StarTalk Radio Things You Thought You Knew – What Are Wormholes?
Aug 2, 2022
Join a lively discussion on the mind-bending concept of wormholes and their cosmic potential. Discover the quirky physics behind why objects break when they fall, using humorous examples like cats and dishes. Explore the fascinating realms of white noise and its connection to the universe's origins. The conversation also playfully imagines wormholes as instant transportation, contrasting scientific theories with their portrayal in pop culture. Wrap up with a whimsical look at the evolution of communication, leaving you curious about the cosmos.
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Why Things Break
- Things break when the energy applied exceeds their binding energy.
- This energy can come from direct force or, in the case of falling, converted potential energy.
The Falling Plate
- Neil deGrasse Tyson uses a plate falling off a shelf as an example of how potential energy converts to kinetic energy.
- Chuck Nice jokes that a cat is usually the culprit.
Height and Breakage
- The height from which an object falls determines its potential energy, which converts to kinetic energy.
- Higher falls result in more kinetic energy, leading to greater shattering.