James' giant peach would actually need 2,425,907 seagulls

  • Context: Undergrad 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculations made by physics students regarding the number of seagulls required to lift a giant peach, as depicted in Roald Dahl's story. The scope includes theoretical analysis and humorous references to popular culture.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a calculation by physics students suggesting that 2,425,907 seagulls would be necessary to lift the giant peach, contrasting with the fictional figure of 501 seagulls.
  • One participant expresses concern over the precision of the estimate, questioning the use of seven significant figures by fourth-year physics students.
  • A participant humorously shifts the topic to the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow, referencing a well-known comedic line.
  • Another participant speculates that the definition of a "small house" may have changed since the 1960s, potentially affecting the calculations.
  • One participant claims that the concept of the Giant Peach was inspired by a popular Japanese legend, introducing a cultural perspective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculations and their implications, with no consensus reached on the accuracy or significance of the estimates presented.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the size of the peach and the definition of a "small house," which may influence the calculations. The discussion also touches on cultural references that may not be universally understood.

fourier jr
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I remember reading in Men of Math that Euler used to do stuff like this, like when he read about an anchor in the Aenid

Roald Dahl may famously have written that it took 501 seagulls to help James fly the Giant Peach – but a group of physics students have concluded that the actual figure would be a lot more.

Calculations by Emily Jane Watkinson, Maria-Theresia Walach, Daniel Staab and Zach Rogerson show a total of 2,425,907 seagulls would be needed to lift the peach into the air.

The University of Leicester fourth year physics students were inspired to use the childhood tale, which has delighted youngsters across the world since it was first published in the 1960s, as the basis for a scientific paper.

The story sees a young boy named James embarking on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean on a magical peach, the size of a small house.
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Leicester-University-study-disproves-Giant-Peach/story-17740735-detail/story.html
 
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I'm saddened that such an estimate was given to 7 significant figures. Fourth-year physics students should know better.
 
I'm still wondering about the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow.

African or European?

Aaarrghhhhh!

I'll let myself out ..
 
Maybe their calculation of a "small house" was small to today's standards, and not by 60s standards
 
The Giant Peach idea was stolen from a popular Japanese legend.