The Physics of Superheroes

The Physics of Superheroes
by James Kakalios

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Book Summary Information

Author: James Kakalios
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2006-09-21
ISBN: 1592402429
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: Gotham

Book Reviews of The Physics of Superheroes

Book Review: The Physics of Superheros
Summary: 5 Stars

WOW!
I am a middle school teacher in Crockett CA. I have taught science, language arts, reading and history over the past five years. Science has always been my favorite subject, and my passion, and this book is part of that passion for learning and understanding. Now I am an 8th grade science teacher, and have found this book the most valuable in my teaching collection.

Not only is it informative, but it's an attention grabber that can't be put down. Cover to cover, Jim Kalalios writes in a style that is mater a fact, with simple explanation of the most complex formulas.

I use his text, as will as others and superheroes as a device to stimulate my students in all areas of learning, but in science, this book is the back bone of my curriculum. Jim's explanations of "matter", "energy", "the dead cat theory", and "the string theory" are clearly and thoughtfully exposed using superheroes and their super powers. How is it possible for Superman to jump tall buildings, and Flash to runs at such speeds? The "principle of conservation of energy" along with the formula for "work", and "kinetic energy" are explained in fascinating detail. All students can understand this! I can't think of teaching without this powerful and enlighten book.

If you teach science, from K-12 or college, this book is a must! I also can't express my sear joy to have met him at ComicCon 2008, and get his signature in my dog eared book. Thanks Jim!!!

As a foot note, my daughter is attending UC Irvine where a teacher offers course called "The science of superheroes" base solely on Jim's book. Check it out!

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All The Physics of Superheroes Customer Reviews

Summary of The Physics of Superheroes

The Physics of Superheroesapplies 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 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 acceleration
. How Iceman's and Storm's powers illustrate the principles of thermal dynamics
. The physics behind the death of Spider-Man's girlfriend Gwen Stacy
. Why physics professors gone bad are the most dangerous evil geniuses! BACKCOVER: Praise for The Physics of Superheroes

"Surprisingly enough, according to Kakalios, comic books get their physics right more often than you'd think."
-The Boston Globe

"Writing with tongue firmly planted in cheek, Kakalios looks at classic comics with a physicist's eye. . . . Outstanding."
-The Orlando Sentinel

"Kakalios, a University of Minnesota physicist and unrepentant comics nerd, offers up jovial, largely equation-free deconstructions of Ant-Man's shrinking ability, the centripetal acceleration of Spider-Man's swing, and the strength of his silk web."
-Discover

"Wildly entertaining, yet scientifically accurate. Comprises a fairly solid introductory education in physics, sweetened with a history lesson in classic comic book superheroes."
-Metro

"Offers a droll but sincere look at what Superman and Spider-Man can teach about physics. . . . Entertaining. . . . His explanations are lucid and smooth."
-Science magazine

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