What Is Entropy, Really?
Never mind the “heat death of the universe.” Entropy is just a bridge between two levels of reality.
Drive Slower, Save Money on Gas. Thanks, Physics!
Planning a Fourth of July getaway? Use less gas—and cut your emissions—by easing up on the pedal.
Venezuela’s Powerful Earthquakes Were a Rare ‘Seismic Doublet’
The country was hit hard by a pair of quakes that happened in quick succession and were likely driven by…
How Can Soccer Players Bend Their Shots in Midair?
As World Cup action kicks off, we look at the physics of the beautiful game.
A Fundamental Principle of Aeronautical Engineering Has Been Overturned
It’s long been accepted that the smoother the surface, the lower the aerodynamic drag. That turns out not always to…
All the Fancy Measuring Devices Used in Science Rely on Two Stone-Age Techniques
The multifarious methods we use to gather experimental data ultimately boil down to counting or comparing.
Build a Radio Wave Detector With Balls of Aluminum Foil!
Here’s how you can hack together a radio transmitter and receiver out of stuff you have at home—and explore the…