The Pointing Vector Paradox

The Pointing Vector Paradox
physics-memes, vectors-memes, electromagnetism-memes, wordplay-memes, pun-memes | ScienceHumor.io

The eternal frustration of physics students everywhere! The Poynting vector (named after physicist John Henry Poynting) describes the directional energy flux of an electromagnetic field. The joke here is the brilliant double meaning - in physics, all vectors point somewhere by definition (that's literally what makes them vectors instead of scalars). So when someone asks if it's a "pointing vector," the Na'vi character responds with the perfect deadpan "Yeah, they all do." It's the mathematical equivalent of asking someone if they have a "running shoe" and them replying "as opposed to my stationary shoes?" Physics humor at its most groan-worthy!

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