Storm in a Teacup: The Physics of Everyday Life

Helen Czerski

Jan 2017 · W. W. Norton & Company

About this ebook

“[Czerski’s] quest to enhance humanity’s everyday scientific literacy is timely and imperative.”—Science

Storm in a Teacup is Helen Czerski’s lively, entertaining, and richly informed introduction to the world of physics. Czerski provides the tools to alter the way we see everything around us by linking ordinary objects and occurrences, like popcorn popping, coffee stains, and fridge magnets, to big ideas like climate change, the energy crisis, or innovative medical testing. She provides answers to vexing questions: How do ducks keep their feet warm when walking on ice? Why does it take so long for ketchup to come out of a bottle? Why does milk, when added to tea, look like billowing storm clouds? In an engaging voice at once warm and witty, Czerski shares her stunning breadth of knowledge to lift the veil of familiarity from the ordinary.

Ratings and reviews

There are concepts that some people have a bit more difficulty grasping about how our world works. This is one of those amazing books that explains the Physics of the things we see everyday in a narrative and compelling way. I read it first through audio book but needed a copy I could read along with. Yeah, I liked this book so much I bought it twice. There are only a handful of books like that. From trees to towels, there are things happening on a molecular level all around us ever day. Take some time to take a look at The Physics of Everyday Life.

Gribbin has a wonderful way of describing the wonders of physics.

About the author

Helen Czerski is a physicist at University College London’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, and a science presenter for BBC. She writes a monthly column for BBC Focus magazine called “Everyday Science” that was shortlisted for a Professional Publishers Association award.