circular motion
What Happens If a Space Elevator Breaks
These structures are a sci-fi solution to the problem of getting objects into orbit without a rocket—but you don’t want to be under one if the cable snaps.
The Physics of That Spinning Hug in Dua Lipa’s Music Video
The dance move seems to defy gravity—but it actually involves Newton’s second law, equilibrium, and a fake force.
How to Whirl a Squirrel off of a Bird Feeder
In a viral video, a backyard snack bandit gets his just desserts. Next time he'll want to check the physics of circular motion.
Hurling Satellites Into Space Seems Crazy—but Might Just Work
A startup called SpinLaunch wants to do away with costly launch rockets. Let's look at the physics.
The Mesmerizing Science of Garden Sprinklers
Don’t trust your eyes—the water’s not moving the way you think it is.
How to Rip a Crazy Skateboard Loop With Physics
All you need is some topsy-turvy force analysis and this simple equation.
Why a (Very Bad! Unsafe!) Playground Stunt Sends Folks Flying
If common sense hasn't convinced you that using a moped to spin a merry-go-round is a bad idea, perhaps the physics of circular motion will.
The Physics of Chewbacca Falling Out of a Moving Train
Chewbacca is tumbling out of a moving train! Han rushes to save him! Turns out, ordinary physics would have saved him, too.
How to Easily Locate the Accelerometer in an iPhone
Don't take apart your phone! Circular motion, an app to record sensor data, and some physics is all you need.
The Physics of Swinging a Mass on a String for Fun
With a specific setup, you can control the tension in the string.
A Simple Gravity Question With a Complicated Answer
In which a physics professor severely overthinks his daughter's science homework.
The Physics of the Speeder Chase in Solo: A Star Wars Story
How do you pull off a banking turn if there's no road to bank off?
The Mesmerizing Math of a Wind Turbine on Fire
This video shows a wind turbine on fire making a crazy helix. Here's how to model this motion in 3D.
Jay Leno Can’t Do Flips in a Car and Not Expect Us to Do the Physics
In this video, Jay Leno rides with Bob Riggle in a high power car. The car pulls a wheelie and then ends up rolling. Here is the physics behind both of these events.
Just How Far Can a Motorcycle Lean in a Turn?
In MotoGP races, you will often see motorcycles in a turn with extreme lean angles. Can we calculate the lean angle based on turning acceleration and coefficient of friction? Yes.
How That Spinning Spacecraft From The Martian Would Work
In The Martian astronauts use a spinning spacecraft to create artificial gravity. How does this compare to other spacecraft?
How Do Motorcycles Lean So Far Without Tipping Over?
When a motorcycle turns, it leans. Why do these motorcycles lean so far while taking tight turns?
What Happens When a CD Spins Too Fast?
What happens when you spin a CD too fast? The answer is that it shatters. The Slow Mo Guys captured some high speed video showing just how it breaks.
The Physics of a Spinning Spacecraft in Interstellar
Adding a circular motion to a spacecraft creates a gravity-like effect.
What Is the Slowest Running Speed For a Loop-the-Loop?
I’ve looked at the loop-the-loop problem before. The basic idea is to take something (like a car) and drive around a vertical loop while not leaving the track. It’s a cool stunt especially with a human. How does it work? In the video, someone says that it’s all about centrifugal force. You might think that […]
How Fast Can a Skater Turn in the Speed Skating Short Track?
In the short track speed skating event, skaters lean heavily during turns. What's the maximum speed you could skate through one of these turns?
Where Is the Accelerometer in an iPhone?
Actually, I’ve done this experiment before (although with an iPod touch). Of course, it’s a fun experiment so it seems worthwhile to repeat the measurement. Of course most smart phones have some type of accelerometer so that you can do all sorts of cool things with it (like see how high you can toss your […]
How Strong Are the Suction Wheels in Bad Piggies?
I feel like I can’t keep up with Bad Piggies. Rovio is adding new items faster than I can analyze them. The item of interest for now is the new (well, not so new) suction cup wheels. These wheels allow the pigs to create vehicles that can climb walls and stick to ceilings. But here’s […]
Artificial Gravity in the Spinning Discovery One
Taking a look at the fictional spaceship Discovery from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, our physics blogger Rhett Allain examines the way it produces artificial gravity. Some of the details make sense, but some don't, and a few ideas are left to the reader as homework.