The Science of Everything Podcast

A discussion of the principal circumstances in which markets do not produce an optimal outcome. After formally defining market failure, I discuss the ‘big four’ market failures of market power, extern...

An overview of the basic concepts of linear momentum, angular momentum, work and energy. Includes a discussion of the conservation of momentum, why the concept is needed, and some applications of the ...

A discussion of the importance of the profit motive and freedom of competition in the efficient operation of a market economy. Includes an overview of the uniformity of profit principle, and an examin...

An overview of how atoms bond together to form different chemical substances, including a discussion of the tree main types of bonds (covalent, ionic, and metallic), and the relationship of these bond...

An introduction to the key principles of quantum mechanics, beginning with an examination of the quantum-mechanical description of the behaviour of electrons around atomic nuclei. This is followed by ...

An introduction to basic Newtonian Physics, including a discussion of forces, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s three laws of motion, and some common misconceptions about forces. We also discuss circul...

An examination of how the price system works, including an introduction to supply and demand theory, and the concepts of clearing the market and surplus maximisation. We also look at how the price sys...

An overview of the chaotic inflationary theory for the origin of the universe, including a discussion of the inflaton field, quantum fluctuations, spontaneous symmetry breaking, and the zero net energ...

An overview of the structure and function of cells, as well as their discovery, size, and classifications. Organelles discussed include the nucleus, plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, ...

An introduction to the nature, phases, and atomic composition of matter, along with a look at elements, ions, isotopes and the periodic table. The episode concludes with an explanation of molecules, i...