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Can we settle this: how many holes does a straw have? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by RealNooshie@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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At work we somehow landed on the topic of how many holes a human has, which then evolved into a heated discussion on the classic question of how many holes does a straw have.

I think it's two, but some people are convinced that it's one, which I just don't understand. What are your thoughts?

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[-] SpaceNoodle@lemmy.world 17 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

No, topologically there would be no holes until the moment of contact. This is the same as there being no hole when drilling through from only one side until the surface on the opposing side is broken.

[-] Boddhisatva@kbin.social 5 points 1 year ago

Yes, but topologists can't tell a doughnut from a coffee cup so they're clearly insane.

[-] Perhaps@kbin.social 2 points 1 year ago

So how does one “dig a hole?” Straight to China? Or whatever is opposite of you?

[-] SpaceNoodle@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

Topologically, yes. Buy you could also go down a bit, make a lateral tunnel, then pop back up.

[-] livus@kbin.social 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

So what you are saying is, if I dig a hole that doesn't go anywhere, then that's not really a hole?

[-] SpaceNoodle@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Topologically, yes. Coincidentally, "Hole to Nowhere" is the best Talking Heads parody album.

[-] livus@kbin.social 1 points 1 year ago

Heh I will have to check that out!

[-] eu@kbin.social 2 points 1 year ago

In topology, yes. It must go through to count.

[-] livus@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago

That's fascinating. So most of what I would call "holes" are what, in topographical terms, hollows? Depressions?

[-] eu@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago

I don't even know if they have a name for that since it can simply be undone by stretching the object, which is allowed under topological rules.

this post was submitted on 04 Jul 2023

289 points (94.5% liked)

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