Editing 1486: Vacuum
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | [[1240: Quantum Mechanics|According to quantum mechanics]] there is tremendous energy density in space-time itself: this is known as: {{w|vacuum energy}}, zero point energy, vacuum foam, etc. So far we don't know any way to tap into this energy. | + | [[1240: Quantum Mechanics|According to quantum mechanics]] there is tremendous energy density in space-time itself: this is known as: {{w|vacuum energy}}, zero point energy, vacuum foam, etc. So far we don't know any way to tap into this energy, although it does {{w|Hawking radiation|evaporate}} off {{w|black hole}}s in a process called {{w|Hawking Radiation}} (see the “What If?” released the same week as this comic: [http://what-if.xkcd.com/129/ Black Hole Moon]). |
In the cartoon, [[Beret Guy]] appears to be making a silly mistake, confusing the "vacuum" referred to in calculations of the theoretical energy density of space time with a {{w|vacuum cleaner}}, which is also commonly referred to as just a "vacuum". | In the cartoon, [[Beret Guy]] appears to be making a silly mistake, confusing the "vacuum" referred to in calculations of the theoretical energy density of space time with a {{w|vacuum cleaner}}, which is also commonly referred to as just a "vacuum". | ||
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[[Cueball]] tries to correct him, but it turns out that Beret Guy really is able to tap into this fundamental source of energy. Having such strange and impossible powers is second nature to Beret Guy, as can be seen in many of his [[:Category:Comics featuring Beret Guy|appearances]] – for instance in [[1388: Subduction License]]. | [[Cueball]] tries to correct him, but it turns out that Beret Guy really is able to tap into this fundamental source of energy. Having such strange and impossible powers is second nature to Beret Guy, as can be seen in many of his [[:Category:Comics featuring Beret Guy|appearances]] – for instance in [[1388: Subduction License]]. | ||
− | But even though Beret Guy now claims the Universe is his to command (a sentence used by [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103639/quotes Jafar from Aladdin], but {{tvtropes|TakeOverTheWorld|a similar intent is also stated by the crazy villain in many movies}}), Cueball is not fazed by this and simply asks, in the title text, if Beret Guy would use the vacuum for its intended purpose and clean the living room | + | But even though Beret Guy now claims the Universe is his to command (a sentence used by [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103639/quotes Jafar from Aladdin], but {{tvtropes|TakeOverTheWorld|a similar intent is also stated by the crazy villain in many movies}}), Cueball is not fazed by this and simply asks, in the title text, if Beret Guy would use the vacuum for its intended purpose and clean the living room. |
On an additional note, many scientific breakthroughs in history have been made because the person making them {{tvtropes|AchievementsInIgnorance|did not realize they were supposedly impossible,}} such as {{w|spin-stabilized magnetic levitation}}. This comic could be seen as a nod to that. | On an additional note, many scientific breakthroughs in history have been made because the person making them {{tvtropes|AchievementsInIgnorance|did not realize they were supposedly impossible,}} such as {{w|spin-stabilized magnetic levitation}}. This comic could be seen as a nod to that. |