The Wonders of Physics

Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines
01.24.2010
(was 02.15.2009)

President Obama's surrounded by science advisors. So you might figure he doesn't need to know much about physics, but you'd be mistaken. How is a President supposed to assess the risk of a "dirty bomb," or weigh the pros and cons of various energy sources, from solar power to nuclear energy? In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, we'll get a basic primer in physics.

  1. Richard Muller on Physics for Presidents

    The President shouldn't rely on his science advisors to explain what a dirty bomb is or why clean coal is important.

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  2. Robert Laughlin on Eccentric Physicists

    Robert Laughlin tells Steve Paulson that physicists are an eccentric bunch. He should know.

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  3. Mark Oliver Everett on Hugh Everett & Parallel Universes

    Steve Paulson introduces us to Mark Oliver Everett, better known as "E" - lead singer of the Eels, and son of Hugh Everett, the man who came up with the theory of parallel worlds.

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  4. Rebecca Stott on "Ghostwalk"

    "Ghostwalk" is an intellectual thriller set partly in Isaac Newton's time and concerning his interest in alchemy.

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  5. A. Van Jordan on "Quantum Lyrics"

    A. Van Jordan has put together a collection of poems about physics.

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