What If?: Serious Scientific Answer to Absurd Hypothetical Questions: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
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THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
From the creator of the wildly popular xkcd.com, hilarious and informative answers to important questions you probably never thought to ask.
Millions visit xkcd.com each week to read Randall Munroe’s iconic webcomic. Fans ask him a lot of strange questions: How fast can you hit a speed bump, driving, and live? When (if ever) did the sun go down on the British Empire? When will Facebook contain more profiles of dead people than living? How many humans would a T Rex rampaging through New York need to eat a day?
In pursuit of answers, Munroe runs computer simulations, pores over stacks of declassified military research memos, solves differential equations and consults nuclear reactor operators. His responses are masterpieces of clarity and hilarity, complemented by comics. They often predict the complete annihilation of humankind, or at least a really big explosion.
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Additional information
| Publisher | John Murray, 1st edition (24 Sept. 2015) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 336 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1848549563 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1848549562 |
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 2.5 x 19.8 cm |
by Stuart Aken
Subtitled ‘Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions’, this book is as entertaining as it is informative. The author is at pains to inform readers that, although he has a degree in physics, he works as the owner/creator of a webcomic, XKCD, he also warns that he is less interested in health and safety than in exploring how things react when blown up, etc.
I love the way he applies science, with an open mind, to the many questions he’s been asked, some of them so odd they’ll make your hair curl. One or two of the questions posed are commonly asked of scientists, and others, but Randall Munroe puts an intriguing spin on his answers to these.
I’ll list just a small sample of the questions posed: ‘What would happen if the Earth and all terrestrial objects suddenly stopped spinning, but the atmosphere retained its velocity’, ‘What would happen if you made a periodic table out of cube-shaped bricks, where each brick was made of the corresponding element?’, ‘Let’s assume there’s life on the nearest habitable exoplanet and that they have technology comparable to ours. If they looked at our star right now, what would they see?’, and ‘How many unique English tweets are possible? How long would it take for the population of the world to read them out loud?’
Eclectic: possibly the best description of the content. Amusing, well thought out, undoubtedly contentious in certain circles, informative and entertaining. The author raises other questions in answering those he is set by correspondents, considering the issues as if the questions were serious (most of the time; he does add brief sarcastic comments for some of the more peculiar questions, especially those that might lead the reader to suspect some twisted motivation on behalf of the questioner!)
This is one of those delightful books readers can dip into in odd spare moments and glean some fascinating information along with the mind-bending possibilities discussed.
Thoroughly enjoyable, educational and funny.
by Chris B
Very suitable as a stocking filler
by Paul W
Bought this for my dad for Christmas as it seemed like his sort of book. Had a quick flick through, it’s very amusing. The title basically tells you exactly what you are going to get, enjoy.
by Rooney
“What If?” by Randall Munroe is a delightful exploration of the bizarre, absurd, and seemingly impossible questions that have intrigued curious minds for generations. Munroe, a former NASA roboticist and the creator of the webcomic xkcd, takes readers on an intellectual rollercoaster ride through a series of hypothetical scenarios, offering serious scientific answers with a hefty dose of wit and humor. Here’s why “What If?” is a must-read for anyone who enjoys pondering the strange and fantastical:
Clever and Engaging: Munroe’s writing is clever, engaging, and infused with a unique sense of humor. He takes the most outlandish questions, such as “What would happen if you tried to hit a baseball pitched at 90 percent the speed of light?” and breaks them down into scientifically sound, yet often hilarious, explanations.
Scientific Rigor: Despite the absurdity of the questions, Munroe maintains scientific rigor throughout the book. He diligently researches and consults experts to provide well-informed answers, often delving into physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Accessible Language: Munroe has a remarkable ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible and understandable manner. Whether you have a background in science or not, you’ll find the explanations clear and engaging.
Imaginative Scenarios: The scenarios explored in “What If?” are incredibly imaginative and diverse. From calculating the energy required to stop the Earth’s rotation to determining the likelihood of finding a soul mate in a world with only 10,000 people, the book is a treasure trove of thought-provoking inquiries.
Humor and Wit: Munroe’s humor adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the book. His witty remarks and clever illustrations complement the scientific content, making each scenario both informative and amusing.
Curiosity-Stoking: “What If?” has a way of sparking curiosity and encouraging readers to think critically about the world around them. It invites you to ponder absurd questions and contemplate the underlying scientific principles.
Broad Appeal: This book has broad appeal. It’s suitable for science enthusiasts, casual readers, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh. You don’t need to be a scientist to appreciate the humor and intellect within its pages.
Fascinating Real-World Insights: Alongside the fantastical scenarios, Munroe provides insights into real-world phenomena, making readers look at everyday things from a new perspective.
In conclusion, “What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions” is a delightful and intellectually stimulating journey into the realms of the absurd and the scientific. Randall Munroe’s unique blend of humor and scientific expertise makes this book a true gem for curious minds. Whether you read it cover to cover or dip into its pages for a quick chuckle and a dose of knowledge, “What If?” will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders and mysteries of the universe, both real and imagined. It’s a testament to the power of curiosity and the joy of exploring the unknown.
by craftylady
A lovely coffee table book that answers so many questions that people always say what if that did not happen and what then would have been the consequences. This is really a book that you read and thensimply go back tor read bits every so often when there are a few minutes spare.0
by Lesley
Excy
by Dave
I loved this book and my 8 year old son is obsessed with it and I have to read him a chapter before bed every night (there’s a couple I don’t think are quite suitable but it’s not exactly aimed at him).
by Dorian Anreiter VII
i loved the book. apart from the mistake in the lightening section.
he asserts that water is conductive! water is an insulator, a very good one. however IF salts or other chemicals are dissolved on it water becomes conductive. Surely a nerd should know that?