Physics of Star Trek: The Sequel

[SpreadingTheMuse]

Howdy, a while back I posted a link to a few movies I made along the lines of "The Physics of Starship Battles." Well I just finished another one, and using clips from DS9, VOY, TNG, and too many more to mention, I uploaded it this morning:

The Physics of Starship Battles: Energy, Waves, and Momentum

If I held a contest to see who could name the episode of EVERY trek clip I used, where the winner got something inbetween fame and fortune or a pat on the back, who might be interested?

 

[TremblingBluStar]

Oh. I saw the thread title and thought Lawrence Krauss was despreate for more money!

 

[Christopher]

The physics of Star Trek starship battles? That must be a very short video.... Unless, of course, you're talking about what they got wrong, in which case it would be a series unto itself.

 

[Ariadne]

I like the subtitles at the end. Very funny.


(Is the radio waves transmitting energy thing right, though? I know they transmit some, but doesn't the energy for the sound that comes out the other end mostly come from electricity?)

 

[SpreadingTheMuse]

The radio waves were electromagnetic energy converted from electricity. Pretty much the light from the flashlight gets changed into electricity and back to light again. And then, yes, it was probably amplified by the receiver by a new power source, but that would have killed the point had I mentioned it. The Radio Waves got there, which was close enough.

Assuming its a "radio" of course. Space:Above and Beyond took place in 2063, and that particular scene involved a message sent instantaneously across who knows how many light years, so it could have been a quantum broadcaster for all I know, , meaning it was who KNOWS what kind of energy. But as long as the point got across. That 5 second scene itself was priceless back in the day in a crowded physics classroom.

 

[SpreadingTheMuse]

Christopher said:
The physics of Star Trek starship battles? That must be a very short video.... Unless, of course, you're talking about what they got wrong, in which case it would be a series unto itself.

I toyed with the idea of detailing the facts that Trek has gotten WRONG over the years, but its lots of little stuff that doesnt lend itself to a concise explanation. A video friendly one at any rate. It took me 6 months to figure out how I was going to explain sound in space (of course, its always easier in hindsight).

 

[FrontLine]

I just watched and thought it was great. I wish there was a good quality version of this available for download. I'd love to show it to my kids. They would so get this.

 

[Christopher]

SpreadingTheMuse said:
It took me 6 months to figure out how I was going to explain sound in space (of course, its always easier in hindsight).

Why bother? I've always just treated sound in space scenes as an artificial embellishment for the audience -- like background music. When I hear music in a scene, I don't assume there's an orchestra sitting just off camera. (Well, unless it's Blazing Saddles.)

 

[SpreadingTheMuse]

FrontLine said:
I just watched and thought it was great. I wish there was a good quality version of this available for download. I'd love to show it to my kids. They would so get this.

I have high quality versions available (100 MB), all I need to do is upload them somewhere. Are you a teacher? I'd be happy to do it if you say the word.

 

[FrontLine]

Pretty please with sugar on top of it? No Im not a professional teacher any more but I am always teaching my kids at home. I also have a cub scout den and this would make a great meeting. Im telling you this is a great teaching aid.

 

[FordSVT]

Christopher said:

SpreadingTheMuse said:
It took me 6 months to figure out how I was going to explain sound in space (of course, its always easier in hindsight).

Why bother? I've always just treated sound in space scenes as an artificial embellishment for the audience -- like background music. When I hear music in a scene, I don't assume there's an orchestra sitting just off camera. (Well, unless it's Blazing Saddles.)

Or maybe Scrubs. Or anything with Leslie Nielson in it.

 

[FalTorPan]

FordSVT said:

Christopher said:

SpreadingTheMuse said:
It took me 6 months to figure out how I was going to explain sound in space (of course, its always easier in hindsight).

Why bother? I've always just treated sound in space scenes as an artificial embellishment for the audience -- like background music. When I hear music in a scene, I don't assume there's an orchestra sitting just off camera. (Well, unless it's Blazing Saddles.)

Or maybe Scrubs. Or anything with Leslie Nielson in it.

With the notable exception of one of the greatest science-fiction films ever produced -- Forbidden Planet.

 

[Christopher]

That's not an exception. Leslie Nielsen did dozens of dramatic roles in the '50s through the '70s. That's the whole reason he was cast in Airplane! in the first place, along with actors like Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, and Peter Graves -- because these were actors known for being ultra-serious and deadpan. The gag was to play this goofy script as though it were the most serious thing in the world.

So I've always found it ironic that since Airplane!, Nielsen has gained a reputation as a goofy comedic actor.

 

[Roshi]

Dude, that was awesome!