Things You Thought You Knew - Stars, Speed, and Energy in the Sun

How is energy different from matter? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice breakdown what energy is and where it comes from, ancient theories about sight, and how wheels keep us moving.
Explore physics, thermodynamics, and more! What is energy? How did the idea of energy come to be? Learn about how early scientists thought about energy, kinetic versus potential energy, and how energy gets released. We discuss energy in food, fuel, bombs, and the sun. It is energy that built civilization, but will it also destroy it?
How did Greek mythology influence the stars? We explore the myth of Medusa and what it shows about ancient theories about sight. Learn about discovering the mechanism of sight in the golden age of Islam. Are there other examples of misconceptions about sight in mythology? We explore the constellation of Perseus, the head of Medusa, and the variable star that is her eye.
What part of a moving train is going backward while the train is going forwards? We delve into the physics of wheels and how they move us. Did you know that when you’re driving there is a part of your car that’s going 0 mph? Find out the physics that’s happening in your wheels. What part of the car is going twice the speed? Learn how the wheels of trains and different wheel shapes. Is there only one usable shape for a wheel?
Thanks to our Patrons Matt Smith, Matthew Tolbert, benjamin flanders, Nick Davis, Joseph, and Hemant Sudiwala for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
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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
00:00 - Introduction
00:23 - What Part of a Car is Going Zero Miles Per Hour?
3:41 - The Speed of the Wheels
7:56 - Tricking a Radar Gun
10:24 - Different Shaped Wheel
13:00 - Discovering Energy
15:58 - Potential Energy
18:05 - Heat, Friction, & Converting Energy
19:40 - How Do You Get Energy From a Molecule?
21:48 - Chemical & Nuclear Energy
22:46 - Using and Storing Our Energy
25:20 - Solar Energy
27:56 - Algol & The Myth of Medusa
31:20 - Ancient Misconceptions
35:28 - Making Sense of Our World

[@StarTalk]

Which segment of this Things You Thought You Knew was your favorite?

[@norbertszilagyi3330]

The segment when i see Chuck's eye's on Sour Diesel..

[@TheOldHippiebilly]

Hey y'all, I need a more detailed explanation for the Wankel engine. I'm terribly physics-ignorant and ya lost me on that one. Thanks! ❤✌

[@loudtim265]

The mythological Perseus/Medusa tie-in to vision being passive was brilliant. Layers of understanding stacked on superstition ❤️

[@dteed6282]

Any segment that gets them talking about water towers is going to become a favorite.

[@ShonMardani]

Why are you waisting the video bandwidth to explain something that you can do with a pen and paper in a few minutes [if your university did not teach you using computer]?.

[@TheOldHippiebilly]

I love Neil's mischievous grin as he tells Chuck something mind-blowing...and Chuck's enthusiasm at hearing it. This is how science should be taught! ❤❤❤

[@i_smoke_ghosts]

i love that you love that ❤

[@MrFlex5]

Chuck is such an incredible talent. Right up there with Jamie Foxx. He's listening to Neil and he's instantly able to explain it in layman's terms, While being hilarious at the same time. This show is NOT scripted. That's absolute genius! Sometimes I don't understand what Neil says until Chuck rewords it.

[@galinatasheva6591]

I absolutely agree!

[@FARFolomew]

35:27 starts a brilliant section that shows just how sharp and aware Chuck is, as a lay person to Neil's scientific observations and explainers. He gives these conversations a basis in reality for all of us fellow lay people, and makes the videos that much more engaging and fun.

[@khabibpaddedrecord]

what are your thoughts on neil denying the science of male and female????????

[@khabibpaddedrecord]

respond

[@theduder2617]

@@khabibpaddedrecord 1. No one should ever turn to a particular news channel for their information that has become infamous for and synonymous with reporting outright lies and invented fantasy. A news channel which was sued and lost close to 1 BILLION U.S. dollars because of the outright lies it was reporting as supposed "fact". Lies the channel knew in advance were lies no less. 2. You clearly do not understand what science nor an astrophysicist is, because astrophysicists utilize science and the discoveries made by science every single day of their lives. NEVER has Neil EVER denied legitimate science and I can offer direct objective evidence of exactly how Neil feels about the topic you illogically decided to bring up under a video about energy of all places. 3. And I only ask since you brought it up... what do you consider to be the "science of male and female"? After you explain the aforementioned science which you illogically brought up, spend a few moments watching the man himself address the exact thing you chose to mention here. Take particular note at how the actual interview, played out in full as it actually took place, varies GREATLY from what said news channel shown after some extremely biased, deceitful editing. Objective reality is based upon objective truth. Objective truth is true for everyone, regardless of personal beliefs, desires or opinions. Have a look at some of that objective truth.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWmclqeEbbakhLM

