PhysicsBowl: Tackling Science

About This Episode

What is one of the greatest displays of terrestrial physics? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly break down the physics of “The Tush Push” and the science in American football.

How can being physics-literate improve the game? We discuss how “the low man wins” and how linebackers combine leverage with power. Like a star going into a supernova, are certain things in the universe inevitable? We break down the physics of “The Tush Push,” a unique football play of the Philadelphia Eagles. Should the NFL ban such a play?

Explore the relationship between the offensive line and the Earth. Can “The Tush Push” change the rotation of the Earth? Learn the physics of why this play works so well. We discuss the forces at play and how moving reference frames impact the look of the play. When was the last time someone invented a new play?

Thanks to our Patrons Anders Kjær Themsen, George Deitchman, Mason Steinberg, HimSigung, Akshat Pathrikar, Hai Du, and Mistress Venia for supporting us this week.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.