(It's time once again to Ask Dr. Science,
So let's ask Dr. Science...)
That's ME!
(Jeannie from Hwig, Idaho writes:
Dear Dr. Science,
What would happen to the human body if there were no inertia?)
Thanks, Rodney!
Well, Jeannie, Let's ask one quick question:
What is air pressure? Well, air pressure is caused by billions
and billions of little things called molequeles bouncing off a
wall like a handball court. The inertia of these molequeles is
transferred to the wall in effect pushing against the wall with a
force.
Now if there was no inertia, then there will be no air pressure.
(Gee, Dr. Science!)
That's right Rodney! Ok, now the human lungs work by expanding
the ribcage, creating a partial vacuum so that air will flow into
the lungs. But, if there is no air pressure outside the lungs,
and no air pressure inside the lungs, no air will flow anywhere:
So, no air gets into the blood stream and you die.
(Gosh Dr. Science!)
But it gets worse Rodney! Just as there is no air pressure,
there would be no pressure in liquids either. So a person's
blood pressure would drop to zero also! Now, the heart works the
same way as the lungs do. So, with no blood pressure, the heart
will stop working causing death before you had a chance to die of
suffocation.
(Just a moment Dr. Science, what about Van der Waals forces?)
Well, it's true that Van der Waals force will give the blood some
tiny blood pressure, but I doubt it would be sufficient to keep
the blood flowing. Heart efficiency would be drastically
reduced. And if it were sufficient, you would just die from
suffocation.
(What about Chemical reacitions Dr. Science?)
Well, Rodney, BioChemistry was never my strong point, but I
suspect that the chemical reactions necessary to keep the
metabolism working would be badly effected. Probably that would
kill you even before the heart would stop.
Anyway, Jeannie, to answer your question "what happens with zero
inertia?" in two words 'You Die'.
(Gosh Dr. Science!)
Well, Rodney, it's not all that crucial a question. I think it's
more important to ask questions like "How many Primordials does
it take to change a lightbulb?"
(Gee, Dr. Science, how many does it take?)
{Yawn!!} Who Cares? {Snore!!!}
(Send your science questions to:
'Ask Dr. Science'
[email removed])
(And remember, He's not a real Doctor!)
I have a bachelor's degree!
(In Science!)
actually in physics...
Scott Kellogg
Never look a gift Horde in the mouth