What If? 2

Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

by Randall Munroe

4.8(4,374 ratings)

11 min read

Brief overview

This book uses outlandish scenarios—like shrinking Jupiter to the size of a house or trying to paint the entire Earth—to highlight real scientific principles. With humor and clarity, it uncovers how extreme questions can reveal surprising truths about gravity, chemistry, and energy. By the end, you’ll see ordinary life from a fresh, curious perspective.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how many gallons of paint it would take to coat the entire planet, or if you could harness a catapult to send an airliner safely into flight? These are the kinds of seemingly ridiculous questions that launch the thought experiments in this book.

Each scenario starts off sounding ludicrous—like turning Jupiter into a scorching ball in your neighborhood—but swiftly pivots to real physics, math, and chemistry. The author uses wit and thorough explanations to guide you through each possibility.

By entertaining the weird, we end up learning a great deal about how the world actually works. Even if you never plan to fill the Solar System with soup, discovering the thermodynamics behind it is surprisingly eye-opening.

Throughout this journey, you’ll find lighthearted sketches, comedic comments, and plenty of references for deeper study. Above all, the fun approach invites you to think creatively and stay curious.

Sometimes, the silliest question reveals the most profound lesson.

Playing with Possibility

The book frequently uses Fermi estimates—quick, rough calculations—to show how we can guess big truths about our world. You’ll see these estimates at work when calculating the total coat of paint needed to cover Earth’s land or trying to approximate how many liters of soup fit inside Jupiter’s orbit.

Amazingly, out-of-this-world questions can be tackled with high school math and clever reasoning. By breaking complicated phenomena into smaller parts, you grasp the magnitude of everything from global paint supplies to atmospheric iron vapors.

This informal approach welcomes anyone to do big thinking without the usual intimidation of academic jargon. The examples are deliberately wacky—like demolishing your yard by vaporizing a large iron cube—to illustrate points about energy, heat transfer, and reaction rates.

Small assumptions, stacked cleverly, can tackle giant puzzles.

Looking to dive deeper into What If? 2?

Download our app to unlock every key idea and gain full access.

What is What If? 2 about?

"What If? 2: Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions" by Randall Munroe is an exhilarating journey into the world of science wrapped in whimsical scenarios. This book takes seemingly ridiculous queries, such as filling the Solar System with soup, and uncovers the real scientific principles beneath the surface. With a talent for humor and clarity, Munroe bridges the gap between outlandish questions and serious science, revealing surprising truths about gravity, chemistry, and the vast universe we inhabit.

Munroe's work stands out for its ability to transform the bizarre into enlightening learning experiences. Whether he's exploring the consequences of shrinking Jupiter or calculating the effects of a second-long Earth day, the author gracefully marries wit with rigor. The narratives invite readers to view the mundane with curiosity, promising shifts in perspective that encourage a deeper appreciation for the sciences.

The book distinguishes itself within the realm of popular science by embracing the absurd to illuminate the core principles that govern reality. Through an amalgamation of humor, thought experiments, and engaging storytelling, "What If? 2" redefines how we perceive science, appealing to budding scientists and curious minds alike.

Review of What If? 2

Randall Munroe's "What If? 2" shines as a remarkable fusion of scientific exploration and imaginative inquiry. One of the book's key strengths is Munroe's distinctive style, which combines wit and precise scientific reasoning. By tackling questions like "What happens if the Earth's atmosphere was soup?", Munroe uses absurdity to delve into genuine science while maintaining an entertaining tone throughout.

Munroe is a master at crafting narratives that unravel complex principles in accessible ways. His humorous approach makes intricate topics, like astrophysics and thermodynamics, digestible for readers of all backgrounds. The practical takeaways are invaluable; they ignite curiosity and show that science needn't always be serious to captivate and inform.

The overarching lesson transcends science; Munroe emphasizes the power of curiosity. The humorous hypotheticals serve as stepping stones to grasping broader scientific concepts, providing readers with both intellectual stimulation and amusement. Thus, "What If? 2" receives a hearty recommendation, especially for those who thrive on imaginative thinking and learning through laughter.

Who should read What If? 2?

Science Enthusiasts: Those with a penchant for exploring scientific mysteries will find this book a treasure trove of factual insights wrapped in humor.
Students & Educators: Offering a fresh take on scientific inquiry, it serves as an engaging resource for learning and teaching complex topics in a fun manner.
Lifelong Learners: Curious minds eager for knowledge outside conventional curriculums will appreciate the book's creative and informative approach to science.
Young Adults & Teens: With an accessible writing style, it exposes younger audiences to scientific concepts while maintaining their interest through laughter.
Fans of XKCD: Followers of Munroe's webcomic will enjoy the book's similar blend of humor and intellectual curiosity that define XKCD's charm.

About the author

Randall Munroe is a cartoonist, author, and engineer best known for creating the webcomic xkcd. He holds a degree in physics from Christopher Newport University, where he graduated in 2006, and also minored in mathematics and computer science. Before focusing on webcomics full-time, Munroe worked as a contract programmer and roboticist for NASA at the Langley Research Center. He has written several books, including "What If?", "Thing Explainer", "How To", and "What If? 2", which continues his tradition of providing serious scientific answers to absurd hypothetical questions.