Difference between revisions of "613: Threesome"
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
| − | The {{w|N-Body Problem}} in physics refers to our inability to analytically solve sets of differential equations modelling gravitational attraction between more than two bodies. Simply put, there | + | The {{w|N-Body Problem}} in physics refers to our inability to analytically solve sets of differential equations modelling gravitational attraction between more than two bodies. Simply put, there {{w|Closed-form expression|exact equations}} for describing the movement of two bodies reacting to each other's gravitational pull, but no such solutions exist for systems of {{w|Three-body problem|three}} or more bodies. |
| − | A {{w|threesome}} is a sexual encounter with three people. The punchline of the comic is a play on the word "bodies": a threesome involves three (human) bodies, and it is implied that the physicist's participation in the threesome was hindered due to their inability to solve for the movement of said bodies (i.e. the physicist was apparently unable to | + | A {{w|threesome}} is a sexual encounter with three people. The punchline of the comic is a play on the word "bodies": a threesome involves three (human) bodies, and it is implied that the physicist's participation in the threesome was hindered due to their inability to solve for the movement of said bodies (i.e. the physicist was apparently unable to comfortably sexually satisfy both themself and the others in an acceptable manner). |
| − | According to the title text, Megan proposed that they settle for a numerical solution since a closed-form solution is unavailable. A numerical solution to predict the motion of a system would be an "open" procedural solution or simulation. On the one hand, such a solution can be more practical and less time-consuming than a closed-form solution, especially in cases (such as the three-body problem) where the latter is suspected to be impossible. On the other hand, a numerical solution is only an approximation and will tend to deviate from the exact solution over time. In the context of the comic, Megan probably was suggesting that a numerical solution would be sufficiently accurate for the duration of the threesome, but it appears that the physicist insisted that they arrive at an exact solution. | + | According to the title text, Megan proposed that they settle for a {{w|numerical solution}} since a closed-form solution is unavailable. A numerical solution to predict the motion of a system would be an "open" procedural solution or simulation. On the one hand, such a solution can be more practical and less time-consuming than a closed-form solution, especially in cases (such as the three-body problem) where the latter is suspected to be impossible. On the other hand, a numerical solution is only an approximation and will tend to deviate from the exact solution over time. In the context of the comic, Megan probably was suggesting that a numerical solution would be sufficiently accurate for the duration of the threesome, but it appears that the physicist insisted that they arrive at an exact solution. |
A frequent observation in random n-body encounters is that one or more bodies are ejected from the system by achieving escape velocity (and loneliness), but stable solutions are possible. A closed-form solution would allow one to predict for how long such an arrangement would remain stable. Ironically, it could be that the physicist's insistence on finding an exact solution resulted in them being excluded/"ejected" from the threesome, which arguably would be very "awkward". | A frequent observation in random n-body encounters is that one or more bodies are ejected from the system by achieving escape velocity (and loneliness), but stable solutions are possible. A closed-form solution would allow one to predict for how long such an arrangement would remain stable. Ironically, it could be that the physicist's insistence on finding an exact solution resulted in them being excluded/"ejected" from the threesome, which arguably would be very "awkward". | ||
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| + | Additionally, as 'numerical solution' is perhaps one way to describe a {{w|69 (sex position)|given configuration}} of mutually-satisfying two-person sex, perhaps the physicist could not properly imagine (or care to implement) a similar 'number' position that would have worked in this case.<!-- NB, as an aside comment for interested and discerning editors only: one could link {{w|Sex position#Threesomes}}, which actually includes the "369" as one 'solution', and "daisy-chaining" (mentioned later, as with "469"ing) is a normally practical extension of basic 69ing to an arbitrary number of willing partners, but the problem might be with the physicist themself not being keen on the mutual interactions he/she (being unspecified!) might be being asked to undertake. So there may indeed ''be'' a general 'numeric solution', but it might not be possible with this threesome's particular set of sexual (in)compatabilities - for whatever reason, but here being put down to the physicist's mental (if not physical) inflexibility in such a scenario. ;) --> | ||
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
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[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | ||
[[Category:Physics]] | [[Category:Physics]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Comics with a Spanish translation]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Sex]] | ||
Latest revision as of 12:02, 26 February 2026
| Threesome |
 Title text: I wanted us to try finding an approximate numeric solution, but noooo. |
Explanation[edit]
The N-Body Problem in physics refers to our inability to analytically solve sets of differential equations modelling gravitational attraction between more than two bodies. Simply put, there exact equations for describing the movement of two bodies reacting to each other's gravitational pull, but no such solutions exist for systems of three or more bodies.
A threesome is a sexual encounter with three people. The punchline of the comic is a play on the word "bodies": a threesome involves three (human) bodies, and it is implied that the physicist's participation in the threesome was hindered due to their inability to solve for the movement of said bodies (i.e. the physicist was apparently unable to comfortably sexually satisfy both themself and the others in an acceptable manner).
According to the title text, Megan proposed that they settle for a numerical solution since a closed-form solution is unavailable. A numerical solution to predict the motion of a system would be an "open" procedural solution or simulation. On the one hand, such a solution can be more practical and less time-consuming than a closed-form solution, especially in cases (such as the three-body problem) where the latter is suspected to be impossible. On the other hand, a numerical solution is only an approximation and will tend to deviate from the exact solution over time. In the context of the comic, Megan probably was suggesting that a numerical solution would be sufficiently accurate for the duration of the threesome, but it appears that the physicist insisted that they arrive at an exact solution.
A frequent observation in random n-body encounters is that one or more bodies are ejected from the system by achieving escape velocity (and loneliness), but stable solutions are possible. A closed-form solution would allow one to predict for how long such an arrangement would remain stable. Ironically, it could be that the physicist's insistence on finding an exact solution resulted in them being excluded/"ejected" from the threesome, which arguably would be very "awkward".
Additionally, as 'numerical solution' is perhaps one way to describe a given configuration of mutually-satisfying two-person sex, perhaps the physicist could not properly imagine (or care to implement) a similar 'number' position that would have worked in this case.
Transcript[edit]
- Megan: We had a threesome last night.
- Cueball: How was it?
- Megan: Awkward - it was with a physicist.
- Cueball: Why's that awkward?
- Megan: They can't solve the three-body problem.
- Cueball: Ah, yes.
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Any specific solution to Megan, the phycisist, and the lucky third,s problem would result in chaotic motion and no apearent repetitions. Which sounds like fun, i don,t see what Megan,s problem was. 173.245.56.191 16:05, 29 August 2014 (UTC)
I don't think this really explains the comic. The three body problem wasn't explained anywhere near enough. Leafy Greens (talk) 17:21, 16 November 2014 (UTC)
- Added some more explanations and interpretations.--162.158.150.140 22:47, 18 February 2016 (UTC)
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