Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains Force vs. Pressure

Force and Pressure...are they the same thing? On this StarTalk explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice investigate force vs. pressure.
Neil explains how, although in colloquial terms there are many different meanings, force and pressure have precise definitions and equations in physics. What is force? You’ll learn how force is created and why it’s all about balance vs. imbalance.
What is pressure? Neil tells us why pressure needs force. We discuss how pressure makes things like snow shoes able to work. Lastly, you’ll learn how pressure works when it comes to tornadoes, explosives, and the destruction they can cause.
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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!
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[@AlipashaSadri]

Physics lessons from Neil, life lessons from Chuck!

[@benniebritt5705]

Best Man Cave Topic Ever 🤣🚦🚴‍♂️🎶🐀🚔🚑🚒📺🎬

[@mrlowie5728]

Neil D'grasse Tyson just called Polar Bears big mofos that just made my day

[@DFloyd84]

He's not joking. They are big, and they will fo' up your mo'.

[@mrlowie5728]

Okay lol wayne

[@YouTubeUserCMXVIICDI]

He forgot to mention they use those paws to swim. Maybe in a future episode about fluid dynamics...

[@genghiskhan7006]

I just started watching but I really didn’t realize how much humor helped me learn, this is a really funny

[@rachelminneapolis]

I love Chuck. Especially when he starts getting out of hand and Neil has to like rain him back in. The dynamic is awesome

[@bobhope4288]

It's only fun to learn when you're having fun.

[@glytchd]

Yes, I was thinking along these lines as well. The HUmor element is certainly a Key Ingredient. It Creates Joy, which is integral to Learning and, especially, applied knowledge. Now if only School wouldn't systematically siphon all the Joy out of Learning.. Sad because Life.Is.Learning. All Of Life.

[@anssig7450]

Chuck's comedy was on point!

[@katiakatia2380]

You are right, but with time I was so eager to learn that the Humor was distracting me 😁

[@kakarroto007]

The best duo on KZbin. I could watch these all day.

[@timdowney6721]

The cutting knife-sharp vs dull-is a great analogy.

[@wileymcgraw5511]

Example, but yeah! Neil is great at extra explaining things.

[@TheSec09]

I am happy to have found your comment because I understood "doll knife" and I was losing my mind because I didn't get the idea. Now, after reading your comment, it all makes sense.

[@ZeldaClau]

I love how proud Chuck looks when he's made Neil laugh!

[@ThatNerdChris]

I love this channel! I've seen almost every episode. 😁

[@wileymcgraw5511]

You haven’t seen all of them?!

[@jessykaros]

True fans watch every video on this channel 😏 (jk we love you, keep supporting this channel)

[@masternobody1896]

Hi tell neil that I fail physics

[@aspirine24]

@@masternobody1896 not a problem

[@stevenglover9833]

I watch the Re-Runs too!

[@adrianscarlett]

"Use the pressure, Luke"...

[@defenderofwisdom]

Now I am all confused about the force choke power, which is all about pressure I imagine. All in all if you started questioning Vader about it, unlike Tyson he'd be disappointed in your lack of faith.

[@josephwerne5213]

MaY thE presSuRe bE wiTh yOu

[@rubensnoel1712]

May the (Pressure * Area) be with everyone!

[@rbr1170]

@@defenderofwisdom That's what makes Vader special. The others can use the force to move things, Vader can concentrate that force in a small area: i.e. around your neck (but just enough not to cut your head off, an amazing control). So he does not even have to exert so much force to begin with. You still need the force since pressure comes from the force. You can say it requires a more sophisticated skill.

[@bob_s_drawkcab]

This right here is the definition of Star Talk hahhaha...

[@jarrettludolph6000]

I'm taking physics, and sometimes I know all about a unit before we even get to it thanks to Neil and chuck Thank you guys

[@ejmtv3]

lol u meant Chuck. How did u end up typing "church" but whatever

[@jarrettludolph6000]

@@ejmtv3 it was a typo, must have accidentally typed the "r" in.

