Need help devising an easy physics question that sounds really hard

[stigmata]

Don't ask why, it's complex......

Essentially I need a question which is designed to flatter a specific person in front of a large audience. The person has done a physics degree. Basically the question needs to be a very easy multiple choice question to someone who has studied physics, but sounds really difficult to the general public.

Thanks in advance!!!

[Eurotrash]

airplane, conveyor belt, etc.

[slickpoppa]

Any physics question is going to sound very difficult to the general public

[stigmata]

yeah but unfortunately i'm a member of the general public....

[SmileyEH]

Standard one is two trucks are driving toward each other. Each travels at 50 mp/h. At a distance of 100 miles apart a fly takes off from the windshield of one truck traveling toward the other at 80 mp/h. When it reaches the other truck it instantly turns around and flies toward the first - this continues until the trucks collide. What total distance does the fly cover?

This was actually in "A Beautiful Mind" although I'd laugh pretty hard if a Princeton grad student couldn't get it.

oh, multiple choice, n/m

[stigmata]

ok thanks that's more like it....

furthermore, i would like something very quick and easy to ask e.g. a one sentance question, 3 multiple choice answers. Particle physics would be a particularly good subject.

[Alobar]

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airplane, conveyor belt, etc.

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[mosdef]

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Standard one is two trucks are driving toward each other. Each travels at 50 mp/h. At a distance of 100 miles apart a fly takes off from the windshield of one truck traveling toward the other at 80 mp/h. When it reaches the other truck it instantly turns around and flies toward the first - this continues until the trucks collide. What total distance does the fly cover?

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This is poorly worded. It's not clear if the fly is moving 80 mph relative to the ground or 80 mph relative to the truck it flew off.

[Slow Play Ray]

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airplane, conveyor belt, etc.

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just make sure you don't word it confusingly, or it will turn into a huge debate...

[stigmata]

listen, i'm not going anywhere near airplanes and conveyer belts, nobody wants a punch-up at a wedding....