Physics & Astronomy Colloquium: James Kakalios, University of Minnesota

Title: The Physics of Superheroes

Abstract: While scientists don’t typically consult comic books when selecting research topics, innovations first introduced in superhero adventures can sometimes find their way off the comic book page and into reality. I’ll describe the real physics that underlies the properties of materials, using examples from Spider-Man, Superman and Gormuu, warrior invader from the planet Kraalo! We’ll describe the physics that gives Spider-Man’s webbing its amazing properties – and subject our analysis to some real-world experimental testing. All this, and the answers to such burning questions as the chemical composition of Captain America’s shield, and who is faster: Superman or the Flash? will be discussed. Superhero comic books often get their science right more often than one
would expect.