[@MultiMightyQuinn]

I love how much love he shows in his explanations. That man truly loves his field, and that's infectious to watch. Thanks StarTalk and Mr. Tyson!

[@missartist123]

I could literally listen to Neil DeGrasse Tyson talk about anything for days

[@nikcpao13]

yEs!!

[@hassanchavez6423]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJe1n4yEnsxsoLc

[@garybettinson2486]

@TheKid He is well aware of that, and on numerous occasions has pointed that out when talking about a topic he isn't a expert on. That's why the podcast has so many guests, usaly to bring the expertise to the subject.

[@davinhiscock290]

Puppets entertaining muppets. Need someone to do ya thinking for you pathetic

[@TheEtAdmirer]

Thank you Doctor Tyson for deflating my ego on what I think I know. Much needed and well received.

[@TreyM1609]

Always love Dr. Tyson’s enthusiasm in how he explains everything. You da man too Chuck

[@fraliexb]

Is that why I was always told to open windows if you're having a tornado watch? To help keep the air pressure equal.

[@listenhere1623]

Yes but I'm reality if you do that your roof could fly off easier

[@gavinbamber6082]

@@listenhere1623 Better to lose just the roof than the whole house.

[@magnificify]

Now I want an answer to this question

[@MyKnightlife]

see i was always told you open the door opposite of the side of the house getting hit by the wind. this pulls the pressure from the inside of the house out in the same direction as the wind. if you open the door thats getting the most force from the wind, you are increasing the pressure inside your house and potentially, can loose the roof/walls faster. *trying to remember a lesson when i was 10. im not sure if this creates a similar thing that happens to airplane wings, or acually the opposite as the air below the roof is moving slower, so in a sense creates down force.

[@listenhere1623]

@@magnificify What does common sense tell you. Probably to keep your windows shut. Unless you can safely be present at the very moment that the pressure changes on said structure and open the right windows which would either require 2 brave people or mechanical assistance given the storm hasn't already knocked out windows. Otherwise you should already be in the safest spot possible like a tornado shelter, basement, or ditch/ creek holding onto roots if you can get to low ground do it. But anyway if you open your windows during the storm before the tornado itself hits the wind will just tear apart your house and if the tornado passes right on top then the house will still explode or at least the roof would fly off depending on the construction of the building. Ps I have a construction and demolition background and live in the midwest.

[@Chimeratech8]

I wished my HS teachers showed me this explanation. Thanks Neil!

[@WasabiSniffer]

I wish I saw all of these when I was taking physics 1

[@MariaValenciaVergara]

2:16 am. Death tired. Need to go to b... Oh look! Neil and Chuck made another video! 🎉🎉

[@elynevk2922]

me too !

[@sirmarkkevin954]

Hahaha parehas tayo. Madalas lumitaw sa recommendation ko kapag gabing-gabi na.

[@marcoalaniz4749]

After watching star talk every episode and feeling like an astrophysicist now

[@mccauleymccranie3752]

Same

[@persephonesdad5792]

Once I’ve got an understanding I attempt to explain stuff to coworkers and they are just blown away.

[@Jam3s22]

This is how it works right?

[@MrSkinkarde]

These things are taught in grade school

[@RaynJaneya]

Spotter: you were supposed to bring balance to the force!!

[@ejmtv3]

Lifter: *confused and died*

[@Andrew90046zero]

maybe thats what they were talking about in star wars. Its a balance of the forces of the dart side, and the.... light side?

[@jowlorenz9555]

Lead , follow, or get the heck outta the way ...

[@chuysanchez8211]

The spotter is suppose to unbalance the force in favor of the lifter.

[@davido3026]

Brute force!!!

[@thafunky8173]

Why do I pay thousand of dollars for college when I can just Learn everything here In these explainers

[@xarhsify]

Just curious, how much money did u spend and what do u learn?

[@khaoscero]

Not so loud. US universities need their money.

[@lemongavine]

For the diploma

[@Goreuncle]

This isn't even high school physics, don't kid yourself.

