Why do things break when they fall? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic cohost Chuck nice break down the physics of a falling object. What make it break when it hits the ground?

We tease out the physics of what is going on. How much energy is holding the plate together? Learn about binding energy versus kinetic energy. What is gravitational potential energy? Find out how rollercoasters work. Why do you slow down going up hills? We find out: if a plate falls off a high shelf, who really broke the plate?

Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/3dYIEQF

Support us on Patreon:   / startalkradio  

FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk:
Twitter:   / startalkradio  
Facebook:   / startalk  
Instagram:   / startalk  

About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic cohosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

#StarTalk #neildegrassetyson

0:00 Introduction
1:59 Binding Energy
3:50 Kinetic Energy
5:56 Gravitational Potential Energy
9:23 Why Things Shatter
10:32 Why Things Don’t Break
13:29 Closing Notes