https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=2601%3A647%3A8500%3A1E09%3ACEFD%3A2511%3A48FE%3A9265explain xkcd - User contributions [en]2026-04-26T16:53:26ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.30.0https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=3115:_Unsolved_Physics_Problems&diff=3812803115: Unsolved Physics Problems2025-07-15T05:28:55Z<p>2601:647:8500:1E09:CEFD:2511:48FE:9265: </p>
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<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 3115<br />
| date = July 14, 2025<br />
| title = Unsolved Physics Problems<br />
| image = unsolved_physics_problems_2x.png<br />
| imagesize = 699x422px<br />
| noexpand = true<br />
| titletext = 'Tin pest' makes more sense to me. Tin just doesn't want to be locked down in a shape like that. I get it. But why would any metal want to grow hair??<br />
}}<br />
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==Explanation==<br />
{{incomplete|This page was created recently. Don't remove this notice too soon.}}<br />
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This comic is a sequel to comic [[2529]], which follows the same format.<br />
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Someone who knows more about physics come explain the rest please<br />
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All true – see https://dataspan.com/blog/what-are-zinc-whiskers-and-how-do-they-affect-data-centers/<br />
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==Transcript==<br />
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{{incomplete transcript|Don't remove this notice too soon.}}<br />
: The Three Types of Unsolved Physics Problem<br />
<br />
: Vague<br />
: [A Feynman diagram of two particles interacting via the electromagnetic force is to the right of Cueball]<br />
: Cueball: What is the nature of time in quantum gravity? Is it a background parameter, a dynamic aspect of spacetime, or an emergent phenomenon?<br />
<br />
: Precise<br />
: [A scientific instrument and a nuclear reaction equation of gallium-71 becoming germanium-71 are to Megan's left]<br />
: Megan: Why does the ''S.A.G.E.'' Gallium Neutrino Capture Experiment produce only 75% as much germanium as predicted?<br />
<br />
: Cursed<br />
: [A rectangular block of zinc, with whiskers growing out of it, is visible to the right of White Hat]<br />
: White Hat: Why does some metal randomly grow hairs?<br />
: White Hat: It keeps causing short circuits and we have no idea what's going on.<br />
: Voice from off-panel: Is this a joke?<br />
: White Hat: No! Please help!<br />
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{{comic discussion}}<noinclude></div>2601:647:8500:1E09:CEFD:2511:48FE:9265