Explaining Physics and The Force From Star Wars

Image source

I once had a student who was interested in taking physics as a major in high school. However, he could not quite fathom what physics was. Despite my background as a language major, I love science, ok... I love Science Fiction more than Science but hey, I still aced my general science papers in school.

The student seeking my advice was wondering what he would be learning in physics and what it was all about. At the corner of my eye, I saw a Darth Vader (one of @lordvader's fans) and asked if he knew anything about Star Wars. His eyes lit up and he told me he was a huge fan. Thus begun the conversation of how Physics is similar in many ways to the force from Star Wars.

Binding and Affecting Everything Around Us

One of my most favorite aspect of Physics is how it binds everything together. I explained that everything in our known universe is bounded together via physics. Without going into too much detail, I mentioned that there are four fundamental forces that binds everything together. This is similar to what Obi-Wan said about how the force binds everything together.

Furthermore, the force affects everything around us. A force user is able to push, pull and even create lightning. All these are aspects that are covered in physics. I pointed out that the action of pushing and pulling is covered in the study of forces. I pointed out the studying of how force can be applied to in order to speed up or slow down a particular object.

Image source

The student however asked if the teacher would teach him about the force, I said no. He seemed disappointed, I then pointed out that is not possible, at present. However, I did point out if he were to study further into the different concepts of physics, he may be able to communicate across large distances like how Rey and Kylo Ren did.

That got him interested even more...

The Great Disturbance in The Force and Physics

Image source

The concept of quantum entanglement is something that is covered in quantum physics. Since it is something that is being worked on by China to detect Stealth aircraft, its applications may increase to other domains in the future. With that concept, I said that I won't be surprised if someone managed to build a communication device that uses the same concept.

Much like Kylo Ren and Rey communicating over vast distances without any tools, just the use of the force, this may just become possible one day. Aside from that, I also pointed out how the disturbance in the force felt by many who are sensitive to the force, may just be easily explained by physics.

Aside from the explanation of the disturbance in the force being explained purely by quantum entanglement, there are other aspects of physics that can be used to explain this phenomenon. I pointed out that in physics, he will learn of gravitational fields. When Alderaan was destroyed via the death star, a disturbance in the force was felt. I pointed out to my student that if he was well versed in physics, he may associate this disturbance to the gravitational force or any other force formed through the destruction of a planet.

Image source

As if that was not interesting enough, I pointed out that the Lightsaber would probably be built with a deeper understanding of physics, especially how we could contain the light, plasma or whatever element it may be. Since containing light for the purposes of a Lightsaber is almost impossible, it will not be surprising that physics would find out how, one day. Imagine cooking and slicing a turkey during thanksgiving.

Conclusion

I would like to think that my student was convinced to join physics but it is indeed a very wide field and it can be rather complex to explain to a 14 year old. That being said, it is a very interesting field and I look forward to him building a Lightsaber. If he needs a reason, its because ...

Student, I'm your teacher.

If that doesn't happen, I will settle for a light-speed trip to Mars on the Millennium Falcon. Until that day comes, may the force be with you.

---