The Physics of Superheroes

If superheroes stepped off the comic book page, could they actually work their wonders in a world constrained by the laws of physics? How strong would Superman have to be to 'leap tall buildings in a single bound'? Could Storm of the 'X-Men' possibly control the weather?

James Kakalios provides an engaging and witty commentary while introducing the reader to classical and cutting-edge concepts in physics, including:

• what Superman's strength can tell us about the Newtonian physics of force, mass, and acceleration;

• what villains like Electro and Magneto tell us about electricity and magnetism;

• how Iceman's powers show the principles of thermal dynamics;

• what the Human Top can tell us about angular momentum;

• why physics professors gone bad are the most dangerous evil geniuses... and more!