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[S]uppose you make a hole in an ordinary evacuated…

“[S]uppose you make a hole in an ordinary evacuated electric light bulb and allow the air molecules to pass in at the rate of 1,000,000 a second, the bulb will become full of air in approximately 100,000,000 years.” quote by Francis William Aston
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“[S]uppose you make a hole in an ordinary evacuated electric light bulb and allow the air molecules to pass in at the rate of 1,000,000 a second, the bulb will become full of air in approximately 100,000,000 years.”

Francis William Aston

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Even at a microscopic level, vacuum bulbs fill with air extremely slowly, illustrating vast time scales in physics

In simple terms: Air slowly fills a vacuum over millions of years

Key Takeaway

Appreciate the immense time required for seemingly simple processes

Themes

physics time vacuum

Mood

thoughtful educational

Type

scientific philosophical

When to use this quote

  • lecture
  • science communication

Key Concepts

scientific illustration educational content

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this reveal about perception of time?
  • How can this inform patience?
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