Draw connections between your favorite MARVEL characters and the subjects of physics, chemistry, biology, and maths. You may choose to answer the question with reference to just one character or multiple, but make sure you answer in about 200-250 words. Put down your answers as comments by July 22, 2023, and REMEMBER- the best answer gets a shoutout on YouTube and a chance to feature on our blog. I will REVEAL MY ANSWER on Monday (July 24, 2023) along with the winner for this week, so STAY TUNED, and as always happy LEARNING!
top of page
bottom of page
Lets look at some of my favorite marvel charachters which are linked with the subjects of physics,chemistry, biology and maths:
1) Iron Man(Tony Stark) - MATHEMATICS:
Iron Man embodies a strong connection to mathematics in his superhero journey. Tony's genius intellect relies heavily on mathematical principles, which he affectionately refers to as "the language of the universe." Mathematics fuels his inventive prowess, allowing him to design and optimize his iconic Iron Man suits, advanced technologies, calculating flight trajectories or analyzing data during battles. Tony's mathematical acumen plays a central role in his strategic decisions.
2)Spiderman 2099( Miguel O'Hara) - BIOLOGY:
Miguel O'Hara exhibits significant connections to the field of biology through his superhero identity and origins. Miguel gains his superpowers through a genetic experiment involving the DNA of a spider. This experiment delves into the realm of genetics and biotechnology, which are branches of biology that explore the manipulation and understanding of genes. He reflects on the genetic enhancements that define him, stating, "Well, I'm living proof of what happens when genetic engineering goes awry." This quote underscores the pivotal role biology plays in shaping his abilities.
3) Ant-Man( Scott Lang) - PHYSICS:
Ant-Man exhibits a profound connection to the field of physics through his unique ability to shrink and grow in size. This power is made possible by the innovative "Pym Particles," named after Hank Pym, which alter the space between atoms. Ant-Man's ability to shrink involves a concept known as the "Quantum Realm," as Scott Lang states, "This is the quantum realm. It's like its own microscopic universe.". As Ant-Man shrinks, he retains his original mass, showcasing the conservation of mass, a fundamental principle in physics. Furthermore, when tiny, Ant-Man gains greater strength relative to his size due to the inverse relationship between size and strength. Ant-Man's connection to physics extends beyond his superhero antics
4) Dr. Doom (Victor Von Doom) - CHEMISTRY:
Dr. Doom showcases connections to the field of chemistry through his scientific prowess and mastery of advanced technology. As a brilliant scientist, Victor Von Doom's expertise in chemistry allows him to create powerful weapons and devices, like his infamous "Doom Bots." In one instance, he states, "Ah, science! The pursuit of knowledge, the understanding of the universe, and the power it bestows. How I loathe it all." Dr. Doom's mastery of chemistry is evident in his ability to manipulate various chemical compounds, create potent potions, and engineer advanced alloys for his suit of armor, which grants him formidable strength and abilities. His utilization of chemical reactions and materials chemistry in crafting sophisticated weaponry showcases his expertise in this scientific field.
Okay, so let’s look at the intriguing connections between Marvel characters and scientific subjects highlights how science plays a significant role in their unique abilities!!
1. Iron Man (Tony Stark) - Physics:
Tony Stark, the genius inventor and billionaire playboy, is a perfect match for physics. He creates his iconic Iron Man suit using advanced principles of physics, like aerodynamics, electromagnetism, and propulsion and to optimize flight capabilities and suit performance. Stark's suits showcase principles of energy transfer, kinetic energy, and magnetism, making his technological prowess a physics lover's dream. And let's not forget his famous quip, "Is it too much to ask for both?" – referring to balancing technology and physics in his creations.
2. Hulk (Bruce Banner) - Chemistry:
Bruce Banner's transformation into the Hulk represents a fascinating application of chemistry. His metamorphosis from a mild-mannered scientist to a raging green monster is akin to a chemical reaction with extreme emotional catalysts. Additionally, his gamma radiation exposure is a nod to the radioactive nature of some chemical elements. Also, I deeply wonder about Hulk's green colour and his chemistry hehe…. but let's not forget that superhero science often defies conventional explanations.
3. Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) - Biology:
“The Ninja Od Nature” …. Natasha Romanoff's uncanny ability to sneak past enemies earns her the title of "The Ninja of Nature." She's the master of disguises, camouflaging like a chameleon in dangerous situations, quipping, "Who needs invisibility cloaks when you've got biology on your side!" While she may not have superpowers, her deadly knowledge of toxins and anatomy makes her the ultimate "Biological Bond" in the Avengers. Black Widow proves that in the world of biology, brains, and humour are the deadliest combination!
4. Doctor Strange (Stephen Strange) - Mathematics:
“Wands, wizards, and word problems: Doctor Strange’s Mathematical Conundrums” …. Docotr Strange's mastery of the mystical arts are deeply intertwined with mathematics. The complex geometry and calculations involved in casting spells and manipulating reality parallel advanced mathematical concepts…With a character like Doctor Strange, it's no wonder that mathematics is often referred to as "magical."
