Still baffled by Einstein’s theory of relativity, in which the great physicist uses complex equations to describe his groundbreaking work? Well, 18-year-old Hillary Diane Andales of the Philippines can straighten it out for you. She explains this concept in a very simple manner using a pickup truck, a few cell phones, and Usain Bolt.
She received a grand prize of $250,000 in scholarship money for this!
Andales won the 2017 Breakthrough Junior Challenge, which invites students across the world aged 13 to 18 to share their passion for math and science with the world. These teenagers are asked to create a short video, no longer than three minutes, that communicates a big idea in science or math in a simple and accessible way.
Andales’ winning video is titled “Relativity & The Equivalence of Reference Frames.” She starts by displaying a sideways number, which could be read as a “6” or a “9,” depending on which way you turn your head.
She explains that reference frames are fundamental to relativity since observers perceive things differently if they’re in different locations.
You can watch her prizewinning video below:
