Seeing the World Differently with Physics
A one-minute journey through the equations that quietly power our lives, from the glow of a lightbulb to the arc of a perfect free throw. This short film was submitted to an Institute of Physics competition.
About this video
Physics isn’t just a collection of theories, it is a lens that reveals hidden patterns in everyday life. In this minute-long piece, each scene pairs a real-world moment with a foundational idea: Maxwell’s equations behind light, relativity guiding GPS, quantum mechanics shaping computing, thermodynamics powering growth, and Newton’s laws tracing motion.
Topics covered in the video
How physics bridges elegant theory with everyday experience, shaping hobbies like sports and martial arts, not just classrooms.
- Hidden patterns: Opening shot emphasising physics as a lens for understanding the world.
- Maxwell & light: Electromagnetism behind the humble lightbulb.
- Relativity & GPS: Einstein’s time dilation enabling precise navigation (shown at the Institute of Physics).
- Quantum mechanics & computing: Schrödinger’s equation, the periodic table, and modern computation.
- Thermodynamics & growth: Energy capture in nature: trees and crown shyness.
- Newtonian motion & kung fu: Equations of motion tracing arcs in martial arts.
- Optimal angles & basketball: Parabolic trajectories and two “sweet-spot” launch angles.
- Big picture: A synthesis of equations showing how physics transforms how we see and interact with the world.