[@M_Alexander]

I enjoy learning things alongside Chuck. I've always been very science-minded so there are a lot of things I've already known but then as this series has gone on, Chuck remembers and understands things from past talks. His insights are so good

[@kellyrobinson1780]

Absolutely agree with you and M_alexander. I speculate that Chuck's IQ is in the 130s, if not higher. I know several people in that range, and he reminds me of them.

[@kaytin5928]

When Chuck pulled out the cigarette I almost died laughing!! 😂

[@behtashbahador6588]

"cigarette"...riiiiiight lol

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Neil and Chuck for 2024!

[@jimmyj5557]

For office?

[@NealWilliams]

They've got my vote! 🗳

[@sharpsrain8302]

You shouldn't be allowed to vote 😂

[@davidmoore7110]

These guys are good at what they do with that being said TRUMP 2024

[@jamesc954]

Nope ​@@davidmoore7110

[@NDM_NZ]

"I'm just filled with potential" 🤣🤣 Sorry, I'm stealing this one. Its going to come in handy

[@x_capt_x9584]

Chuck just hit his one hitter on KZbin.

[@Jo_Rogan]

bros zooted

[@user-pe3jd9zt9j]

I’m a huge 🪭 of science and humor so this is just exquisite to indulge in. You guys had me rollling😂 both forward and backward and yet I wasn’t moving at all… it was intense😅😂 Keep up the good work and fine effort on this unique forum you’ve created together☺️👏👏👏

[@richardsinclair3037]

You could use a tracked vehicle (tank) as a great example of parts of a wheel moving at different speeds. When I was youngish watching a bulldozer I realized that phenomena.

[@karlfortner887]

Minor inaccuracy, the 'lip' on the train wheel is on the inside, this allows it to traverse the rails via switches.

[@thomasodonnell2417]

Glad you said it. So I didn't have to

[@SeeYouInBluffington]

Chuck and Neil are pure gold

[@thesillyfrench9352]

it's called symbiosis

[@lyuboslavilov]

The lip of the train wheels is not what actually aligns the train with the rails. The wheels are actually cones and they are with bigger diameter inside and smaller diameter outside. This geometry creates a dynamically stable system (small perturbations return it to the center) The lip is useful in rail intersections...

[@przemys4466]

Good remark! Richard Feyman on how train wheels work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2jLZYKqe6mhj6cfeature=shared

[@e4d578]

Chuck has gotten a long way in physics and his ability to draw correct conclusions.

[@jeffidyle4957]

I love the combination of a smart comedian and a funny scientist!

[@khabibpaddedrecord]

what are your thoughts on neil denying the science of male and female????????

[@Adoubless]

Love learning along.

[@victorro8760]

@@jeffidyle4957 It would be even better if they were a combination of a funny comedian and a smart scientist as well.

[@jeffidyle4957]

@@victorro8760 I think they're both smart and funny, and I think that's why it works. That's what I meant by it.

[@nonsomega_official]

Hello Dr Neil Degrass Tyson, I'm a big lover of your show and physics in general (thanks to how stupidly easy you're making it understood). I'm also a filmmaker, and it occurred to me that there might potentially be something that could be done to drastically improve the production value of your shows. Animation/Motion graphics. I think you should include animated Motion graphics to help visually portray abstract concepts whilst you're trying to explain to Chuck, before we get Chucks reaction. Just putting it out there. Thanks. Big love from Nigeria

[@kristophersingleton7483]

I had too watch this a second time to get it and ffs great!!

[@rickjames6867]

Good, informative, non biased content. This is a great example/education, on proper utilization, of social media platforms. It takes intellect to be factual and non biased, while maintaining a comical aspect, and entertainment. Great Job fellas. May the youth of America take notes, on your style, and ethical code. 🔺💙✌️

[@margaretbloomer9001]

If only we had a physics teacher like Neil when I was at school...

