Short Wave Randall Munroe's Absurd Science For Real-World Problems
Oct 21, 2019
Randall Munroe, creator of the beloved webcomic xkcd and author of 'How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems,' brings a whimsical approach to science. He dives into thought experiments like the logistics of filling a pool with bottled water, merging humor with scientific inquiry. Randall shares quirky anecdotes about nostalgic trends, including 'chicken pox parties,' and discusses how mid-20th century nuclear testing has left a mark on our biology. His insights meld laughter and learning in fascinating ways.
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Filling a Pool with Bottled Water
- Randall Munroe explores filling a pool with bottled water to highlight absurd problem-solving.
- He calculated the time to unscrew 100,000 bottle tops, exceeding a day.
Nuclear Weapons and Beverages
- Munroe's research into emptying water bottles led him to a government study.
- The study explored nuclear weapons' effects on packaged beverages.
The Government's Nuclear Beverage Experiment
- The US government conducted experiments on the effects of nuclear weapons on commercially packaged beverages.
- The goal was to determine if beverages would be safe to consume after a nuclear attack.
