Simplifying Science Writing

I am ghostwriting part of an environmental physics book. That is why my blog posts have been sporadic recently.

Writing about physics has taught me more about simplicity in science writing. Although I was almost a physics major during college, this is my first time writing copy about environmental physics.

I’ve heard that the best teachers give the simplest explanations. Developing simple and clear explanations of challenging topics has taught me how to streamline science writing in a way I was not able to do easily before. I’m using a concise, crisp style to convey the key points.

In a way, this writing style mirrors how physics works. Physicists seek the most simple explanation for phenomena. From gravity to quantum physics and relativity, simplicity drives physics.

Newton’s Cradle demonstrates the relationship between force, mass and acceleration. (Source: stock.xchng)

Because I am writing for a physicist, I am developing a writing style that reflects how some physicists probably think. It is a fascinating experience to capture the “voice” of a professional thinking style and put it on paper.

If I hadn’t taken physics courses during college, I would probably find this project more difficult than I do. As it is, it has been an exercise in messaging and education: understanding the audiences, capturing the right voice, and shaping explanations clearly and simply.

Now that I have done this, I see that simplicity is useful in other areas of science writing as well. I plan to apply it to my future projects and to other areas of my life.

So far, I am also streamlining my social media use, giving away some of my possessions, and moving to a monastery… well, not really. I’m moving to a house in the woods near Boston. I’m also taking a vacation from some of my other commitments.

For writers, productivity requires space and time. I am creating space by simplifying my schedule. I’ll continue to blog intermittently during this project and will resume my regular posting schedule later.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Physics

Last night, the Coolidge Corner Theatre was crowded with science buffs eager to see Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and to hear about the physics that underlies its moments of airborne suspense.

But are martial arts flicks really based on physics?

Do you think this could be one of the impossible moves?

A scientist was there to tell us the answer. This movie was part of the Science on Screen series, where professors demonstrate how “getting” science principles can add zest to a regular diet of pop culture.

Andrew Cohen, who teaches a course at Boston University called Cinema Physica, explained how Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon violated the laws of physics. During ordinary-looking combat scenes, the law of conservation of momentum was suspended – just for a moment –  at key points in the plot.

The results were visually striking. In a movie where people toss each other into somersaults as easily as they might hand each other a teapot, a punch or kick loses the impact it would have in a more peaceful film. But when the fighting suddenly becomes physically impossible, that contrast wakes up the audience.

This was the third time I saw this movie. But because I was watching for turning points – signaled by impossible physical feats – I paid extra attention to the story line and character development. While the actors leaped over buildings or flew backward in improbable positions, I was busy watching for clues to the plot.