[@theDane70]

Yes!! The circonférence of the wheel moves faster forwards but the slows down towards the back, it’s a sine wave, I work in electromechanic and it’s actually the description of an AC current...lol

[@MadDragon75]

At 5:04 ... Wait Chuck! That looks dangerous... Let me help you. 😁

[@trevorpistole7117]

Chuck don lit up on the talk. What a day

[@billdevany3303]

Chuck, I like you am witty and think of the funniest things to say in conversation. however, I think of them 3 or four hours, if not days after! you are so fast and so to the point and Neil gets you. thanks to the both of you for your knowledge and humor. I learn so much...

[@AmrEmad2011]

chuck is the luckiest man on earth, he gets to smoke and discuss the universe with niel ... I just play dark side of the moon and act smart .. you're living the dream man xD

[@jaywik]

When Chuck Nice pulls out his joint and lights it up 😂 😂 ⛽️

[@AndiRAin1]

Prettty sure Neil has talked about this wheel analogy. And both times Chuck lost his mind. 😅

[@277clash]

Actually the same old video

[@sreeya2019]

This is me watching this at 3:50am from India This excites me , my fav of all ! Respect to Dr Tyson And super super super love Mr Chuk 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@Olaf_Schwandt]

I love these two, but 6:13 the steering ring is on the inside, at least in Europe

[@buckybeatz2390]

Omg, such a gift discovering this channel ✨🤲🏽 Chuck Nice is a comedic genius in this setting, a dynamic duo here!

[@Kakarifer9989]

@StarTalk Love the shows looking forward to seeing more. All the best for the New Year. One question, hoping it might make a show haha. What would happen if an astronaut didn't wear his space suit on takeoff. Like just wore Jeans and a T-shirt or business suit.

[@intelligentlifegroup658]

Two of them are a good combination. Both living on earth, humble and nice guys teaching difficult sciences to more than just the general public.

[@Kelticfury]

I love it when they blow my mind but the real treasure is these two dudes.

[@leeharse8964]

Yay can’t get enough, I watch you every night and it’s my bedtime viewing ☺️

[@TheOpinionatedGuitarist]

I absolutely love these! I’m learning so much!

[@bobperrine6193]

Always interesting and informative.

[@Hanskaer]

This is fire for my brain!

[@SyriousBusiness]

This was fantastic! Please do more of these

[@juicypickle4777]

Dynamic duo at it again. Love the videos

[@parzival6604]

Love Chuck with the sneak-a-toke! 😂

[@jeanetjensen6474]

Happy new year and thank you to you bouth for all the many good videos ❤🇩🇰🤩

[@ybcmedia3312]

these 2 are a tag team that i knew i needed

[@richc.3100]

6:17 yes for this conversation, but I think it’s the cone shape that keeps it on the track.

[@kennypariseau6721]

@1:00 tbh I’m one of the people excited about the water tower tid-bit. I’m 27 and I went to a christmas town with the family and saw a water tower and spread the knowledge. Love to learn the world. Thanks fellas

[@Joncoxjohnxdxnl]

Never a dull moment with Neil And Chuck thats why I love all topics thank you for making science so much fun.

[@Alkatross]

Thank you for an energetic episode ❤️

[@virginiamiller4890]

I knew there were many ways why I love and appreciate you, Neil. How to fake out the cops with the rate of speed and wheel dynamics!!! Happy New Year, and may you and your family have a happy, healthy year filled with peace, joy, and most of all..., LOVE!!!

[@shadowcat4620]

Informative and fun as always ❤

[@augustinemuindi7398]

After watching/listening Mr Neil degrasse Tyson for long I understand all laws physics even more.Love u sir Augustine from ke.

[@sibusisosising8112]

Love both of you guys and thank you every much for the explanar

[@sadievirtue1636]

I learn so much from these episodes....I was actually answering the questions correctly! 🌹

[@thomasleach9417]

Wonderful information. I learned a lot. Thanks

[@alexanderkuruvilla3094]

Hi, just one doubt on your explanation of the wheel speeds, you mentioned the contact patch of the tyre is not moving at all. So the frame of reference is with the road right? If the frame of reference is the car chassis, it would be moving backwards?

