Editing 1486: Vacuum
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
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− | + | 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. Of course, this energy is not literally available to be tapped although it does {{w|Hawking radiation|evaporate}} off {{w|black hole}}s (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 metaphorical »vacuum« referred to in calculations of the theoretical energy density of space time{{Citation needed}} with the partial vacuum of a {{w|vacuum cleaner}} – a device commonly used to clean dust from households. |
− | + | [[Cueball]] tries to correct him, but it turns out that Beret Guy really is able to tap into this fundamental source of energy. | |
− | + | But even though Beret Guy now claims the Universe is his to command, (a sentence used 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 it's intended purpose and clean the living room. | |
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==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
− | :[Beret guy is holding an upright vacuum cleaner upside-down by the handle, waving it around above his head | + | :[Beret guy is holding an upright vacuum cleaner upside-down by the handle, waving it around above his head] |
− | :[The vacuum cleaner is upright on the ground, and Beret guy is standing on its body, wiggling the handle | + | :[The vacuum cleaner is upright on the ground, and Beret guy is standing on its body, wiggling the handle] |
:Cueball: What are you doing? | :Cueball: What are you doing? | ||
:Beret Guy: Trying to unlock the tremendous energy of the vacuum. | :Beret Guy: Trying to unlock the tremendous energy of the vacuum. | ||
− | :[Beret guy rides the vacuum cleaner as it begins to lift off, propelled upward by an unknown force | + | :[Beret guy rides the vacuum cleaner as it begins to lift off, propelled upward by an unknown force] |
− | :Cueball: | + | :Cueball: That's not what that - |
− | :Beret Guy: ''' | + | :Beret Guy: '''Ha ha! It works!''' |
− | :[Beret guy flies away on the vacuum cleaner | + | :[Beret guy flies away on the vacuum cleaner] |
− | :Cueball: I | + | :Cueball: I '''said''', that's - |
− | :Beret Guy: | + | :Beret Guy: The universe is mine to command!! |
{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
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[[Category:Comics featuring Beret Guy]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Beret Guy]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]] | ||
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