Train of Thought

Got a brain-bending question about how the world works — but no experiment to do or equipment to use that can answer it?

thought bubbles that say "If I could turn off gravity, what would the world look like?" and "Can I run in a circle so fast that I pass myself?"
Train of Thought
thought bubbles that say "If I could turn off gravity, what would the world look like?" and "Can I run in a circle so fast that I pass myself?"

Got a brain-bending question about how the world works — but no experiment to do or equipment to use that can answer it?

No problem. Just crank up your imagination!

The world's great scientists know that creativity is key when it comes to scientific thinking. Some of the most famous theories have popped out of thought experiments — fantastic ways to wonder what the world would be like if things were different.

What do you need to perform a thought experiment? Not a laboratory, not tons of machinery, not a degree in rocket science — only your imagination!

To be a thought experimenter, here's what to do:

1. Start with a question. 2.Think of an example to help you answer it. 3. Use your logic to make a prediction about the answer. 4. Finally, state your

Albert Einstein was a master at thought experiments. Once, when someone asked Einstein where his laboratory was, he pointed to his pen!

Take your scientific creativity for a spin with these thought experiments:

button link to Newton's Ball
button link to Light Speed
Credits

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Image Credits:

Photos: satellite: courtesy of NASA; Illustrations: Newton's Ball and Light Speed: Eric Hamilton