[@KingNedya]

@@Goreuncle What do you mean, "This isn't even high school physics"? Did you not hear how many times they said something along the lines of, "You learn this is in high school physics"? Plus, this is all very similar to what I learned in my Physics 101 A: Force and Motion course that I took last trimester, which kind of proves that it's high school level.

[@Lou-Phil]

I literally laughed at this episode multiple times. You two are excellent together. @ChuckNice that was a perfect “pressure” example.

[@leo16seanow7]

I love that Neil curses. Not gratuitously but when needed🤣

[@human_qubit]

I can proudly say that this is pretty much the only startalk video in which I knew almost everything he taught beforehand. He has blown my mind with how little I knew about the things I thought I knew about, in almost every other video. Love from India, Dr. Tyson. 🇮🇳💗

[@TabooGroundhog]

Explainer videos are the best part of Star Talk

[@iPrometheusQ]

The pressure definition by chuck is just on point. I could he posisbly come up with this on the spot?? Genius

[@ImmortalPK]

Wow.. Chuck putting my business out there when giving his definition of pressure. minute 7:30 lol

[@nideshneupane8516]

You guys have always been the coolest influencers to look up to. Been following you for a long time. If I knew how to send cosmic queries, I'd ask some questions. Anyway, keep it up Neil & Chuck. Thank you for educating people in easier manner.

[@dulalghosh9968]

This is great. Keep these explainer videos coming. I wish I had a teacher like Neil and a cool friend like Chuck.

[@dillonknighting2412]

I’ve learned more about science from Neil than I did in my entire high school and college career

[@fenz1]

Great video, would love to hear Neil's explanation of air pressure being lost in a submarine and people being crushed

[@BrianRudolf]

The submarines shell has a specific strength to it structurally by it's shape (Say 1000lbs). so then you can go to a depth of 1000lbs of water pressure and subtract 101kilo pascals of air pressure then boom the structure "implodes"

[@Fastball115]

I love how excited Neil gets while explaining lol

[@mistershirokov5067]

Guys you are just so great “Shared joy multiplies, shared pain divides” and you are such a joy to watch. Thank you for both the education and the laughter :)

[@kerrydrake5014]

I look fwd. to these "splaner" zones! They're always fun & enlightening! Keep 'em coming! Thanks!

[@grierwillis5045]

Thank you Neil! You’re wonderful during these hard times.

[@chrismagovern]

Man, I love Chuck's jokes

[@lsh3rd]

Oh, yeah!

[@buddimalliyanapathirana1767]

He's what keeps the conversation alive.

[@ensign926]

I thought of the aong under pressure the whole time I was listening to the video. Learning about Force is high school physics first 10 days as well. I love their videos

[@cathjerabkova]

these two literally saved my life during this pandemic

[@MarioDallaRiva]

The force of knowledge has been pressured into my brain....

[@ViratKohli-jj3wj]

Lol

[@boxingchamp7803]

Love physics

[@vemelon]

Neils explainings series is the best on Startalk! Love it

[@raphealsmith8305]

Thx mr. Tyson. You always seem to bring up topics that pop into my head that I have no business thinking about so I dismiss them. Until I'm reminded of them when you casually bring them up in your topics. You"'re incredible sir.😀

[@doublekvideos]

Love the channel! Always entertained! I suppose when I saw the video's tirle, I was thinking more of atmospheric pressure due to many other variables than Neutonian physics Does pressure in the sense of planets persay fit anywhere near this topic?

[@donnahaynes8766]

Atmospheric pressure fits into this very neatly. It is just the weight of the atmosphere (force) acting over the surface of the earth (area). I varies because temperature affects the density making the air weigh less where it is warm and more where is is cold. still Newtonian physics. Does that help?

[@steve-o6413]

Ever notice the similarities between a 2hp spa pump motor impeller and a hurricane, low pressure in the center with spiraling arms extending outwards, with a twist lol or centrifugal force... Wait a minute doesn't that describe our Milky Way Galaxy...

