Editing 852: Local g

{{comic
| number    = 852
| date      = January 26, 2011
| title     = Local g
| image     = local g.png
| titletext = In Rio de Janeiro in 2016, the same jump will get an athlete 0.25% higher (>1cm) than in London four years prior.
}}

==Explanation==
[[Cueball]] explains in the first panel, the {{w|centrifugal force}} (not be confused on {{w|centripetal force}}) along with variations in the earth's shape causes the gravitational force to vary by half a percent between some cities. These variations could have a significant effect on certain sporting events; for example, Cueball explains that a pole vaulter might jump 2 cm higher in a city with a smaller gravitational force.

So Cueball writes an article reevaluating pole vaulting world records based on the city in which the record was accomplished. His article suggests that some athletes should not have received an award for breaking a record because they did so in a city with a below average gravitational force. These pole vaulters whose records were questioned by Cueball's article angrily stage a protest outside of Cueball's apartment.

Then Cueball proceeds to taunt them reasoning that they can't harm him because his building is locked. Cueball and [[Megan]] then hear a crash indicating that the protesters have managed to reach the apartment's balcony. When Cueball asks out loud how the pole vaulters reached the balcony, Megan stares at him for a moment and then he realizes the stupidity of that question: the pole vaulters pole-vaulted onto the balcony. 

At the title text [[Randall]] explains that in fact the gravity force at the Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro in 2016 compared to London in 2012 will make a difference of more than one centimeter, mainly because Rio de Janeiro is much closer to equator than London resulting in an increased centrifugal force.

==Transcript==
:Cueball: Did you know that because of centrifugal<sup>*</sup> force and the shape of the Earth, "gravity" can vary by nearly half a percent between major cities?
::<sup><nowiki>*</nowiki></sup>Yes, centrifugal. xkcd.com/123

:Cueball: That's not a lot, but it could affect, say, pole vaulting. In a 5m jump, it could make a difference of 2cm.

:Megan: Huh, interesting.
:Cueball: I'm going to write an article reevaluating vaulting records to take this into account.

:Three days later:
:Megan: Good job. There's an angry mob of athletes outside.

:[He looks off the balcony. The mob of athletes is out of frame.]
:Athlete: That record was mine!
:Athlete: How dare you cast doubt on our honor?
:Athlete: Have you no respect?!
:Athlete: Make him pay!
:Cueball: Hey, the math doesn't lie. Suck it, jocks.

:Megan: Dude, don't provoke them.
:Cueball: Whatever. The building's locked. Let 'em vent for a-
:''crash''
:Off-panel Athlete: GET HIM!

:Cueball: Crap!
:Cueball: How did the pole vaulters get up to our balcony?

:Megan: ...

:[Beat frame.]

:Megan: That might be the stupidest question I've ever heard.
:Cueball: Right.

==Trivia==
The comic cited at the first frame to this one: [[123: Centrifugal Force]].

{{comic discussion}}
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]