Robert Matthews

Physicist

After studying physics at Oxford, Robert became a science writer. He’s visiting professor in science at Aston University.

Recent articles by Robert Matthews

Does the outer edge of a spinning object spin faster than its centre? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Does the outer edge of a spinning object spin faster than its centre?

How did people deal with pain before anaesthetics? © Getty Images

How did people deal with pain before anaesthetics?

Is anything ever absolutely still? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Is anything ever absolutely still?

What are the odds of shuffling a deck of cards into the right order? © iStock

Everyday science

What are the odds of shuffling a deck of cards into the right order?

Do candles burn for longer in hot or cold conditions? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Do candles burn for longer in hot or cold conditions?

Why don't birds get electrocuted while perching on power lines? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why don’t birds get electrocuted while perching on power lines?

Does Britain still lead the world in anything? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Does Britain still lead the world in anything?

Has every game of chess already been played? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Has every possible chess game been played?

Has all of the Earth been mapped? © Getty Images

Has all of the Earth been mapped?

Where did the Big Bang take place? © Getty Images

Where did the Big Bang take place?

What's the most common phenomenon that's yet to be explained by science? © Getty Images

Everyday science

What’s the most common phenomenon that’s yet to be explained by science?

Is there an easy way to prove the Earth is round? © Getty Images

Is there an easy way to prove the Earth is round?

Have we all been here before? © Getty Images

Have we all been here before?

Sleepless in battle © Getty Images

Sleepless in battle