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do you know how many sars-cov-2 particles, the virus responsible for covid-19, are currently in the world? believe it or not, all of them could fit inside a regular can of coke! 🥤✨
let's dive into the fascinating world of fermi estimates and explore how kit yates, a mathematician from the university of bath, calculated this mind-boggling fact. 📈🧮
what are fermi estimates?
fermi estimates are rough calculations used to make educated guesses about quantities that are difficult to measure directly. they are named after physicist enrico fermi, who was known for his ability to make accurate estimates using limited information. 🧠📊
the sars-cov-2 virion calculation
to estimate the number of sars-cov-2 particles in the world, kit yates used a series of assumptions and calculations. he started by estimating the number of infected individuals and the average number of virions per infected person. then, he calculated the total number of virions and their volume. 🦠🧮
the result? all the sars-cov-2 virions in the world would fit inside a coke can! this surprising fact highlights the incredible power of fermi estimates and the importance of understanding the scale of the virus. 🌍🔬
why does this matter?
understanding the scale of the virus can help us better comprehend the impact of covid-19 on a global level. it also demonstrates the effectiveness of preventive measures, such as masks and vaccines, in controlling the spread of the virus. 🛡️💉
more coronavirus content
for more insights into the mathematics behind covid-19, check out numberphile's youtube channel. they have a series of videos that explore various aspects of the pandemic, including the coronavirus curve, epidemiology, and statistics. 📺📊
conclusion
fermi estimates can help us make sense of complex and seemingly impossible calculations. by understanding the scale of the sars-cov-2 virus, we can better appreciate the importance of preventive measures and the global impact of covid-19. 🌍🧬
additional resources
- numberphile's youtube channel
- kit yates' website
- the total number and mass of sars-cov-2 virions in an infected person
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