Science fans, assemble! Sorry, that was irresistible. The world’s top superhero team (also, sorry D.C. fans) are back together to save the day in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” For those who haven’t seen the movie, the basic plot follows on from when Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program using artificial intelligence, things go awry and it’s up to the Avengers have to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.
However, this is the science page for Digital Journal, not the entertainment section. So, the big science question is: are the powers and antics of these superheroes complete fantasy or is there some science behind what these characters get up to?
Putting aside bending the laws of physics (in the case of Thor’s flying) and the nuances of biology (as with the Scarlet Witch’s mind-bending powers), chemistry is one scientific field where science meets super-science.
The American Chemistry Society have put together a cool video that looks at the science of the Avengers, focusing on the chemistry behind these iconic heroes’ gear and superpowers.
The video explores the science behind Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit; the incredible strength of Captain America’s shield, the Black Widow’s super-fast healing and more.
The entertaining video was written by Adam Dylewski, Raychelle Burksand Noel Waghorn.
For those with an interest in physics rather than chemistry, the physical feats of superheroes are covered in a book called The Physics of Superheroes, written by scientist James Kakalios.
