Physics Phlicks

Physics Stamp of Approval (Ms. J's movie review):

• Robotics and Engineering: the Iron Man suit introduced in the first movie is an excellent example of engineering and applied physics. Tony Stark is just a physics approved character, obviously mechanically inclined and brilliant (Howard Stark's DNA helps), with a respectable MIT education (and plenty of money) to lend credibility to everything he does onscreen.
• Energy and Electromagnetism: the Arc Reactor. While the 'physics' behind this device is not explained in depth (which is good, because it is probably wrong), we can see that the design appears to mimic the design used for many experimental nuclear fusion reactors. It employs some version of a toroidal magnetic field, which is indeed capable of producing electrical energy.
• Nuclear and Particle Physics: Tony is suffering from what is likely some sort of radiation damage from the palladium nuclide used in his arc reactor. He manufactures a new 'element' (it is probably really just a new radionuclide) by BUILDING AN ACCELERATOR in his basement! It is not 100% accurate, but is close enough to impress. This plot point alone makes Iron Man 2 stand out from the Marvel crowd.
• Other Marvel movies have some great physics references as well....and may make the list later.

Physics Stamp of Approval:

• Everything, just everything. This is one of the most scientifically accurate movies perhaps ever made. Look for:
• Classical Mechanics and kinematics: Rocketry, multiple examples including sending the MAV into Mars low orbit without good aerodynamics- acceptable because of sparse martian atmosphere- low friction and drag!
• Gravity and Rotational Mechanics: Martian gravity, Microgravity, and 'artificial' gravity generated by the centripetal force of the rotating wheel of the ship Hermes
• Orbital Dynamics (astrodynamics): Earth-Mars distances and orbits, Mars Orbital Insertion and intercept between MAV and Hermes. This is a large plot point, and they absolutely nail the physics.
• Light and EM Spectrum: Communications delays between Earth and Mars, satellite relays
• Nuclear Physics: RTG (radioisotope thermoelectric generator) used for power on many NASA missions, and utilized by Mark Watney for providing heat.
• Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics: air pressure used as thrust, low air pressure on Mars due to small atmosphere. (Though there is an issue at the end of the movie, the infamous 'Iron Man' scene. That would NOT work, and indeed was not in the book!)
• Momentum and Energy Conservation, Collisions: rocketry examples, as well as EVA operations (spacewalks).
• NASA Operations: basically spot-on. Only issue is once again at the end, where Commander Lewis takes over for Dr. Beck for the EVA. Dr. Beck's JOB was to be the EVA specialist, he was the one who should have caught Mark. Look for some quotes and references to real historical events!

Physics Stamp of Approval:

• Almost everything shown above in "The Martian", but this event really happened!

Physics Stamp of Approval:

• Aerodynamics: Two Words....."Shake" and "Bake". This maneuver used by Ricky Bobby and his buddy Cal employs a real strategy used by race drivers, where a low pressure zone builds up behind a moving car, allowing a car to be 'dragged' along and gain free speed, which allows for a slingshot pass!
• Momentum and Collisions: Nothing demonstrates energy and momentum conservation quite like NASCAR crashes, and there are plenty in this film. For a great video series explaining more about the physics in NASCAR, check out "The Science of Speed" YouTube playlist.
• Classical Mechanics and Kinematics: Ricky Bobby wants to go fast. To measure motion, you need kinematics! Additionally, check out the banking on the turns of the NASCAR tracks to see an interesting result force distribution on racecars.
• Circular Motion: Turn left, turn left, turn left! How do racecar drivers keep the speed up in the turns? It has to do with the banking of the track and friction of the tires!
• Engineering and Applied Physics: Of the major sports in this country, there is only NASCAR that is directly affected by a knowledge of physics. Try looking up the educational resume of the pit chief of your favorite driver! Most will have graduate degrees in fields like Mechanical Engineering. A racecar is basically a science experiment on wheels!

Physics Stamp of Approval:

• The Relationship of Mathematics to Physics: yes, we all know that math skills are essential to a physicist, but rarely is that shown on the silver screen. This movie does a bang-up job of showing the difficult calculations and the multitude of people involved in achieving space flight. And somehow, it makes watching people do math entertaining. Impressive!
• NASA History: This movie is indeed based on a true story. Several of the struggles shown were exaggerated for cinematic effect (NASA was actually one of the rare places in this time period where people WERE promoted based on ability despit race, sex, or creed.) Additionally, the whole thing with the bathroom never happened! Still ALL THREE of these women did indeed exist, and were portrayed accurately as far as their achievements at NASA. Check out these Wikipedia articles for more info: Katharine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson.
• Orbital Mechanics: here is a NASA archived report written by the real Katharine Johnson!