[@judyparker8459]

These talks, with no accompanied animations or visuals to help us visualize what the heck is being explained or proposed, are the best exercises for the mind, which is forced to imagine and envision on its own. Even so, have you ever tried (or thought about) adding, and using, a white board to these talks for a new slant on "talking"? Just now and then to give our weary minds a break - or show an affirmation if we pursued on our own. :)

[@anesennaidoo5279]

I had to watch this more than once it was so brilliant and there was so much awesome information

[@norcalridgerunners4206]

Learn something new every day! Thanks guys⭐🌟🌠🌞☀

[@aaronbrooks3540]

Cool stuff and entertaining. I'm interested in the word universe. Uni = one. Verse = solo portion of an anthem. Anthem = sacred choral composition. Chorus = group of singers. Compose = to form by uniting parts. To arrange. To put together. Sing = to reverberate. Reverberate = to send back as sound. To reflect as light or heat. To echo to resound. It sounds like all the pieces are put together to hold it all together. All the energies of the universe put together arranged in composition to create and hold together our perceived dimensional realm of existence. Who ever came up with the word universe must have known about the working forces of different forms of energy. And how they all play a roll in the creation of our existence. Thank you. You guys make it interesting. And fun for people to want to learn more about science.

[@bentoombs]

I have worked for our city's water department for 24 years. I'll give you guys a tour anytime. The underground good stuff. You guys rock.

[@Chris-op7yt]

it's only from an external reference point that you can say that different parts of the wheel travel at different speeds, with reference to ground. every point on the wheel at same radius distance actually travel at same constant speed. otherwise the wheel would just peel itself off, if parts of it were different speed, depending on position in relation to road.

[@anotherplottwist]

Hearing Neil talk about his youth and the things he's done, y'all should do a show on science projects the youth can do at home..

[@victorygarden556]

you mean like becoming completely unhinged and victimizing people because authorities demand it? That’s science now that Neil did it under the guise of being a reasonable scientist during covid.

[@Fried_Rice_Ren]

Once again fantastic episode! Plz someone explain the railroad wheel and how the bottom is actually going backwards. The wheel is one solid piece. 🤯

[@itscosmictunes]

Please make a video on the mechanism of Microphone & Speaker and how they work..

[@jcondon1]

I know 6 years too late, but very impressed with @firstwefeast. Never thought in any universe you would try mega-death. You handled it well. Most would not do so well. As a fellow New Yorker I say say thank you Neil for everything, you have taught us so much, yet there is so much we don't know. @StarTalk

[@CaptainBuggyTheClown]

u think ur cool with ur little check mark? ur not. I'm cooler than u

[@basmus]

5:00 THIS came unexpected and made me giggle

[@theduder2617]

Excellent collection of clips!! I enjoy the wheel segment the most. It points out something objective in everyday life that most never stop to think about. I have watched that very segment create the exact reaction Chuck had, causing the person to immediately become interested in hearing more. I LOVE seeing that spark of intense interest for more information.

[@JBG-AjaxzeMedia]

the wheel is probably the most innovative creation a human has ever come up with

[@theduder2617]

@@JBG-AjaxzeMedia So true. It literally revolutionized humanity.

[@grahamdavid007]

loved this - thank you and HNY !

[@kieranlangley3092]

I just wonna say you 2 absolutely make my day when you release these videos. The knowledge you both have (yes even you Chuck ;D) is really fascinating and the light hearted school boy humour is the cherry on top. Never stop doing these videos please!!!! Cheers guys

[@dawnhansen7886]

Educational Entertainment to the MAX ❗️ I love StarTalk ❤

[@quietstorm9866]

As always, thank you very much

[@JohnnyHotdog96]

Best duo going!

[@gadoatl5133]

Nothing is cuter than Neil’s laugh when Chuck says something hilarious!

[@Wwise_sounds]

great chemistry these two have :)

[@jaamacdagaale5145]

Everytime i learn new things here but not like school which i feel boring, here is like comedy fun way to learn, thank you Neal Tyson

[@simpleedge]

Can’t wait for the engine ‘splainer’ video!!!

[@the.black.plague.doctor]

Love the since and love the comedy.

