Null. Nil. Zip. Nada. Zero. Call it what you like, it’s still nothing. But what is nothing? And is “zero” just a theoretical concept, or can it really be considered a number?
In this episode of Huh? Science Explained, Evrim Yazgin explains that, at times, philosophy and mathematics meet in the middle to give us truly weird thought experiments. So, grab your graph paper, calculator and tweed coat, because we’re going to go on a journey down the number line to find out what “zero” really means.
The podcast Huh? Science Explained is a LiSTNR production
Listen to more episodes of Huh? Science Explained:
Originally published by Cosmos as Is zero a number?
Evrim Yazgin
Evrim Yazgin has a Bachelor of Science majoring in mathematical physics and a Master of Science in physics, both from the University of Melbourne.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