[@nikutube5422]

Love has power any time any where.... I love you guys

[@TabooGroundhog]

What about a place with no life forms to profess their love?

[@Srsbzns_5150]

You say that... We say that... But it's not the truth we live by.

[@shakisyaboi991]

Down here in the deep blue sea

[@Thissafakename]

On my way to work learning about Force versus pressure. You guys are the best!

[@likithstochastic]

A brilliant point Neil makes about bench press spotting and why it works without the spotter having to be super strong. Never thought about this before, despite its simplicity!

[@fattony8803]

When I used to clean houses with my mom, and while taking physics, I realized that if I wanted to clean a stain or a spot on a wall I had to minimize the area in order to maximize the pressure to remove said stain! (While using the same amount of force) #AppliedPhysics

[@littlechineseladyv2517]

that 1 dislike is an engineer

[@exilibrius]

Im understanding so much more. More indepth. Theres a lot under what i thought i really knew. Thanks prof Niel

[@sirebah8281]

This channel deserves an educational merit!

[@jy-li1jq]

Growing up i learned 2 things done mess with tension or pressure

[@vamps1385]

i have forced myself to accept this definition, and i am under no pressure to do so!

[@kriyawoodworks8958]

I do woodworking and I can totally relate to the difference between a sharp and dull chisel. I never thought of it in terms of pressure, but the moment Neil said Knife, it clicked the physics part of my brain. Woodworking teachers always say the bevel and flat sides should meet at a straight line and not a plane meaning the area of the cutting edge should be as close to zero as possible.

[@jimr9499]

Wow! Is that why, when cutting papery type objects, they cut better when you use just a little smidgen of the edge of the scissors as opposed to the entire length of the scissor edge!?!

[@jimr9499]

Wowwww. Nevermind my question bc I just finished the video. The equation for force explains it all: Force = Pressure/Area. The smaller the area of the cutting edge = more force for cutting! 🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@nielsenandrianomenjanahary6961]

I love watching Chuck's face absorbing all the information

[@AtheistExpert]

I will never get tired of the i love lucy references fyi.

[@persephonesdad5792]

Chucks accent was more like Ricky “Montana” Ricardo. Say hello to my little friend Lucy! 😁

[@dylan3657]

there was two cannibals eating a Clown and one says to the other does that taste a bit funny to you

[@F_L_U_X]

You're funny, dad.

[@ViratKohli-jj3wj]

Dad joke

[@Sinnbad21]

It would help the joke if the grammar was even halfway correct

[@fahimontu7065]

Explainer vids are very helpful 👍

[@DAlilbigman]

I love this dude! So deep but can break things down to the smallest denominator!

[@rodneymatthewmiller2934]

My brain is feeling alot of "Density" when trying to explain the Force of Big G.....wait did I just say I was dense......Help me Todd,. Help me.

[@hareecionelson5875]

But big G isn't a force, it's the Gravitational constant :o

[@rodneymatthewmiller2934]

Ha ha ha, ok ok ok, knot big G. But the tangential, gravity.

[@JustMoseyinAround]

*14:02**.... Giggity*

[@johnreid5814]

XD Hajajahahsgah!!!

[@3moirai]

Great video explanation! But I've always wondered why pressure is considered a scalar and not a vector. Can you please cover that in your next video?

[@junisyounice4431]

Just subscribed to this Channel :). I appreciate your dedication to the topic and the swag, that allows it to force through itself within pressure. Without mentioning that forgotten Mass in the Ionization Field of Creation, do you have any Input concerning a Big Bounce, rather than the Big Bang? The String has more funding than the loopy, but I'd appreciate if you two could find the force under my current pressure, so to elaborate on potential information quantisized in order to create new potential? Hope I'm not being two vague... either way, much love, respect, and both sides of health during these odd times :D

[@afrika549global6]

*The physical laws of nature:* Humans are too heavy to run on water without unnatural assistance *my brain thinking it's clever:* 9:35 *Actual solution:* 10:07 *Why don't polar bears break the ice?:* 11:18

[@Leftyotism]

I like how Neil moved like a boxer when he started our saying "I got another one for you." xD Get some, get some knowledge. xD

[@adrees]

Loved this talk. Everything is true and done in a fun way.

