Viral video: Physics Wallah teacher uses his body to explain a Chemistry concept; unique approach divides students
India’s 101st unicorn, now valued at over 2.8 billion dollars, Physics Wallah is an Indian Ed-tech company that offers courses for NEET and JEE. In one of its recent lessons, their educator, Harsh Tyagi used unconventional methods to describe the concept of chirality in chemistry.
Chirality is a concept in science that describes objects or molecules that exist in two forms, like a pair of hands—similar in shape but mirror images that cannot be superimposed on one another. Just as your left hand doesn't fit perfectly into a right-handed glove, chiral molecules have unique "handedness," which can affect how they interact with other molecules.
When a structure is chiral, no amount of rotation or flipping can produce an exact alignment with its mirror image. To illustrate this concept, Tyagi performed a creative demonstration by positioning himself on all fours on a table. He then extended his hands to the floor and raised his legs, attempting to mimic the shape of a trigonal planar molecule.
Absolute cinema 🎥 pic.twitter.com/KkhZwOr9dD
— Priyanka 🪷 (@Oyepriyankasun) December 14, 2024
Although his efforts were appreciated by several students, others viewing the video felt that some visual cues should be left unperformed.
Harsh sir is a great teacher making organic chemistry engaging for students studying 10-12 hrs/day. Activities like these keep the class lively. Sad to see people who don’t understand this criticizing him. Let’s respect teachers who care! 🙌 #RespectTeachers #HarshSir
— Aditya Mishra (@hey_lexo) December 15, 2024
This was voiced by several students one of whom suggested that it would be better if the educator could purchase the 3-D models specifically made for this purpose. Taking the company’s valuation into account, the purchase would not seem to dent their finances.
Just buy plastic models. pic.twitter.com/K7WxQ7gU8Z
— SamuraiSanghi 🩺 (@glider057) December 15, 2024
Chirality and it's projections. Better can be taught by 3D model
— Pravin Der (@Pravin_Der_Ahir) December 15, 2024
