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By answering this question, we're breaking a solemn oath to our ever-patient high school physics teacher. We promised that if he gave us a passing grade, we would never, under any circumstance, attempt another physics equation. We're not crazy about the idea of having our diploma revoked, but this question seems worth the risk. We were surprised to learn many others have wondered the same thing. A few years back, the Straight Dope addressed what would happen if everyone in China jumped at once. The author's conclusion was simple -- nothing would happen, mostly due to the fact the Earth weighs
too much for a mere billion or so people to have any effect. Ah, but what if everyone in the world joined in on the fun? Of course, organizing such an event would be impossible, but according to various sources, not much would happen here either. Newton was right when he said that for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction. If everyone jumped at the exact same time, the Earth might adjust a few micrometers, but it would be impossible to tell. But, hey, it would still be fun to try.
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