This comic is inspired by XKCD and recent events and observations in my life. Disclaimer: I have no artistic ability and blatantly rip off the XKCD style and artwork, however the idea is mine and I feel it fits.

  • 14th_cylonEnglish
    183·
    2 months ago

    edit: so it seems that if there is significant day/night temperature difference in your home, that can be a factor and it may not be only about selective memory.

    i apologize to the author.

    https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Output-voltage-of-single-9V-battery-with-temperature_fig1_252062945

    https://diy.stackexchange.com/a/221040

    The problem is xkcd is about science and this is as scientific as trump solving the hurricane with a sharpie…

      • BrundleFly2077@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        112·
        2 months ago

        Regardless, man. You should a) make more of these and b) get your own style.

        “Not XKCD” is not a flattering brand.

      • 14th_cylonEnglish
        114·
        2 months ago

        yeah, the current issue has zero science in it, but your comics presents dumb folks’ wisdom (untrue and unscientific) and present it to look somewhat “scientifically”, which is imho against the general ethos of xkcd.

        the alarm doesn’t really go off more often at night.

        it is just that when it goes off during the day, you fix the problem and move on. when it goes off during night, and presumably wakes you up, it pisses you off and you tend to remember it more due to associated emotions.

        it is a case of selective memory.

        • Dave.@aussie.zoneEnglish
          10·
          2 months ago

          I shall counter with a hypothesis:

          It could be that extended lower temperatures at night slow battery chemistry to the point where the voltage sags below the trigger threshold. It would take quite a few hours to cool the battery down from day time ceiling temps, so this would naturally occur in the early hours of the morning just before temperatures rise again.

          • 14th_cylonEnglish
            1·
            2 months ago

            oh come on, we are talking about detectors inside heated apartments, not an igloo.

            edit: ok, but now i am curious. it seems that other people share the same theory, but that doesn’t mean it is not just shared myth.

            https://www.google.com/search?q=fire+detectors+battery+dead+time+of+day

            if anyone has some research or link they consider interesting on the topic, i’d be happy to look at it.

    • p3n@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      2·
      2 months ago

      Thanks, really no need to apologize. I had assumed it was just selective memory myself and hadn’t considered the temp/voltage drop possibility, but now we have learned something.