October 7, 2010
Original: Airfoil (803)
View in: original forum thread, xkcdsw.com, direct image link/enlarge
October 7, 2010
Original: Airfoil (803)
View in: original forum thread, xkcdsw.com, direct image link/enlarge
A picture of a reindeer with several arrows around it.
Narrator: Handling a student who challenges your expertise with an insightful question:
Teacher: So, kids, the air above the reindeer travels a longer distance, so it has to go faster to keep up. Faster air exerts less pressure, so the sleigh is lifted upward.
The teacher is visible
Student: But then why has no one seen Santa?
The teacher stands there for a panel. The panel has arrows connecting it to the next three panels, suggesting that these are alternatives rather than in a sequence
Labelled "Right:"
Teacher: Wow, good question! Maybe this picture is simplified—or wrong! We should learn more.
Labelled "Wrong:"
Teacher: It's... complicated. And we need to move on.
Labelled "Very wrong:"
Teacher: Santa Claus is your parents.
Title text: This is a fun explanation to prepare your kids for; it's common and totally wrong. Good lines include "Then why don't other animals fly?" and "Then why is there always coal in my stocking?"