffers a droll but sincere look at what Superman and Spider-Man can teach about physics. . . . Entertaining. . . . His explanations are lucid and smooth.β βScience magazine
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