The Paper Clip: A Feat of PhysicsHow a simple wire loop perfectly balances tension and force.

From the show

Why it looks like that

The humble paper clip is a marvel of engineering, unchanged for over a century for a reason. Its iconic double-oval shape is no accident; it's a carefully designed system that uses the steel wire's tension and elasticity to grip pages securely without tearing them. This design stores elastic potential energy to create clamping pressure, while its rounded form distributes that force evenly. It's a masterclass in elegant, efficient design that has stood the test of time.