Science Features

Physics & Pop Culture · Journal of Physics Special Topics, University of Leicester

Journal of Physics Special Topics · 2021

Gwen Stacy's Death: Physics or Just Storytelling?

Calculating whether Spider-Man's web could have saved Gwen Stacy. Using Young's modulus (294 MPa), web stretch of 16.7 m, and impact deceleration forces, the physics says she could have survived.

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Journal of Physics Special Topics · 2021

The True Cost of Brewing Tea in Lake Windermere

Heating Lake Windermere to brewing temperature would cost between £14 and £34 billion and require 65% of the world's annual tea production. Solar heating with loose-leaf tea is the cheapest option.

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Journal of Physics Special Topics · 2021

Nightclub Energy — Could 1,600 Students Power a Venue?

A real nightclub, 1,600 dancers, and 4.19 GJ of metabolic heat. The usable 1.257 GJ would cover the venue's full electrical systems, renewable energy, one crowd at a time.

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Journal of Physics Special Topics · 2021

Pirelli's Plight: How Long Can an F1 Tyre Actually Last?

Applying the Archard wear equation to Formula 1 tyre burnout: the physics predicts a tyre failure time of 30.3 seconds, uncomfortably close to real pit stop intervals.

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Journal of Physics Special Topics · 2021

Chickens Go In, High-Performance Aircraft Come Out

Modelling the Chicken Run escape plane using bat-wing aerodynamics: the calculated thrust of 18,000 N is more than enough to get a flock of chickens airborne.

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Journal of Physics Special Topics · 2021

Breaking the Broom! Could the Witch from Room on the Broom Fly?

Applying the modulus of rupture to a maple broomstick: the maximum safe passenger mass is 166 kg, meaning the witch, cat, dog, bird, and frog are all well within limits.

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Technical Blog · Quantemol