[@ThousandSsunnyss]

Neil’s laugh is so adorable & comforting ngl

[@monkerud2108]

the cool thing to understand about steam engines or turbines or rocket engines and whatever else relies on heating up and expanding stuff to get power, is pressure=force/area, energy=force*distance, pressure*area=force. when you spray water into a cylinder of a steam engine, you are pumping liquid in at the same pressure that is pushing the piston, but when it gets in there it turns to steam, steam takes up more space, so you push something 600 times less dense a certain distance, over a certain area, and when it turns to steam it pushes a larger area over a longer distance, so more energy out than you used to get the stuff in there. same thing with turbines, a condenser and pump also turns it back into water and pushes it back into the evaporator, where the heat input is at, but the force over distance on the gas side of things is greater than the liquid side, if you didn't know that you might be confused at first at how heat can make something run around the cycle and produce power, it is because of this phenomena of force over distance and hot stuff expanding, which is pretty cool if you ask me.

[@DannyMancheno]

Happy new years!

[@petersage5157]

"How much like it, was it the same cat?" For those of you experiencing deja vu, this isn't a glitch. I guess StarTalk couldn't be bothered to produce a fresh Neilsplainer video right now, so they served up a warmed-over compilation of earlier ones. By the way, the wheel thing is the reason nobody really talks about rotational "speed" in linear terms. We know the angular velocity and the wheel diameter & radius and let the speedometer and odometer derive your speed and integrate your distance traveled from that. On a related note, the Earth doesn't rotate at "900 miles an hour," despite what you may have heard Eric Idle sing, but at..."15 degree[s] per hour" - Thanks, Bob.

[@DroningaboutIreland]

I knew I'd heard this before when Neil started talking about the rollercoaster

[@jssamp4442]

You are correct on all points. But since it is the holiday season, maybe our personal astrophysicist is taking some well deserved time off the spend with his loved ones. I won't begrudge him the indulgence.

[@damyr]

Shut up shill. Everyone knows the earth is flat.

[@sandhammy]

These are so amazing. I listened to the big number explainer 10 times and still blows my mind. Science is damn cool.

[@krehme]

Yes, I am very appreciative of Niel. Life is good because Niel is here to tell us why. :)

[@scarfo441]

Can you make a visuals describing the process

[@robertwhitephotography]

So fantastic !!

[@SeanBenward]

Awesome stuff -

[@arturshatri9520]

Fantastic job!

[@larseriksson42]

Wholesome as always

[@lorisfoucart2475]

Loved this episode

[@corwinjkabuki]

Chuck is high as the North star in this Vid ijs I knew it he bust it out on cam, he's the kinda friend everyone needs!

[@LOT9T]

Science underbelly indeed! Love the content Folks!

[@MeelaudBoozary]

The amount of laughter from Neil and Chuck....

[@apollothings4800]

yes! explainer on engines!

[@sheilahardin6868]

LOVE this video

[@MichaelTheDanishHistorian]

I just have had, a really bad day, until hearing Lord Nice amazment about ... wheels haha thanks StarTalk :) I needed thar

[@richardtpgusa7236]

I'm listening to a candid chat from you guys just to remind civilians that we are all made of the same stuff, arranged in different order based on a chemical equation. Maybe a little deeper would be nice. But thank you for keeping me company while I pretend to work... happy holidays.

[@mikeplantagenet2983]

I knew most of this, however it is it now becoming rare to find people who science

[@chrisblack9851]

Chuck's hair looks AMAZING!

[@Knightshade1965]

I love watching star talk a lot. I learn so much. I have bought all of the books.

[@artconnolly9519]

Neil how about tank tracks? Would the entire length of the horizontal track be twice as fast ?

[@SuperPol1981]

Yes indeed, because the bottom part’s speed relative to the ground is also zero. Same as the round wheel, but the bottom/top "point" of the wheel is now a bottom/top "line" on a tank

[@socratesDude]

The results from tests that were run on security cam awareness were very interesting. People that felt they were being watched looked right at where the camera was hidden. Of course people that are distracted may miss that feeling but many don't. Weird.

[@gambart2002]

My mind just got blown 🤯

[@ShoRt_CLIP_6]

Big fan

[@pierocignetti8959]

"I will apologize to you for all the stuff I was thinking " 😂😂😂