What If: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions pdf

Randall Munroe is a computer programmer, webcomic artist, and author, best known for his webcomic "xkcd." Born on October 17, 1984, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Munroe was interested in science and technology from a young age. He graduated from Christopher Newport University in Virginia with a degree in physics, and then went on to work as a roboticist for NASA's Langley Research Center.

In 2005, Munroe started "xkcd," a webcomic that features stick figures and humorous commentary on science, technology, and geek culture. The comic quickly gained a following, and has since become one of the most popular webcomics on the internet. It has been praised for its smart and witty humor, as well as its use of science and math concepts to explain complex ideas in an accessible way.

In addition to "xkcd," Munroe has written several books, including "What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions," "Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words," and "How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems." These books have been well-received for their engaging writing style, humor, and use of science to explain complex topics.

Munroe has also been involved in a number of other projects related to science and technology. He has given talks at TED and other conferences, and has been a guest on numerous podcasts and TV shows. He is a regular contributor to the science blog "Wired," and has created several online tools and simulations related to physics, astronomy, and other scientific fields.

Overall, Randall Munroe is a talented and creative individual who has made significant contributions to the world of science, technology, and humor. His webcomic "xkcd" and his books have entertained and educated millions of readers around the world, and his innovative and engaging approach to science has inspired a new generation of enthusiasts and professionals.

What If: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions pdf by Randall Munroe

Randall Munroe left NASA in 2005 to start up his hugely popular site XKCD 'a web comic of romance, sarcasm, math and language' which offers a witty take on the world of science and geeks. It now has 600,000 to a million page hits daily. Every now and then, Munroe would get emails asking him to arbitrate a science debate. 'My friend and I were arguing about what would happen if a bullet got struck by lightning, and we agreed that you should resolve it . . . ' He liked these questions so much that he started up What If.
If your cells suddenly lost the power to divide, how long would you survive?
How dangerous is it, really, to be in a swimming pool in a thunderstorm?
If we hooked turbines to people exercising in gyms, how much power could we produce?
What if everyone only had one soulmate?
When (if ever) did the sun go down on the British empire?
How fast can you hit a speed bump while driving and live?
What would happen if the moon went away?
In pursuit of answers, Munroe runs computer simulations, pores over stacks of declassified military research memos, solves differential equations, and consults with nuclear reactor operators. His responses are masterpieces of clarity and hilarity, studded with memorable cartoons and infographics. They often predict the complete annihilation of humankind, or at least a really big explosion. Far more than a book for geeks, WHAT IF: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions explains the laws of science in operation in a way that every intelligent reader will enjoy and feel much the smarter for having read.