"Shaggy Dog Stories" relevant to "Cartoon Physics"

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the concept of "open/closed" systems in relation to cartoon physics, particularly through humorous anecdotes. A notable example involves a pet store delivery driver who avoids penalties by keeping birds airborne in a closed van, illustrating the absurdity of physics in everyday scenarios. The conversation also highlights a real-life incident at a grocery store where a bagger mistakenly believes that air-filled bags of vegetables would weigh less, showcasing a misunderstanding of basic physics principles. The discussion aims to clarify these misconceptions and gather further anecdotes related to cartoon physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly weight and buoyancy.
  • Familiarity with the concept of open and closed systems in physics.
  • Knowledge of anecdotal reasoning and its role in scientific discussions.
  • Awareness of common misconceptions in physics, especially in everyday contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of buoyancy and how they apply to real-world scenarios.
  • Explore the concept of open and closed systems in thermodynamics.
  • Investigate common physics misconceptions and how they can be addressed in educational settings.
  • Examine the role of humor and anecdotes in explaining complex scientific concepts.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for educators, physics students, and anyone interested in the intersection of humor and science, particularly in understanding and clarifying misconceptions in physics.

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e.g., the pet store/livestock delivery truck driver who avoids being ticketed for driving an overweight vehicle by hitting the side of his closed van periodically to keep the canaries/parakeets/chickens/turkeys airborne.

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/sailboats-providing-their-own-wind.980139/
This is an endeavor to define the nature of "open/closed" systems, and, perhaps, to winkle out some of the semantic pitfalls I apparently waded into. I'll leave this open for a month or so to accumulate "folklore/anecdotes and wisdom/comments."
 
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While purchasing ingredients for vegetable soup from the grocery store, I carefully sealed each plastic bag by twisting and tying the open edges resulting in a minor air cushion. As the cashier was weighing each bag the bagger stuck her grubby fingers through the side of each bag realeasing the slight air cushion while loudly declaiming nonsense about seniors stealing from the grocer.

Nearly tongue-tied from this display of stupidity, bad manners and poor hygiene; I attempted to explain that the air in the bag of vegetables did not affect the scales. I tried to get the cashier and bagger to at least conduct an experiment and weigh the puffy bags before and after deflation. No go. Bagger was adamant that the slightly puffy bags would float, lighter-than-air like helium balloons, resulting in a lower scale reading. 'Pop!'

Bagger-girl fighting imagined crime one plastic bag at a time. What should you believe: your lying eyes showing no change on the scale after deflation; or some hare-brained crackpot 'theory' that a bag of vegetables weighs less when inflated with surrounding air?
 
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