509: Induced Current

2013-06-05T10:10:01Z

46.16.3.241: Created page with "{{comic | number = 509 | date = 11-26-2008 | title = Induced Current | image = http://xkcd.com/509/ | titletext = The MythBusters need to tackle whether a blac..."

{{comic
| number = 509
| date = 11-26-2008
| title = Induced Current
| image = http://xkcd.com/509/
| titletext = The MythBusters need to tackle whether a black hole from the LHC could REALLY destroy the world.
}}

==Explanation==
This comic is exagerating the effects of the physics stated.
Solar flares eject, among other things, ions, electrons and radiation. The solar flare does reach earth after a day or two, and in history has knocked the power out in some areas during a large flare. The ions and electrons can marginally affect the magnetic field of earth, or dent it as he said. A voltage occurs in a conductor (the wire) when subjected to a changing magnetic field. However this voltage would be very small from earth's magnetic field change.
Mythbusters is a show which tests urban legends or myths that viewers submit. They have a classic style of scaling up myths to comical sizes. By starting the myth that a fire would be formed from the large voltage across the wire induced by the earth's magnetic field, randall hopes to see it tested on mythbusters, and then scaled up to astronomical proportions.

==Transcript==
[[A man wearing a beret, extension cord in hand, approaches Randall as he works at his computer.]]
Beret: Can I plug my extension cord over here?
Randall: No.
Beret: Why?
Randall: Solar Flares.
[[A diagram is displayed, illustrating the Earth's magnetic field being permanently impacted by a large solar flare (represented by a large arrow).]]
[[A second diagram is presented, illustrating the Earth's rotation and the resulting impact that the solar flare would have on the earth's magnetic field. ]]
Randall: A large solar flare could dent the Earth's magnetic field inwards. The Earth's spin could then induce a strong current in any long conductors, melting them and starting fires. By extending your cord, you could kill us all.
[[Stunned, the man wearing the beret looks down at the cord he carries.]]
Beret: Really?
Randall: Warn your friends.
[[Dejected, the man walks away, cord in tow.]]
[[Randall looks up from his computer as he is braced by his girlfriend, a stern look in her face.]]
Girlfriend: That was MEAN.
Randall: Listen, SOMEBODY has to keep MythBusters in business. Next season should be fun.

{{comic discussion}}

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509: Induced Current