Physicist Helen Czerski talks bubbles, explosives, and the impact of ocean waves on history. She explores carbon movement in the ocean, misconceptions about ocean temperatures, and telling stories of the physics of the ocean. They also discuss changing the prison incentive structure and the importance of education in prisons.
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Quick takeaways
Understanding simple physics principles can have practical applications in advanced technologies, as demonstrated by the use of gyroscopes to maintain the orientation of the Hubble Space Telescope.
Studying bubbles in the ocean plays a crucial role in understanding its behavior and processes, particularly in regards to climate change and the transport of carbon dioxide.
Scientists have a responsibility to separate personal values from evidence-based scientific conclusions and can be effective advocates through constructive actions and meaningful contributions.
Deep dives
The power of physics in understanding everyday phenomena
Physicist Helen Chersky emphasizes the value of understanding physics in our everyday lives. She highlights how studying the physics of everyday phenomena, such as eggs spinning on a table or bubbles in the ocean, reveals simple principles that underlie complex systems. By uncovering these basic laws, Chersky believes that many things in the world can start to make sense.
Discovering the physics behind determining if an egg is raw or boiled
Chersky explains the physics behind determining whether an egg is raw or boiled. By spinning a raw egg and a boiled egg on a flat surface and quickly stopping them, one can observe that the raw egg will continue spinning due to the conservation of angular momentum. Chersky connects this same principle to how gyroscopes are used to maintain the Hubble Space Telescope's orientation. This example demonstrates how understanding simple physics concepts can have applications in advanced technologies.
The fascinating properties of bubbles in the ocean
Chersky delves into the study of bubbles in the ocean and their importance in understanding the behavior of the ocean. She explains that bubbles in the ocean create unique conditions for gases and liquids, allowing them to interact differently than in other environments. Chersky focuses on the role of bubbles in the mixing of gases and the transport of carbon dioxide, emphasizing their significance in climate change research.
The challenges of studying the ocean and its complex dynamics
Chersky discusses the difficulties of studying the ocean and its complex dynamics, particularly due to the vastness of the ocean and the ever-changing conditions. She highlights the challenges in collecting data on bubbles in the open ocean, as well as the limitations of current scientific research. Chersky emphasizes the importance of studying the ocean and understanding its physical processes in order to address critical environmental issues.
The intersection of science and advocacy
Chersky reflects on the role of scientists as advocates and the importance of distinguishing between scientific research and personal values. She explains that while scientists can have strong opinions and engage in advocacy, it is crucial to separate values-based decisions from evidence-based scientific conclusions. Chersky also shares her approach to activism, focusing on constructive actions and making meaningful contributions to create change.
Physicist Helen Czerski loves to explain how the world works. She talks with Steve about studying bubbles, setting off explosives, and how ocean waves have changed the course of history.
SOURCE:
Helen Czerski, physicist and oceanographer at University College London.