Gold Or Feathers?
Level
2
What weighs more - a pound of gold or a pound of feathers?
This problem is inspired by Iron Or Feathers .
Feathers
Depends on gravity
Weight is equal
Gold
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It is so obvious, feathers are lighter. Wait, did I just gave the wrong answer? (! ?)
All right, I'll explain, to save the confused from further misery. Precious metals and gems have traditionally been weighed using the Troy weight system instead of the usual Avoirdupois. The latter ounce or pound weighs more than the former ounce or pound . Hence, a Avoirdupois pound of feathers weighs more than a Troy pound of gold. But a metric kilogram of feathers will weigh exactly the same as a metric kilogram of gold, which is why physicists prefer the metric system and not waste time trying to remember archaic measurement systems.