Care to name a few that you think can be “superpowers”?
I have no objection to using fictional examples, especially when it illustrates a point perfectly. Just be sure to buffer it with real-world examples. You did a good job mentioning occupations that can viscerally feel physics. I did find it rather surprising that you didn’t mention basketball players’ understanding of parabolas. That was the first example I thought of right after reading the word “machinist”.
superpowers is a bit of an exaggeration. I don’t know many we can get gains in, but having a more intuitive than mathematical understanding of everyday physics should lead to some interesting abilities. For example, derivable from solid mechanics equations is the fact that a shallow cut on the back of a wood beam will allow you to break it with maybe 1⁄3 of the force. More brittle materials work even better. I’m sure there are others. I’ll keep thinking.
The basketball example is a really good one, thanks.
For example, derivable from solid mechanics equations is the fact that a shallow cut on the back of a wood beam will allow you to break it with maybe 1⁄3 of the force. More brittle materials work even better.
Holy crap! That’s awesome!
I’ve taken a metal smithing class for several semesters, and noticed that an understanding of the physics involved makes one much better at producing the results desired. The teacher has an excellent balance of knowledge and feeling-about-the-knowledge. It is an admirable trait, feeling what you know.
Care to name a few that you think can be “superpowers”?
I have no objection to using fictional examples, especially when it illustrates a point perfectly. Just be sure to buffer it with real-world examples. You did a good job mentioning occupations that can viscerally feel physics. I did find it rather surprising that you didn’t mention basketball players’ understanding of parabolas. That was the first example I thought of right after reading the word “machinist”.
superpowers is a bit of an exaggeration. I don’t know many we can get gains in, but having a more intuitive than mathematical understanding of everyday physics should lead to some interesting abilities. For example, derivable from solid mechanics equations is the fact that a shallow cut on the back of a wood beam will allow you to break it with maybe 1⁄3 of the force. More brittle materials work even better. I’m sure there are others. I’ll keep thinking.
The basketball example is a really good one, thanks.
Holy crap! That’s awesome!
I’ve taken a metal smithing class for several semesters, and noticed that an understanding of the physics involved makes one much better at producing the results desired. The teacher has an excellent balance of knowledge and feeling-about-the-knowledge. It is an admirable trait, feeling what you know.