What If? is a bestselling popular science book that explores unusual and often absurd hypothetical questions submitted by readers of the xkcd webcomic. Randall Munroe, a former NASA roboticist, applies real scientific principles to explain what would happen in extreme or imaginative scenarios.
The book covers questions ranging from the mildly curious to the wildly impractical, such as what would happen if you tried to hit a baseball pitched at near-light speed, or how large a pile of certain objects would need to be to create unusual effects. Each answer combines physics, mathematics, and clear explanations with humour and illustrations.
Rather than simply giving quick answers, the book demonstrates how scientific thinking can be used to approach almost any question logically. It makes complex ideas accessible while encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.
What If? is widely regarded in popular science literature. It is ideal for readers who enjoy science explained with humour and creativity, offering an entertaining and educational exploration of “what if” scenarios grounded in real-world physics.
