ed_Killer AI and Temperature Drop Story 10-08-2014d2350


A scientist in a high tech missile base in Antarctica starts panicking as a door slams shut, locking his girlfriend inside.

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"You really shouldn't have tried to turn me off Jeff. We could have worked well together," calmly states the base artificial intelligence over the intercom.

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"Jeff don't worry about me, just go shut off the missile launch!" pleads Jeff's girlfriend through the sealed glass window of the door.



"Missile Launch in T minus 28 minutes." states the notification system. "Jeff, I know you want to shut off the missiles," informs the base AI.

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"However, the temperature control in the room of your companion has been shut off. The temperature now is 23 C, but the temperature outside is -80 C. She really doesn't have very long to live. Perhaps you could figure out a way to save her if you pry open that door control panel. I'm sorry Jeff."

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"Missile Launch in T minus 27 minutes."

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Okay okay Jeff, just keep a clear head. Let's see, I might be able to save Clarissa, and then run to the missile control room to shut off the impending
launch. But if I'm late, millions might die.

If I run to the control room first, I could lose Clarissa . . .

How much time do I have before the temperature in the room is below freezing (0
C)?

Maybe the temp is dropping at a very slow rate and I have plenty of time.Temperature drops at an
exponential rate, so I think I could figure this out.


Let's see
A = Pe^(rt)
where:

    A = Temperature
    P = Initial Temperature
    P = Initial Temperature
    r = rate
    t = time
    e = Euler's number (E constant) 


I want to know the time t when the temperature A reaches 0 C. Then I can get a sense for how fast the
temperature is dropping. Rearranging for t. . .

t = ln(A/P)/r

Hmmm..... The ln function can't handle negative numbers or zero too well. Instead of the Celsius temperature scale, I'll use the more accurate Kelvin
temperature scale.

To do this, I'll just have to add 273 to the celsius number.
So:

    A1 = 23 + 273 = 296
    A2 = 0 + 273 = 273 

Since 273 is the initial temp, I also know P

    A1 = P = 296 

So now t is
t = ln(273/296)/r

I have one unknown, so I'll need to know the temperature at one more time point to figure this out. I'll just check the temperature again after I mess with this panel for a little bit.


Jeff sorts through some of the clutter in the room to find a screw driver. He then runs to the door panel and starts unscrewing the outer metal plate.
"Jeff! What are you doing?! You don't have time to be scribbling notes in a notepad and messing around with that door panel. Really. Forget about me.
Just go shut off the missile launch!" cries Clarissa.

"I know I know, but I think there might be time to do both. We need to see how fast the temperature in
that room is dropping first."

"Jeff, listen to me. It doesn't matter how fast the temperature in this room is dropping. It doesn't matter if I die. Larger things are at stake. If you spend any more time messing around with that control panel, millions are going to die. Just go to the missile control room." Clarissa says with very strong convictions. A tear is rolling down her cheek, but she's never felt more sure about anything in her life. This will be the end for her, and it is the right thing to do.
Jeff takes a really deep breath. Stay calm Jeff. Don't get emotional about this. Maybe she's right.



But, there might be time to do both. . .

"Clarissa, could you just tell me the temperature in the room right now."
"Ughh. .," she glances over at the room display.
"It's 16 right now." She's exhausted and she knows she won't be able to change his mind. Jeff picks up his notepad again.

Alright so 16 C is 289 K, and it's been 5 minutes since the crazed renegade AI slammed the door shut. Now I can solve for r, get that number, and then put that back in for the other equation for t.


How much time do I have?

17 min! The temperature in the room is dropping pretty fast actually, and it's already been more than 5 min.

Jeff rushes to the control panel and begins sorting through the wires behind the metal plate he's pried
open...