The story appears to be apocryphal. I’ve heard many versions of it associated with various famous scientists. The source quoted is a collection of jokes, with very low veracity. Additionally, there are no independent versions of the story anywhere on Google. By the way, the quoted date of Sommerfeld’s death is also incorrect. I wonder if there even were (unpowered) ceiling fans in Munich’s trolleys during that time.
I wonder if there even were (unpowered) ceiling fans in Munich’s trolleys during that time.
I’m not much of an engineer, but based on my understanding of their design from the description given, I can’t see how they would even contribute to their alleged purpose.
So, uh, what’s the explanation?
The story appears to be apocryphal. I’ve heard many versions of it associated with various famous scientists. The source quoted is a collection of jokes, with very low veracity. Additionally, there are no independent versions of the story anywhere on Google. By the way, the quoted date of Sommerfeld’s death is also incorrect. I wonder if there even were (unpowered) ceiling fans in Munich’s trolleys during that time.
Good point. Effects that don’t exist don’t need to be explained.
I’m not much of an engineer, but based on my understanding of their design from the description given, I can’t see how they would even contribute to their alleged purpose.
Perhaps because pressure is (approximately) constant, for every molecule going into the car, one must leave it (on average)?
Trolleys have open windows in summer.