Surprising Physics: Falling Flat Boards & Chimneys

[honestrosewater]

I bought the chalk today, but I'm going to do it tomorrow. I'm confident it will break into pi pieces. Happy trails!

-Mr. Smith

Watch out for the witches and shepherds.

 

[hypatia]

Now he even has me waiting for his results

 

[PerennialII]

... he better come up with a detailed report ... gotten to the point that have to make someone do a lab assignment (for real) about this topic .

 

[Mk]

I forgot to do it! Oh no, its 11 o'clock, I will do it tomorrow.

 

[Mk]

So with my box of 16 3 and 1/4 inch, long-lasting non-toxic plain RoseArt white chalk, I would have to conclude: Myth busted.

Four trials, at 3 heights: 36", 42", and 48" inches.

At 36 inches:
Trial 1: 2 pieces (1:1)
Trial 2: 2 pieces (2:1)
Trial 3: 4 pieces (1:1:1:1)
Trial 4: 1 pieces

At 42 inches:
Trial 1: 2 pieces (1.5:1)
Trial 2: 1 pieces
Trial 3: 1 pieces
Trial 4: 3 pieces (1:4:1)

At 42 inches:
Trial 1: 2 pieces (2:1)
Trial 2: 2 pieces (1:1)
Trial 3: 1 pieces
Trial 4: 3 pieces (4:1:4)

Not one time did the chalk break into pi pieces.

Sorry kids.

 

[honestrosewater]

No wonder - you got long-lasting chalk!

 

[PerennialII]

... now for starters someone fit a Weibull distribution to the results please ... we'll see what kind of brittle material we're talking about.