How spherical-cow philosophy makes laborious physics issues simple

There’s an outdated physics joke involving a spherical cow. Although it is not side-splittingly humorous, it does clarify why physics works so effectively, writes Sean Carroll

By Sean Carroll

The next is an extract from our Misplaced in Area-Time e-newsletter. Every month, we hand over the keyboard to a physicist or two to inform you about fascinating concepts from their nook of the universe. You possibly can join Misplaced in Area-Time right here.

Physics has one thing of a popularity for issue. It’s not the primary college course you join should you’re on the lookout for a simple grade. However there’s a paradox lurking behind this popularity. The explanation that physics appears …