Ep 17. What Goes Up

The show, Street Genius, is a thought-provoking and entertaining series that focuses on a variety of science and engineering concepts. Each episode features host, Tim Shaw, as he delves into a specific topic and challenges himself to create mind-boggling experiments and demonstrations that showcase the power of science.

In the seventeenth episode of season one, titled "What Goes Up," Tim explores the science behind gravity and how it affects different objects. The episode begins with Tim visiting a skate park and attempting to perform a simple skateboarding trick - a kickflip. However, as he tries to land the trick, he finds himself falling and landing hard on the ground. This leads him to wonder why it is so easy for skateboarders to get airborne but so difficult to land their tricks without falling.

To answer this question, Tim turns to some experts in the field of physics. He meets up with Dr. Helen Czerski, a physicist at the University of London, who explains the concept of gravity and how it impacts the way objects move. She demonstrates the concept of projectile motion, showing how a ball thrown at an angle will follow a curved path due to the force of gravity.

Tim then sets out to create his own experiment to test the effects of gravity on objects of different weights and shapes. He visits a construction site and constructs a large ramp, at the top of which he places a variety of objects, including a watermelon, a bowling ball, and a feather. He then releases each object down the ramp at the same time to see which one hits the ground first.

To create a fair test, Tim sets up a high-speed camera to capture the action in slow motion. As the objects race down the ramp, the camera reveals the different ways in which they fall. The watermelon, which is heavy and has a large surface area, falls quickly and hits the ground with a thud. The bowling ball, which is also heavy but has a smaller surface area, falls more slowly. Finally, the feather falls very slowly and is blown off course by even the slightest breeze.

Tim's experiment demonstrates the principle that all objects fall at the same rate due to the force of gravity, regardless of their weight or shape. However, the size and shape of an object can affect the air resistance it encounters, causing it to fall more or less quickly.

To further explore the power of gravity, Tim visits a space simulator in the United States, where he experiences the sensation of zero gravity. He then attempts to perform some simple tasks, such as pouring a drink and playing catch, in a zero-gravity environment. These tasks prove much more difficult without the force of gravity to hold objects in place.

The episode concludes with Tim reflecting on the power of gravity and how it shapes our understanding of the world around us. He notes that gravity can be both a friend and a foe, allowing us to perform amazing feats but also causing us to fall if we're not careful. Through his experiments and demonstrations, Tim has shown how gravity works and why it is such a fundamental force in our universe.

Overall, "What Goes Up" is a fascinating and educational episode of Street Genius that explores the science of gravity in a fun and engaging way. Tim's experiments and demonstrations are sure to capture the imagination of viewers of all ages, while his enthusiasm and passion for science make him an excellent guide to this fascinating topic.