Why Do Things Break When They Fall? | Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains...

Video Description

Why do things break when they fall? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host 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: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, 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