What's the probability of touching something that is extremely hot and not burning yourself?

Aug 10, 2001
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There is no law that says that energy can only flow from hot objects to cold objects, only that the probability of energy flowing the other way is so insanely unlikely.

I need a guinea pig. Any volunteers? :p
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
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Originally posted by: Vespasian
Originally posted by: MartyMcFly3
Are you talking about like holding the object or doing the quick touch then pull away really fast maneuver?

holding

Try holding this and see how long it takes for your ass to get burned
 

Kelvrick

Lifer
Feb 14, 2001
18,422
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Impossible. Heat = energy

Object with more heat/energy meets object with less heat/energy. Heat/energy tries ti equilize. Boom, burned skin.
 

Evadman

Administrator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Feb 18, 2001
30,990
5
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Originally posted by: Vespasian
There is no law that says that energy can only flow from hot objects to cold objects, only that the probability of energy flowing the other way is so insanely unlikely.

Wow really? Damn, I need to retake 6 years of physics classes.

 
Aug 10, 2001
10,420
2
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Originally posted by: Evadman
Originally posted by: Vespasian
There is no law that says that energy can only flow from hot objects to cold objects, only that the probability of energy flowing the other way is so insanely unlikely.

Wow really? Damn, I need to retake 6 years of physics classes.
The second law of thermodynamics is based on probability. A lot of otherwise intelligent people don't seem to know that.
 

RaynorWolfcastle

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2001
8,968
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I remember in our quantum class, a buddy and I were debating the merits of a prisonner running as fast as he could into his cell wall over and over in an attempt to tunnel through. :D
 
Aug 10, 2001
10,420
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Originally posted by: RaynorWolfcastle
I remember in our quantum, class a buddy and I were debating the merits of a prisonner running as fast as he could into his cell wall over and over in an attempt to tunnel through. :D
Quantum physics can blow your mind
 

Heisenberg

Lifer
Dec 21, 2001
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Originally posted by: Vespasian
Originally posted by: RaynorWolfcastle
I remember in our quantum, class a buddy and I were debating the merits of a prisonner running as fast as he could into his cell wall over and over in an attempt to tunnel through. :D
Quantum physics can blow your mind
Especially when you get to stuff like QED and QCD. I have to put on hip waders and take an aspirin before I deal with any of that.