(The physics of superheroes by James Kakalios. Photo credit: Duckworth Overlook)
(Image above is designed to look like the front cover of a comic. It shows an image of a masked and caped superhero holding up a sign. The sign is the title of the book: The physics of superheroes. Also on the cover is a picture of a scientist who looks similar to Albert Einstein. At the bottom of the page is the name of the author)
How strong would Superman have to be to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Could Storm of the X-Men possibly control the weather?
Since 2001, James Kakalios has taught “Everything I needed to know about physics I learned from reading comic books,” at the University of Minnesota, using the unique method of explaining complex physics concepts through comics.
Now he shares those concepts with a wider audience. The Physics of Superheroes is not a textbook but is written for anyone interested in a pain-free way of learning about basic physics concepts.
The book is divided into four sections – Mechanics, Energy, Modern physics and What have we learned? – covering topics such as forces and motion, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism and quantum mechanics.
Kakalios discusses these concepts in a tone that not only educates but also amuses the reader along the way.
Further details of The physics of Superheroes can be found on the main catalogue, available in ‘Catalogues’ on the Library’s website.