How the acceleration of gravity is almost equal to pi squared?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation that the acceleration due to gravity is approximately equal to pi squared. Participants explore this relationship, considering its implications, the role of unit selection, and the nature of such numerical coincidences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the acceleration due to gravity varies with elevation, suggesting that the relationship to pi squared may not be universally applicable.
  • One participant mentions that the relationship holds only in specific units, implying that unit selection can influence numerical coincidences.
  • Another participant questions the validity of the claim by providing a specific value for gravity in different units, challenging the idea that it is almost equal to pi squared.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the significance of the relationship, referring to it as numerology and questioning its relevance beyond mere coincidence.
  • There is a suggestion that if one can select units appropriately, various numerical relationships can be made to appear valid, which raises concerns about the meaningfulness of such observations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the significance of the relationship between gravity and pi squared, with some viewing it as a mere coincidence while others explore its implications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the importance of this numerical relationship.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the relationship may depend on the choice of units, which introduces uncertainty regarding its validity across different contexts. The discussion also touches on the concept of numerology, suggesting a limitation in the interpretation of such coincidences.

LuGoBi
Have you guys noticed how the acceleration of gravity is almost equal to pi squared?
 
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Yea but you have to remember that the acceleration due to gravity changes with elevation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_gravity

If you found two universal constants that were related like e and i then you have something big.
 
And of course it only works in metric units.
Similairly there afre about 10milion pi seconds in a year.
A second is a milli-fortnight and an inch is an attoparsec.
 
Hm? g is 175.55 furlongs/minute^2. How is that almost equal to pi^2? Or does it only work in some arbitrarily selected set of units?
 
nicksauce said:
Hm? g is 175.55 furlongs/minute^2. How is that almost equal to pi^2? Or does it only work in some arbitrarily selected set of units?

mgb_phys has answered that.

Anyway, is there any point to this thread other than "spot the coincidence"?
 
If you select units correctly, everything is possible. Light speed is almost exactly 1 feet/ns.
 
cristo said:
mgb_phys has answered that.

Yes, I know. I just thought a hard example like that might help show the OP how absurd this sort of numerology is.
 
nicksauce said:
Yes, I know. I just thought a hard example like that might help show the OP how absurd this sort of numerology is.

Fair enough. Well, I think we've established that this is, as you say, simply numerology. Thus, this thread is done.
 

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