The Physics of Everyday Things

James Kakalios, the Taylor Distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of Minnesota and author of the best-selling The Physics of Superheroes,​​​​​​ describes how everything from engines to smartphones to noise-canceling headphones operates according to the principles of physics. Kakalios revels in explaining that physics plays a necessary and constant role in your life. He doesn’t delve too deeply into the actual physics of many of his explanations, yet you will need some scientific knowledge to track his guidance.

Even so, The Wall Street Journal called this “a vivid compendium of digestible science lessons…[that] generate a pleasurable ‘Aha!’ at the connections the author reveals.” Publishers Weekly believes, “Readers will enjoy lucid explanations of dazzling yet quotidian technology…”