logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2024
38m 33s

Neil’s Guide to Heat Transfer Physics

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON
About this episode

How do you make some things stay hot and others stay cool? Neil deGrasse Tyson, with the help of comedian Chuck Nice, explains the physics of heat transfer, insulation, and why your Stanley cup can keep your drink cold during a fire. 

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: 
https://startalkmedia.com/show/neils-guide-to-heat-transfer-physics/

Thanks to our Patrons Kiril Stoilov, aaron tanenbaum, Oswaldo Asprino, cary mannaberg, Taylor Jenkins, BeerandBrat, and J Maz for supporting us this week.

Up next
Jul 8
Cosmic Queries – Black Hole Escape
How much do we actually know about the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice answer fan questions from plasma propulsion to quantum gravity to black hole escape plans.NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkm ... Show More
49m 13s
Jul 4
Nuclear Winter with Ann Druyan and Brian Toon
Are advanced civilizations doomed to destroy themselves? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore the Cold War, The Drake Equation, and nuclear winter hypothesis with producer of Cosmos and Carl Sagan’s widow Ann Druyan and atmospheric scientist Brian Toon. Originally Aired Aug ... Show More
59m 3s
Jul 1
Super-Duper Novas with Michael Shara
When will the last supernova be? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore types of novas, freaky binary star systems, core collapse, standard candles, and the explosive future of Betelgeuse with astrophysicist Michael Shara.NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire epis ... Show More
1h 5m
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2020
327: Neil deGrasse Tyson | Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) is the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium, host of StarTalk Radio, and author of New York Times bestseller Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. What We Discuss with Neil deGrasse Tyson: How a seasoned scientist maintains childlike ... Show More
1h 3m
Feb 2023
How do thermoses keep coffee hot?
#033 Rebroadcast That's right, we are sort of talking about coffee this week. Or rather, how to keep it hot. Nowadays we all have some version of a thermos for our coffee, tea, water, or what-have-you. Today Melissa and Jam try to get to the bottom of how those work. How do they ... Show More
31m 50s
Dec 2021
Why do tires go flat in the winter?
#125Well you've probably been there. It's the first significantly cold day of the season, and you turn your car on and the tire pressure light comes on. This is an annual problem for many of us, and we probably don't even really think about why it happens. I mean we all know it h ... Show More
20m 54s
Feb 2023
Is freezing point *actually* real?
#154 When you're young in science class, you probably learned the phrase "freezing point," but is that even a thing? Is there a specific temperature at which things go from liquid to solid? Spoiler alert: Melissa thinks that's actually a huge misunderstanding about states of matt ... Show More
48m 27s
Sep 2022
727: Neil deGrasse Tyson | Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization
Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) is the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium, host of StarTalk Radio, and author. He is kind enough to rejoin us and discuss his latest book, Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization. What We Discuss with Neil deGrasse ... Show More
1h 3m
Jun 2023
What is the greenhouse effect?
#162 Here's another summer topic, if you live in a somewhat warmer climate area, you've undoubtedly notice that cars can get insanely hot during the summer. We live in Texas, and cars can get so hot that it's dangerous. What the heck is going on there? We all know this to be the ... Show More
44m 42s
May 2023
Bonus: Can coffee get HOTTER in an insulated mug? (and other questions)
Bonus Episode: Question and Response 43 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about coffee in thermoses, yeast, intermolecular forces, plastic wrap, and more! Thanks to our monthly supporters Ciara Linville J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cu ... Show More
50m 41s
Mar 2022
Why do sodas explode? (when we shake them)
#131We've all shaken up a carbonated drink, either accidentally or on purpose, so we all know what happens. But why? Why does simply shaking it agitate the carbonation so much? And why do shaken sodas overflow the can so much? How to start a podcast. 
33m 56s
Feb 2024
Why do plants die in freezing weather?
#085 Rebroadcast Well here in Texas, we just suffered through an intense freeze. And many a plant became a casualty of the cold, but why? What's going on at the molecular level that causes freezing temperatures to be bad for many plants? And is talking about this even chemistry? ... Show More
27m 25s