Acceleration in Physics: Meaning, Measurement, & Calculation (RP7)

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. This seventh Radical Physics (RP) taproot episode gets at the heart of kinematics and lays the foundation for much of mechanics.  

How to Convert Units of Measurement in Physics & Chemistry (RP6a)

Measurement is crucial to science. And the ability to convert measurements from one set of units to another is crucial for science students! This Radical Physics (RP) tendril episode teaches how units conversion works.

Velocity in Physics: Meaning, Measurement, & Calculation (RP6)

Types of Force in Physics: Diversity, Meaning, & Measurement (RP5)

Many types of force exist. Besides the four fundamental interactions (gravity, electromagnetism, weak & strong nuclear), there are numerous everyday forces that are human-scale manifestations of the fundamental interactions.

Laws vs. Definitions in Physics: Revelation vs. Convention (RP4a)

It’s important to distinguish physical laws from definitions. DEFINITIONS have a local, human source; they are made by convention. However, in physics, LAWS come from the universe; they are revealed.

Force, Inertia, & Newton’s First Law of Motion (RP4)

This 4th Radical Physics (RP) “taproot” episode clarifies the concept of force and properly introduces the Law of Inertia (aka Newton’s 1st Law of Motion).

Innumeracy, Part 1: Triple Powers of Ten (RP2c)

Significant Figures & Scientific Notation (RP2b)

Accuracy in measurement and calculation is crucial to science.

This Radical Physics (RP) tendril episode introduces scientific notation and “sig figs,” two important tools for maintaining and displaying accuracy.

Inertia, Mass, & a Bad Law of Physics – Newton’s 1st Law Clarified (RP3)

This is the third taproot episode of Radical Physics. The “bad law of physics” in the title refers to a common misstatement of Newton’s first law of motion (N1).  Once inertia is properly understood, then the power, scope, and surprise of the real N1 can be appreciated.

Mission:Impossible IV – Crash Pad in a Can (RPMA)

Here is the Radical Physics Movie Action (RPMA) analysis of a scene from Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, wherein an IMF agent survives a fall from a tall building.  Check out the excite and the science of RPMA – Mission:Impossible IV – Crash Pad in a Can.

Mission:Impossible IV – Tom Cruise’s 100-meter, 100-mph Drop (RPMA)

Here is the Radical Physics Movie Action (RPMA) analysis of a scene from Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, wherein Tom Cruise falls 100 meters. Don’t miss the excitement and the science of RPMA – Mission:Impossible IV – 100-meter, 100-mph Drop.

Mission:Impossible IV – Tom Cruise’s Freeway Bail-Out (RPMA)

Here is the Radical Physics Movie Action (RPMA) analysis of a scene from Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, wherein Tom Cruise bails out of a speeding car. Don’t miss the excitement and insight of RPMA – Mission:Impossible IV – Freeway Bail-Out.

Radical Physics Movie Action (RPMA) Rating System

From the hallowed GP (“Good Physics”) rating to the dreaded NP-17 (“No Physics; no one under — or over — 17 should view”) designation, here is the Radical Physics Movie Action (RPMA) Rating System.

Andrew Fraknoi on Pluto’s Exit from the Planet Club

Astronomy expert Andrew Fraknoi explains the reasoning behind Pluto’s apparent demotion to “dwarf planet” status. This special Radical Physics (RP) episode is entitled RP Interview: Andrew Fraknoi on Pluto’s Exit from the Planet Club.

Andrew Fraknoi on Falling Into a Black Hole

Astronomy expert Andrew Fraknoi explains the harrowing experience of someone who falls into a black hole. This special episode of Radical Physics (RP) is entitled RP Interview: Andrew Fraknoi on Falling Into a Black Hole.

Andrew Fraknoi on the Origins of Our Atoms

Astronomy expert Andrew Fraknoi explains the exotic origins of every atom on Earth (except hydrogen). This special episode of Radical Physics (RP) is entitled RP Interview: Andrew Fraknoi on the Origins of Our Atoms.

She Has a Need for Speed (Relative to What?) (RP2a)

This is a “tendril” episode of Radical Physics’s second taproot program. It explores the deep ambiguity of this seemingly simple question: How fast are you going?

Speed in Physics – Meaning, Calculation, & Relativity: From Usain Bolt to Voyager (RP2)

The second taproot episode of Radical Physics is RP2 – Need for Speed: From Usain Bolt to Voyager. Here we explore speed, AND we lay a firm foundation for understanding relativity theory.

Deep Mysteries of Science: Not Taking the World for Granted (RP1a)

Here is a video “tendril” of RP1, the first Radical Physics taproot episode. RP1a – Deep Mysteries: Not Taking the World for Granted presents some of reality’s most profound mysteries. Brace yourself for an exploration — or at least a listing — of the great unknowns!

Radical Physics Intro: God’s Thoughts & the Awesome Machinery of Nature (RP1)

Wonderfest presents the first episode of Radical Physics (RP), RP1 – God’s Thoughts and the Awesome Machinery of Nature. This engaging introduction to physics reveals the power, scope, and beauty of humankind’s deepest understanding of nature. Please join me for a rewarding, mind-opening experience. As Jack Conte sings in the RP introduction: “See the universe through a brand new set of eyes.”  - Tucker Hiatt