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Neil Tries To Teach Chuck Obscure Physics

2025-10-16 Science & Technology
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The Physics Hierarchy: Defining Rate of Change from Velocity to Pop

Master the physics concepts that describe how motion changes over time, from basic speed to obscure but mathematically real concepts like "snap" and "pop." Learn the hierarchy of motion derivatives used in real-world physics and calculus.

Short Summary

  • Define speed, velocity, and acceleration as sequential rates of change originating from position.
  • Recognize that acceleration requires a change in speed or direction (or both).
  • Identify the higher-order physics terms—Jerk, Snap, Crackle, and Pop—as successive derivatives over time.

Chuck Nice and Neil deGrasse Tyson explain the escalating mathematical descriptions of movement. These concepts directly link to calculus derivatives, providing a practical framework for understanding complex physical dynamics.

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Description

What is the rate of change for a rate of change? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice break down velocity and acceleration, as well as more obscure terms like jerk, snap, crackle, pop, and what they mean. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Obscure Physics Terms 00:31 - Speed & Velocity 01:57 - Acceleration 5:48 - Jerk 7:03 - Snap 8:17 - Crackle & Pop 9:54 - Derivatives in Calculus 10:31 - Closing Check out our second channel, @StarTalkPlus Get the NEW StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

Top Comments (10)

@gingipride 2025-10-17

"I need a very strong 'I'm with you' because it doesn't get easier from here" 😂

448 3 replies
@StarTalk 2025-10-16

Let's see a show of hands for the StarTalkians who actually already knew these terms before watching!

314 80 replies
@Tom-fn5xi 2025-10-16

The next derivative is “Splat” 😮

302 8 replies
@sudipchatterjee 2025-10-22

“I’m like: sorry, kid.” I completely lost it when Chuck said that… 😂😂😂😂

244 4 replies
@Robert-cb2wh 2025-10-16

Just learnt about this a week ago and now I see my personal astrophysicist talking about it.

188 2 replies
@astrealove1 2025-10-16

I do enjoy the Chuck chart.

93
@logicalinsanity 2025-10-16

I love NDT explaining things to chuck so much.

75 4 replies
@ejbear8403 2025-10-16

“I know I think I understand what I thought you said but I'm not sure that I realize that what I heard may not be what you meant.”

72 3 replies
@MoreOnEVs 2025-10-16

“Speed never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary… that’s what gets you” Jeremy Clarkson

66 2 replies
@DuncSargent 2025-10-16

I don't care how long I've known this, I still like hearing Neil explain it. Calming even. Thanks for the vid!

22

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