What Is Entropy, Really?
Never mind the “heat death of the universe.” Entropy is just a bridge between two levels of reality.
Drive Slower, Save Money on Gas. Thanks, Physics!
Planning a Fourth of July getaway? Use less gas—and cut your emissions—by easing up on the pedal.
How Can Soccer Players Bend Their Shots in Midair?
As World Cup action kicks off, we look at the physics of the beautiful game.
All the Fancy Measuring Devices Used in Science Rely on Two Stone-Age Techniques
The multifarious methods we use to gather experimental data ultimately boil down to counting or comparing.
Build a Radio Wave Detector With Balls of Aluminum Foil!
Here’s how you can hack together a radio transmitter and receiver out of stuff you have at home—and explore the weirdness of wireless.
Do Lightsaber Blades Have Mass?
On Star Wars Day, we put to rest a question that has bedeviled sci-fi nerds for years.
How Can Astronauts Tell How Fast They’re Going?
Weirdly, spaceships have no direct way to gauge their own speed. Luckily, we can use some physics tricks to figure it out.
One Way or Another, Most of Our Electricity Comes From Solar Power
That’s good news, since the forecast is sunshine for the next 5 billion years.
You Can Approximate Pi by Dropping Needles on the Floor
Who needs a supercomputer when you can calculate pi with a box of sewing needles?
How Can a Locomotive Pull a Long Train That’s Much Heavier?
For railroads, it’s all about managing static and kinetic friction.