[@fabienderosena5627]

always a plaisure to lear new things. i really appreciate the work you guys are doing. can you explain pressure under water please

[@F_L_U_X]

9:47 Chuck just repeating the words quickly to not look dumb.

[@infundere]

It is his presence what complements Neil's and that makes this videos enjoyable

[@SH7SH7SH7]

Chucks great!

[@F_L_U_X]

@@infundere For you, sure. I get more enjoyment from learning. I love when other bigbrains are invited on to the show.

[@F_L_U_X]

@@SH7SH7SH7 Agreed. He's just puffin a little too close to showtime.

[@redcleon]

Nail: one last thing Video: not even halfway done

[@pistitoth1363]

Mélyen tisztelt Tyson ! Most komoly dolgot írok. A feleségem , szólt hogy : Ne csináljak még nagyobb hülyét magamból. Akkár mekkora is az inteligenciám , csak is a padlót fogom nézni . És sokkal többet tettem az embetekért ami elvárható lett volna . Tehát nem akarom nevetséges tárgyá tenni, a tudományos tévhitet .Åtmódosítani még nem ! Thank you !

[@rowdytouring4138]

you guys are so awesome, please keep this up! love it!

[@F_L_U_X]

3:50 fun fact: Neil used to wrestle.

[@misterlindor6469]

Since there's 4 firsts I'm just gonna go ahead and say I'm first

[@midnightchurningspriteshaq8533]

Fourst

[@mikeuk666]

I only see three.....

[@MrWhiteav6]

Professor Julius Sumner does a great video on pressure as well. One of his best examples was using newspaper and a small wooden board. He removed the air underneath a newspaper, slid a wooden board underneath it and them chopped the wood in half with nothing on top if it. So how did the wood not burst through the newspaper, the weight of the atmosphere was on top of it, only revealing its self because it was no longer in balance with the atmosphere that was under the paper...

[@neil9325]

im a masters student...and I still appreciate this so much...learned a lot

[@unbottledgenie4914]

Is it just me or does Niel look more like Einstein every day?

[@Stick-a-fork-in-Gmorks-tort]

May the pressure be with you.

[@FundiFe]

Thank you for this explanation! Im going to take that Master class! I need it

[@moemoneysouth]

Wow 🤩 making these concepts so relatable.

[@Andromeda-ph1jg]

Make sure to watch the ads and comment and like to support this channel everyone:)

[@Mooba2]

Neil, please check out Julie Nolke on youtube. You can't give up on Pluto. You should try couples counseling!

[@resnak]

Yes! Here's the video from Julie which Mooba2 is talking about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWjPXoqiopyofa8

[@Yolani14]

Another great video👌. How Awesome would it be to have Dr Tyson record my outgoing voicemail with that smooth baritone voice

[@jawnedgaralice8606]

one of the best explainers EVER so simple so daily so beautiful

[@jjay171]

Is it too early to talk about the end of the video

[@robomatt101]

according to me? yes.

[@juliajergentz6976]

Isn’t that a David Bowie song? I’m sure I could look it up, but I’m being lazy. Maybe I’m wrong.

[@jowlorenz9555]

@@juliajergentz6976 Ice ice baby now .

[@yvescote1231]

Never underestimate the cloun in the story! He has the solution. The size of the shoes. 😂

[@jatwangismyname900]

Really enjoyed your explanation sir 👍

[@franciscotoro9454]

I learned about pressure about 50 years ago, when a naturalist showed that an elephant footprint was shallower than his on a mud puddle, and he explained it perfectly

[@Pugs_are_cool]

Not first :(

[@StaticBlaster]

Hello my fellow *tellurians.*

[@uncharted7againblackking256]

Long gone my friend

[@StaticBlaster]

@@uncharted7againblackking256 it took three years for someone to comment. lol. hello my fellow earthling or tellurian. what do you mean you're long gone.

