Fermilab Lecture Series -The Physics of Superheroes

In THE PHYSICS OF SUPERHEROES, inspired by his Freshman Seminar class at the University of Minnesota entitled: "Everything I Know About Science I Learned from Reading Comic Books," Physics Professor James Kakalios addresses topics from Isaac Newton to the transistor, but there's not an inclined plane or pulley in sight. Rather, ALL the examples come from superhero comic books, and as much as possible, those cases where the superheroes get their physics right!

For example, have you ever wondered how strong you would have to be to "leap a tall building in a single bound?" Was it the fall or the webbin that killed Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man's girlfriend in the classic Amazing Spider-Man # 121? How does Kitty Pryde from the X-Men comics and movies use quantum mechanics to walk through walls? All this, and the answers to such important real life questions as the chemical composition of Captain America's shield, and who is faster: Superman or the Flash? will be discussed. Superhero comic books often get their science right more often than one would expect!

Additional info: http://www.fnal.gov/culture/NewArts/Lectures/13-14/kakalios.shtml

You must purchase your ticket for $7. Use this link:

http://www.centerstageticketing.com/sites/fermilab/events.php