Monthly Archives: April 2012

Q: How much does fire weigh?

The original question was: So I was wondering, and I have pondered it for some time, since fire is a plasma, and plasma is a state of matter. and matter is defined as anything that has mass, would that then … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Physics | 19 Comments

Q: Since the real-world does all kinds of crazy calculations in no time, can we use physics to calculate stuff?

The original question was: I’ve heard somewhere that they’re also trying to build computers using molecules, like DNA. In general would it work to try and simulate a factoring algorithm using real world things, and then let the physics of … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Computer Science, Engineering, Entropy/Information, Physics | 8 Comments

Q: Is there some way to actually play quidditch?

Physicist: Using magic?  No.  But people do try. There are no physical theories that allow for the existence of magic, as described in Harry Potter™ and or other creative ventures of that ilk.  However, if you had an amazing amount … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Physics | 14 Comments

Q: Can you poke something that’s far away with a stick faster than it would take light to get there?

The original question was: If I had a really long (about 500,000 km) and really stiff stick would I be able to send information faster than light by moving it quickly by 1 cm and poking someone on the other … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Physics, Relativity | 17 Comments

Q: Does how you deal cards affect how random they are?

The original question was: [My wife and I] always shuffle the deck at least 4-5 times before dealing.  But I’m sure that’s not enough and need some guidance.  Does the game previously played influence the amount of shuffling required to … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Entropy/Information, Math | 11 Comments

Q: Will CERN awaken the Elder Gods?

Physicist: At the risk of over-simplifying the situation; yes, absolutely. For years dark and unexplainable events have been the norm in particle accelerator laboratories around the world.  However, it was not until a meta-analysis of the 2001 “blood running up … Continue reading

Posted in -- By the Physicist, April Fools | 23 Comments