What If? - Image 1

What If?

by Randall Munroe

Book Overview

"What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions" by Randall Munroe is a delightfully mind-bending exploration of hypothetical questions, ranging from the silly to the surprisingly profound, all answered using real science. Munroe, creator of the popular webcomic xkcd, takes questions submitted by readers – questions like "What would happen if I built a Periodic Table out of actual elements?" or "What if everyone on Earth jumped at the same time?" – and applies physics, engineering, and a healthy dose of common sense (often warped by the extreme scenarios) to arrive at answers.

The book isn't just about providing a definitive answer, though. It's about the journey of discovery, the scientific reasoning process, and the exploration of potential consequences. Munroe doesn't shy away from the often-catastrophic results, embracing the absurdity and potential for disaster with his trademark stick-figure illustrations and dry wit. He tackles each question with a rigorous approach, often consulting with experts in various fields to ensure accuracy (or, at least, plausible approximations). He also explains his reasoning in accessible language, making complex scientific concepts understandable and engaging for a broad audience.

"What If?" is far more than just a collection of amusing thought experiments. It's a celebration of curiosity, a testament to the power of scientific inquiry, and a reminder that even the silliest questions can lead to fascinating and unexpected insights. The book delves into a wide range of scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and engineering, exposing readers to fundamental principles through the lens of the extraordinary. Readers will not only be entertained by the imaginative scenarios, but they will also gain a deeper appreciation for the scientific world around them. It's a book that encourages readers to think critically, ask "what if," and embrace the beauty and complexity of the universe. The book is also liberally illustrated with xkcd-style drawings, which enhance the humor and clarity of the explanations.

ISBN-13: 9781848549579

ISBN-13:

978-1-84854-957-9

£9.98

Condition: Like New

Seller Information

Seller: Martin Phee

Listed on 6/10/2025