Does data have weight? | Page 2 | FerrariChat

Does data have weight?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by PeterS, Dec 3, 2005.

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  1. vraa

    vraa F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
    4,599
    Texas
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    Mr. A
    avalys: You are still incorrect. Try this equation to evaluate your response.

    t^2 = (2GM / R)^(1/2)
     
  2. ylshih

    ylshih Shogun Assassin
    Honorary Owner

    Mar 21, 2004
    20,586
    Northern CA
    Full Name:
    Yin
    Reminds me of McLuhan's quote, "the medium is the message".

    All cases of +/0/- weight change exist depending on the recording medium. Ink on paper adds weight. Data on magnetic or optical medium doesn't typically change the weight, since what changes is the state of matter already on the medium. Exposed photographic film is an example where data takes away weight from the raw medium.

    Since all cases exist, I think the answer becomes philosophical, does the fact that data requires a medium to store it (even if it's just being stored in your neural memory) count as weight when the matter is already there before imprinting?
     
  3. avalys

    avalys Karting

    May 26, 2004
    181
    Colorado Springs
    Full Name:
    Alex Valys
    What the hell are you talking about? What do Newton's equations of motion have to do with data and mass?

    So, far you've listed three equations:

    1) F = w = ma
    2) d = 1/2 * a * t^2 + v*t
    3) t^2 = (2GM / R)^(1/2)

    1) Is incorrect. Force does not equal work, though it does equal mass * acceleration.

    2) is correct.

    3) Says that time squared is equal to escape velocity from a planet with mass M and radius R. That doesn't even make any sense.

    Even if they were not erroneous, these equations would still have nothing to do with what we're talking about.

    I think you're just yanking my chain.
     
  4. vraa

    vraa F1 Rookie
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    Oct 31, 2003
    4,599
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    Mr. A
    I am, I was just messing with you guys. But I sure as hell had a laugh and I'm sure others who understood the equations I gave probably laughed as well. :)
     
  5. Kram

    Kram Formula Junior

    Jul 3, 2004
    867
    Park bench, Canada
    Full Name:
    Mark
    I love this thread!! I don’t read too good but now I know, thanks to mathematical formulae, that my self esteem and weight aren’t linked. Time to stop sitting at the computer and go find me some dinner, starting with deep-fat fried soup. Yup! The family are back to a Dunkin’ Donut Diet with new belts all round!
    Thanks boys!!
     

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