Early ideas were that energy was a thing that could move in and out of objects. A hot cannon had more of this in it than a cold cannon, so you had to start somewhere. It wasn't until we understood molecules and atoms that we were able to say, hmm, what will friction plays in this?
How is energy different from matter? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice break down what energy is and where it comes from, ancient theories about sight, and how wheels keep us moving. Explore physics, thermodynamics, and more!
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
https://startalkmedia.com/show/things-you-thought-you-knew-what-is-energy/
Thanks to our Patrons Matt Smith, Matthew Tolbert, benjamin flanders, Nick Davis, Joseph, and Hemant Sudiwala for supporting us this week.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of National Nuclear Security Administration / Nevada Site Office, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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