What If?

Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

Randall Munroe

Genre

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"What If?" by Randall Munroe is an entertaining and informative exploration of absurd hypothetical situations, backed by real science. In this witty and imaginative book, Munroe, the creative genius behind the popular webcomic xkcd, delves into a variety of bizarre scenarios, answering questions such as:

  • What would happen if the Earth suddenly stopped spinning?
  • Could you make a jetpack out of machine guns?
  • Is it possible to build a swimming pool on the Moon?
  • How fast can you hit a speed bump and still survive?

Through clever and engaging illustrations, Munroe applies his expertise in physics, biology, and other scientific fields to unravel the intriguing consequences of these seemingly outlandish queries. With a blend of humor and clarity, he takes readers along on a journey through the scientific process, explaining complex concepts in a relatable and accessible manner.

"What If?" challenges readers to think critically about the world around them, inspiring a sense of wonder about the weird and wonderful possibilities that exist beyond our everyday experiences. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the limits of human knowledge, Munroe's unique blend of quirky humor and scientific rigor makes this book a delightful and thought-provoking read.

Explore More Books

See All
Of Wolves and Men
The Agile Gene
Leadership and Self-Deception
The Mythical Man-Month
Devouring Freedom
The War for Kindness
Changes in the Land
Childhood and Society
The Intel Trinity
What Do You Care What Other People Think?
Future Forward
Principles of Economics
Failure Is Not An Option
The Canceling of the American Mind
Richard Feynman
Consider Phlebas
Brave New Medicine
The Art of Manipulation
Diaspora
AI Superpowers
Keeping At It
Fooled By Randomness
Capitalism Without Capital
American Crusade
The Sixth Man
The Real Crash
The Billionaire Shell Game
On the Genealogy of Morals
The Fifth Season
Wanting
Kelly
Harry Potter
The Hunt for Red October
Now, Discover Your Strengths
The Evolution of Beauty
God's Debris
Maestro
The Story of Civilization
Bitcoin and Black America
The Promise of a Pencil
In Pursuit of Happiness and Good Government
Livewired
Beyond Entrepreneurship
Six Easy Pieces
The Minefield Girl
The Perfect Bet
To Kill a Mockingbird
Biography of the Dollar
The World Crisis
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Factfulness
Indistractable
The German Generals Talk
The River of Doubt
Burn
Getting Things Done
More From Less
Rational Expectations
Living Within Limits
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The Art of Travel
How Big Things Get Done
The Knowledge
Human Action
Complexity
The Path To Power
Drive
Elon Musk
Merchants of Doubt
Vitamania
Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953
Mycelium Running
Restoring Our Republic
The Snow Leopard
Moab Is My Washpot
Dealers of Lightning
The Great Transformation
In Search of Lost Time
Liftoff
Obsession
The Golden Compass
Revolution from Within
Startups
Screw Business As Usual
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Napoleon
Creation
The Unwritten
Alchemy
The Feynman Lectures on Physics
Lean Solutions
Andy Grove
How Nature Works
Layered Money
Give and Take
Nuclear Terrorism
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold
Body by Science
Intellectuals and Society
The Rosie Effect
Polio