(In reference to http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a910705.html)
So… they’re trying to make 1-sided paper? How in the HELL is that possible? If you turn it over, it disappears?
Take a long strip of paper and make it into a ring, but before you tape it, turn one side of it over so that it has one twist in it, then tape it. This is called a mobius strip. It has only one side if you follow it around, and only one edge.
The more interesting question is what happens if you put three half twists into it. Try it and report back to us.
Well, I can see the implications on that, but the fact remains if you untape it, it still remains a piece of paper with two definable sides.
And what would be the point of making one sided paper if it would have to be in the form of a ring with a half-twist in it?
Of course, most companies now don’t need a logical reason to make things…
Well, I don’t know that what I have described is what you are looking for. There is no point except to amuse junior high school students for 45 seconds. Supposed to show dimensionality or something like that. You could probably draw an interesting neverending comic strip on it or something.
Hmmm. From the article:
This appears to be an example of Cecil exaggerating for effect. It is certainly the case that the plastics industry would like to be able to extrude sheets as thin as possible, because thinner sheets allow for overall material cost savings for use in such things as packaging for candies and such. Also, thin film sheets could have other uses not readily apparent at the moment. There is a whole specialization of mechanical engineers devoted to what’s called “web handling” that involves processes for controlling materials in long sheets such as paper rolls, plastic sheeting, wire and cable, and even food extrusions. Thinner materials have special problems with retaining enough strength to not break during handling by the machines.
But I don’t think that was a serious claim. (And note it was plastic and not paper.)
Hmm… well, thanks for clarifying that, I always was the last one to get the joke >_>
Although now my mind is intruiged about the concept of a 1-sided anything…
Note to Ranters and Extremists: Write your screed out on Moebbius Strips! Then they’ll only have one side, and the old saw about “EVery Story Has Two Sides” won’t be true. Your point of view will be correct by default!
It’s also a non-orientable surface, which seems particularly appropriate for this application.