Children's science questions 'stump many parents'bbc.co.uk 2 pointsbaxter14 years ago2 commentsSaveHideCopy link On HNComments−timthorn14yI'm not convinced by 2 of the answers to their 5 question pop quiz:> Q: How much does the Earth weigh? A: 1,000 trillion metric tonnesBut isn't asking the weight (and not mass) of a planet fairly meaningless?> Q: How do aeroplanes stay up? A: The upward lift of a plane is created by its curved wingsIsn't the dominant component due to downward deflection of oncoming air?−stoolpigeon14ywhen I can't answer my kid's questions we head to the interwebs and find the answers (or leading theories, etc.) together. we both learn.
Comments
I'm not convinced by 2 of the answers to their 5 question pop quiz:
> Q: How much does the Earth weigh? A: 1,000 trillion metric tonnes
But isn't asking the weight (and not mass) of a planet fairly meaningless?
> Q: How do aeroplanes stay up? A: The upward lift of a plane is created by its curved wings
Isn't the dominant component due to downward deflection of oncoming air?
when I can't answer my kid's questions we head to the interwebs and find the answers (or leading theories, etc.) together. we both learn.