And, the amazing thing is that "cartoon physics" *seems* to make sense, doesn't it? Me, I was into Superman et al., and I still find it disappointing to know why almost none of his super deeds would actually be feasible (even granting super-strength, etc.).
Some enterprising psych folks have actually done a lot of research as to how we naturally think about physical phenomena. Basically, our natural inclinations are almost always wrong. Even kids who got top grades in introductory physics classes tend to blow it on "simple" questions such as "questions'" son asked.
In a way, learning science is sort of mentally rebelling against natural human ways of thinking, which is why it is so important to ask the simple questions and not just think you have learned science if you can explain E = mc2.
But I'm still disappointed that Superman's feats are not really possible.
All the best,
Dave