These connections between Marvel characters and scientific subjects highlight how science plays a significant role in their unique abilities and storylines. It also serves as a reminder of how science and imagination can blend to create captivating narratives in the realm of comic books and movies.
The science behind MCU is not always fictional; most of it is related to real-life concepts. In this essay, I have described how scientifically amazing superheros are.
Biology:
Venom's signature phrase represents the dual identity of the alien symbiote and its host. Venom is an alien symbiote, a living organism from an extraterrestrial species known as the Klyntar. It has a unique ability to bond with and influence its hosts, creating a powerful and deadly partnership. When the Venom symbiote bonds with a host, it forms a symbiotic relationship where both the host and the symbiote benefit. The symbiote gains physical sustenance from the host while providing the host with enhanced abilities, such as superhuman strength, agility, and regenerative healing. The Venom symbiote has a dark and aggressive nature, and its influence can be overwhelming for some hosts. It feeds off emotions like anger, fear, and aggression, which can lead the host to act in more violent and ruthless ways.
Chemistry:
As his name suggests, Molecule Man has the power to control and manipulate molecules at a fundamental level. Molecule Man's powers allow him to alter the bonds between atoms and even create new chemical reactions. Molecule Man can change the state of matter, such as turning solids into liquids or gases and vice versa. Molecule Man's abilities enable him to create complex molecules by combining simpler ones or breaking down complex molecules into simpler components.Molecule Man's powers also involve the transformation of energy at a molecular level.
Physics:
Captain America's iconic shield is made of vibranium, a fictional material with unique properties. In the comics and movies, the shield is known for its durability and ability to absorb and reflect impacts, showcasing concepts of material strength, elasticity, and conservation of momentum. When Captain America throws his shield, it follows a curved trajectory known as projectile motion. This type of motion is determined by the initial velocity, launch angle, and the force of gravity acting on the shield. In his combat and shield-throwing techniques, Captain America demonstrates a keen understanding of friction, which helps him maintain grip and traction on different surfaces.
Maths:
Spider-Man's acrobatic manoeuvres, swinging between buildings, and precise web shots involve a keen understanding of geometry and trigonometry. The angles and trajectories he calculates when swinging on his webs can be related to trigonometric functions, and his jumps and flips can be analyzed using principles of geometry. Spider-Man's movements and interactions with objects obey the laws of kinematics and dynamics. Concepts like speed, velocity, acceleration, and momentum are relevant when analyzing his web-swinging or how he stops moving.
Marvel and Science
This was Nick Fury's idea to save the world, but at the same time, through his team, he introduced some of the most mind-boggling ideas in science, from nanotechnology and gamma radiation to time dilation and reconfiguration of the DNA. The ability of T'Challa's suit to absorb kinetic energy, the genius mind of Tony Stark to make a 'flying suit,' Bruce Banner's gamma-infused cells, the altered DNA of Carol Danvers that allowed her to fly beyond earth's gravity, Scott Lang's trip to the quantum realm, and so many more, are the ingenious result of science.
While the whole Marvel Universe is, in essence, a tribute to science, here, I will narrow the physics, chemistry, biology, and math of Marvel to my most favoured superhero: Spider-Man, also known as Peter Parker, who himself is a big fan of science - he breathed and lived it.
Spider-Man's most important feature, which gave him his name, was the web fluid. Now while Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man shows that his fluid came from within his body, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland's Spider-Man brought out their chemicals. The web fluid is composed of salicylic acid, toluene, methanol, carbon tetrachloride, potassium carbonate, and ethyl acetate, making it load-bearing and strong, along with some stretch. The chemistry of this fluid, even when subjected to high tensile strength, would allow him to move the object around.
Moving on, we all know that Peter Parker became Spider-Man when he was bitten by a radioactive spider. But what happened when he was bitten? What exactly generated those arachnid abilities within him? The radioactive, complex mutagenic enzymes in the spider blood triggered changes in the genetic expressions of Parker's body. The reconfiguration of the DNA altered the biology of internal human features, including rewriting the protein structures in the muscle (such as higher production of actin & myosin), augmentation of bones, etc., which increased his speed and strength. The restructured DNA led to small hairs called setae to develop on his skin; the Van Der Waals forces between these setae and the walls gave him the ability to stick.
Coming to his ability to swing, the physics behind the swinging is important for him to have the perfect landing. Using his initial potential energy (U = mgh), he swings into motion at a particular velocity to generate the correct amount of kinetic energy (K = ½ mv2), and to get the K.E., the law of conservation of energy is taken into consideration. Then comes into the picture the tension carried by the web using the centripetal force (mv2/r = T–mg), which gives the exact momentum.
While considering Spider-Man's physics, the angle at different positions comes into view. At this stage, the math aspect gains importance. Because now, you'll start to see differential equations, which are used to calculate the required numbers.
All in all, Marvel's imaginative world is intertwined with scientific concepts that make it all the more exciting. Science and Marvel - a match made in heaven!