Who Smarted? — SMARTY Q: Why is the ocean salty???
Episode Date: September 9, 2025
Host: Trusty Narrator
Theme: Fun, curiosity-fueled Q&A answering listener questions about science and the natural world
Episode Overview
In this engaging episode of "Who Smarted?", the Trusty Narrator answers curiosity-driven questions submitted by kids from around the world. The episode's main theme centers on fascinating science facts, with a focus on why the ocean is salty, how ropes are made, whether Earth could be covered in water, the truth about vomitoriums, why Earth is round, and the science behind dry ice. The tone is humorous, warm, and accessible, making complex topics both fun and understandable for kids and their grown-ups.
Key Questions & Answers
1. Why is the Ocean Salty?
Submitted by: Kai in Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Main Points:
- The ocean's salt comes from two major sources: dry land (via rain) and vents in the seafloor.
- Rainwater erodes rocks on dry land, picking up dissolved minerals (including salt) as it flows to the ocean. While marine organisms use some minerals, they tend to leave the salt, which accumulates in the ocean.
- Seafloor vents: Ocean water seeps into the seabed, gets heated by Earth's core, then bursts back out of hydrothermal vents loaded with new minerals and metals, further salting the sea.
- The sheer quantity of salt is mind-boggling: 120 million tons per cubic mile of seawater — and there are about 332,519,000 cubic miles of seawater!
Notable Quote:
"How much salt, you ask? Try 120 million tons per cubic mile of seawater, of which there are about 332,519,000 cubic miles."
— Trusty Narrator [02:36]
2. What is Rope Made From?
Submitted by: Hamilton in Houston, Texas
Main Points:
- Rope can be made from almost any fiber: Natural (cotton, hemp, linen, silk, wool, even hair), synthetic (nylon, polyester, acrylic), or even metal (steel cables).
- Many ropes are actually twisted together from smaller ropes—a process that creates a “laid” or “twisted rope.”
- For stability, you need to have at least one rope twisted in the opposite direction to keep the whole thing together.
- Playful ending: "Maybe I can pull some strings."
Notable Quote:
"What isn't rope made of? Because rope can be made of pretty much any fiber."
— Trusty Narrator [03:45]
3. Will Earth One Day Be Covered in Water?
Submitted by: Wilf, France
Main Points:
- It's possible the Earth could someday be totally covered by water, but current climate change and sea level rise, while dangerous for coastlines, won’t drown all land.
- Harvard scientists suggested that billions of years ago, Earth may have been fully covered by water.
- Humorous caveat: “But I wouldn’t hold your breath unless you’re underwater.”
Notable Quote:
"In a 2021 study, Harvard scientists found...three to four billion years ago...Earth could have been covered in water. So it could happen again. But I wouldn't hold your breath unless you're underwater."
— Trusty Narrator [05:06]
4. What is a Vomitorium?
Submitted by: Olivia
Main Points:
- Contrary to popular myth, a vomitorium was not a place for Romans to purge after overeating.
- A vomitorium refers to passages in amphitheaters or stadiums designed to let crowds "spew forth" quickly.
- The root of the word is Latin ‘vomitorium’, meaning “to spew forth,” still used in modern stadium designs.
Notable Quote:
"Contrary to popular belief, a vomitorium is not a place where ancient Romans allegedly purged."
— Trusty Narrator [09:23]
5. Why is Earth Round?
Submitted by: Finley
Main Points:
- Earth is roughly spherical because gravity pulls everything equally towards the planet’s center of mass.
- Rotation causes material on the surface to “spread out,” adding to Earth’s slightly squashed (oblate spheroid) shape.
- The combination of gravity and rotation gave Earth its round(ish) form over billions of years.
Notable Quote:
"Because a sphere has the smallest surface area for a given volume, it is the shape that is most likely to form thanks to gravity."
— Trusty Narrator [10:31]
6. What is Dry Ice & How Does It Work?
Submitted by: Eli, Central Texas
Main Points:
- Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), at temperatures around -78.5°C / -109.3°F.
- Unlike regular ice, it turns directly from solid to gas (sublimation) with no liquid phase, so it's called "dry."
- Used for refrigeration, creating fog effects, and keeping perishable items cold.
- Safety advice: Only handle dry ice with insulated gloves/tongs and adult supervision.
Notable Quote:
"It’s called dry ice because it transfers directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase."
— Trusty Narrator [12:25]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.”
— Trusty Narrator (after explaining ocean salinity) [03:16] -
"As it turns out, many ropes are made of ropes."
— Trusty Narrator [04:00] -
"So it could happen again. But I wouldn't hold your breath unless you're underwater.”
— Trusty Narrator [05:45]
Timestamps for Top Segments
- 00:55 — Listener shout-outs & introduction to the episode’s Q&A
- 01:30 — Why is the Ocean Salty?
- 03:45 — What is Rope Made From?
- 05:06 — Will Earth One Day Be Covered in Water?
- 09:23 — What is a Vomitorium?
- 10:31 — Why is Earth Round?
- 12:25 — What is Dry Ice and How Does It Work?
Closing
This edition of "Smarty Q" offers a rapid-fire, laughter-infused journey through science facts, fueled by questions from real kids. The Trusty Narrator strikes a perfect tone of curiosity and encouragement, making learning both accessible and highly entertaining. Whether explaining the chemistry of the sea, the quirks of ancient architecture, or why dry ice is so cool (literally), every answer is designed to make kids — and parents — feel like part of a special smartypants club.
How to submit your own question:
Email: whosmarted@whosmarted.com
Or via Facebook Messenger at “Who Smarted”
Perfect for:
- Science-loving kids and families
- Teachers seeking classroom conversation sparkers
- Anyone who loves quirky facts and a fun, interactive approach to learning