Surprising Physics: Falling Flat Boards & Chimneys

[Janus]

Do yours carry brooms?

Sure. They use them to keep the storm drains clear.

 

[Janus]

As I write, I notice that something strange is happening outside, there is some unusual form of energy pouring through my windows, and the clouds all seem to be blue?
Janus, what is that big yellow thing in the sky?

I don't know, But I bet you is has sumptin' to do with one of dem der' "dry spells" cast by a "sand witch".

 

[Integral]

I don't know, But I bet you is has sumptin' to do with one of dem der' "dry spells" cast by a "sand witch".

That sounds reasonable... Now I am hungry! A sandwitch and some round \pi sounds real good.

 

[Janus]

That sounds reasonable... Now I am hungry! A sandwitch and some round \pi sounds real good.

Round \pi? I thought \pi r^2?

 

[Integral]

Round \pi? I thought \pi r^2?

That is a common myth. When was the last time you ate a square \pi?

 

[Janus]

That is a common myth. When was the last time you ate a square \pi?

It was a Shepherd's \pi.

 

[honestrosewater]

I like to fit square \pi into a square meal; It's more efficient that way.

 

[Crosson]

This chalk business is reminiscient of Feynman's conjecture: If you grasp the two ends of a dry spaghetti noodle and break the noodle by bending, it is almost impossible to break it into any less then 3 pieces.

 

[Mk]

That is a common myth. When was the last time you ate a square \pi?

I usually encounter it in a triangular prism form.

http://www.rockfield.co.uk/images/chimney_collapsing_real.gif
This chimney broke into \pi pieces.

So tomorrow I'll settle this - if I remember to buy chalk. I'll try and get the sidewalk form as well. I don't have a highspeed camera.

 

[Mk]

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

 

[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.