The Geekest T-Shirt Of The Year.... So Far

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around a humorous geeky t-shirt purchased at the Adler Planetarium, which features a physics reference that many found puzzling. The shirt's slogan relates to Newton's Second Law, specifically the equation F = dp/dt, which was explained to fellow attendees who did not grasp the connection. The conversation also touches on various other geeky t-shirt designs, including references to Ohm's Law and the Fleming Left Hand Rule, highlighting the niche appeal of such apparel among engineers and physicists.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Familiarity with momentum (mv = p)
  • Basic knowledge of electrical concepts, including Ohm's Law
  • Awareness of physics humor and its cultural significance among engineers
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of Newton's Second Law in modern physics
  • Research the history and significance of geeky t-shirt designs in STEM culture
  • Learn about the Fleming Left Hand Rule and its applications in electromagnetism
  • Investigate the use of humor in educational settings, particularly in science and engineering
USEFUL FOR

Physics enthusiasts, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of humor and science, particularly those who appreciate geek culture and its representation in apparel.

ZapperZ
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I tend to buy at least 1 geeky t-shirt a year, just for the heck of it. I can't not buy this one when I saw it last week at the Chicago's Adler Planetarium during their Members Night.

IMG_3169.JPG


Most of the people I was with didn't get it. I mean, they knew that it has to be "Force", but they couldn't make the connection. So of course I had to explain to them that mv = p, and that the most general form of Newton's Second Law (F=ma) is F = dp/dt, which is F = d/dt (mv).

You could hear crickets after I explained that, and then followed by "oooohhh..." before they walked away shaking their heads.

Which meant that I just HAD to buy the shirt!

I wonder how many of the planetarium guests had the same puzzled look when they saw the shirt. Maybe that's why the shirt was on SALE! :)

Zz.
 
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ZapperZ said:
Which meant that I just HAD to buy the shirt!
Yep.
 
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ZapperZ said:
I tend to buy at least 1 geeky t-shirt a year, just for the heck of it. I can't not buy this one when I saw it last week at the Chicago's Adler Planetarium during their Members Night.

View attachment 243290

Most of the people I was with didn't get it. I mean, they knew that it has to be "Force", but they couldn't make the connection. So of course I had to explain to them that mv = p, and that the most general form of Newton's Second Law (F=ma) is F = dp/dt, which is F = d/dt (mv).

And they used the vector expression, which somehow makes it even geekier.
 
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Here's a wacky (and yes - appallingly precocious!) T-shirt idea I thought of and my sister-in-law actually designed. It goes with the Insights article I wrote on the Balmer Alpha line. The pots at the top are the family's unflattering opinion of me!

T-shirt Design.jpg
 
Where is the model showing off the 1963 shirt now? Probably close to 77 years old...

And what is a "'snow' gift"?
 
gmax137 said:
"'snow' gift"?
"Snow," transitive slang verb; to "blitz," as in "snow under" with erudition.
 
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https://www.cafepress.com/+bobs_school_of_quantum_mechanics_bbq_apron,64349543
1579649857267.png

1579649841701.png


When I was a summer student at Fermilab, I found this "ad" for "Bob's School of Quantum Mechanics" (i think it's originally from the "Purdue Engineering Magazine")... i think it was on someone's wall. So, I photocopied it... then later scanned it and digitally touched up what I could. I made a copy available on my university website when I was in grad school. I see it has made the rounds... and is now in someone's CafePress store.
(Someone must have a higher quality copy... maybe someone at Purdue can look though old issues of the magazine.)
 
  • #10
I just bought 2 more geeky t-shirts.

I'm going to wear this tomorrow since we will be doing Ohm's law.
IMG_3656.JPG


And then, in a few weeks, when we will do magnetic induction and force on currents, I'll be wearing this!
IMG_3658.JPG


See all the things we instructors do for our students?

:biggrin::smile:

Zz.
 
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  • #11
I don't think I've ever seen that second, "gang sign" shirt. That's really good!

EDIT: I looked for them on line. Quite a few of the offerings are done with a left hand :headbang: o:)
 
  • #12
gmax137 said:
I don't think I've ever seen that second, "gang sign" shirt. That's really good!

EDIT: I looked for them on line. Quite a few of the offerings are done with a left hand :headbang: o:)

There IS the Fleming Left Hand Rule, so that is correct as well.

Zz.
 
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ZapperZ said:
I'm going to wear this tomorrow since we will be doing Ohm's law.
I have a blue T-shirt with that message text, but no big Omega symbol. I got weird enough looks the first time I wore it to work that I decided not to do that anymore. It's now a workout shirt...

(The engineers who saw it at work smiled or smirked, but all the support folks were a bit intimidated by it, not understanding the humor...) o0)
 
  • #14
Someone should print ## 2.5\, k\Omega## on a t-shirt or 2 500 Ω
 

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