[@harshadraut1801]

He is a master at explaining critical concept in the simplest way possible!

[@JennySimonArt]

Love every episode! Love your humor!

[@EduardoRodriguez-mu3sy]

I have almost 10 years with my girlfriend, you can imagine the pressure.

[@turkishboyMLT]

Get married dude only way to take some pressure off

[@Goreuncle]

@@turkishboyMLT Until she says she wants a baby, then it's on again.

[@EduardoRodriguez-mu3sy]

Covid gave me a break, but I will get married to stall getting a baby a little bit.

[@AlipashaSadri]

Newton was playing hide and seek with others. Kelvin started counting and everyone ran to hide, but Newton just stood there and drew a 1m by 1m square around himself on the ground. Kelvin ended and look around and called Newton. Smirking, Newton replied: "No my friend! I am not Newton, I am standing on a square meter, I am Pascal!" (rephrased the joke from what I could remember from my middle school physics class)

[@mikebeemd7296]

I love these shows, learning more then in school

[@TheTrytix]

Love the chemistry these two has. And how Niel just breaks into laughter when Chuck pulls a joke. So great. XD Also, wonder how Neil would explain the Force in Star Wars, or how the Midichlorians work, etc. Because that's an interesting topic indeed... Well, for us Star Wars fanatics, that is. XD

[@murilodias1826]

I just realized how huge Chuck’s eyes are

[@metazock]

FIRST!

[@IWasAlwaysNeverAnywhere]

you know i really like these star talks because theyre not about your ego or being a contrarian mostly. its just about explaining things. i like that.

[@zombiegun71]

the chemistry between Neal & Chuck is what makes this show so amazing for me. You cannot fake the kind of connection these guys have. how sad is it iv learned more about science listening to a comedian and a astrophysicist than 16yrs of school.....

[@jamescapolino8862]

comedians are more in touch with people than most. Their job never ends and everything is included, meaning you have to know a lot about a lot. First time I saw Chuck on TV I knew he had a gift that he spent decades of time and energy to hone and perfect. Its the only way the good ones get great, by being a part of the people. Sometimes you can just tell that someone has it or doesnt. once they get rich and isolate, away from everyone, usually its a slow decline. and Neil has a natural ability to connect to people who have no idea what hes gonna say. With guys like these, our future is looking better. Wish everyone worked this hard at what they do...

[@Jebessa1]

First

[@612Tiberius]

NdGT is always so subdued and introverted,... he really needs to come out of his shell.

[@mahmoodmahmood4302]

Best ever way to explain pressure..

[@wizzard4063]

I loved the explanation for the pressure from a tornado. Having worked in construction for years and as a FEMA contractor these are things we have to account for when building. I don't know if it's something Neil could have a mechanical engineer on to help explain but houses are built different regionally based on expected weather. Trusses vs Rafters, load vs lift, earthquake resistance, and how we have learned to counter the physics of the environment from destroying the things we build. From a deck to a skyscraper we have account for the physical forces of out environment. Even something as simple as a thatch roof has its place in hot climates.

[@Linkwii64]

Open all windows and doors. There will be a mess but your home won't get explode.

[@wizzard4063]

@@Linkwii64 untrue in some situations and storms. Maybe you didn't understand that I wasn't limiting things to just a tornado but the physics of various natural forces. Take a hurricane for instance. Tears a house apart in a different manner, not with brute force of wind, unless it takes the entire structure, but with lift generated by the wind like air over a plane wing, lifting the roof off the structure. This is why homes frequented by such storms should be built with trusses rather than rafters and ridge beam. Lift tears raters apart because they are for downward load/force. Hurricane clips help keep trusses attached to the walls, helping keep the entire structure attached to the foundation. Rafters on the other hand are designed to transfer snow load through the walls, to the foundation. The ridge beam, with reasonable snow load actually making the roof construction tighter with the load.