My son asks a lot of questions, which is great and something to encourage. I started writing his questions down a year or two ago, and now have a list of questions that I either didn’t have an answer to or just found interesting. My intention was to turn these questions into a research article - but with the introduction of ChatGPT, I thought I’d see how well it does in answering them, compared to Google searches and manual investigation.
Let’s get started.
What was the biggest earthquake in the world that had a fire?
As a language model, I don’t have access to information about specific earthquakes, so I’m unable to answer that question. Earthquakes can sometimes cause fires, but the size of the earthquake itself would not necessarily determine whether or not a fire would occur. The severity of an earthquake is typically measured using a scale called the “Richter scale,” which assigns a magnitude number to the earthquake based on its size and the amount of energy it releases. The biggest earthquake in recorded history had a magnitude of 9.5 on the Richter scale and occurred in Chile in 1960. However, I don’t have information about whether or not this earthquake caused a fire.
Who was the first president in the world?
ChatGPT acknowledges the nuance of the question, but doesn’t provide a clear answer.
It’s difficult to say who the first president in the world was, as the concept of a president as a head of state or government is a relatively recent one. The term “president” is derived from the Latin word “praesidens,” which means “one who presides” or “governor.” The role of a president as the head of a country’s government or state emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries with the rise of modern nation-states.
Google on the other hand provides a straightforward answer:
What is the biggest whirlpool in the world?
I appreciate the addition of “likely” here:
The biggest whirlpool in the world is likely the Maelstrom, a massive sea vortex located in the Norwegian Sea near the Lofoten Islands. The Maelstrom is caused by the meeting of different currents in the area, and it can reach speeds of up to 20 knots (23 mph) and create waves over 30 feet (9 meters) high. The Maelstrom is famous for its dangerous and unpredictable nature, and it has been the subject of many myths and legends throughout history. However, because of its location and the fact that it is constantly changing, it is difficult to determine its exact size.
What are the biggest statues in the world?
There are many large statues in the world, and the title of the biggest can be somewhat subjective, as it depends on how you define “biggest.” Some of the largest statues in the world include the Spring Temple Buddha in China, which stands at a height of 420 feet (128 meters); the Statue of Unity in India, which stands at a height of 597 feet (182 meters); and the Laykyun Sekkya in Myanmar, which stands at a height of 115 feet (35 meters). However, these are all taller than they are wide, so if you’re looking for the statue with the largest overall size, you may want to consider the statues of Moai on Easter Island, which are up to 33 feet (10 meters) tall and weigh up to 82 tons (74 metric tons).
What is the biggest monkey in the world?
The biggest monkey in the world is the mandrill. Mandrills are large primates found in the rainforests of Central and West Africa. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with brightly colored faces and large, prominent buttocks. Male mandrills can grow up to 35 inches (89 centimeters) tall and weigh up to 77 pounds (35 kilograms). They are the largest monkeys in the world by weight, although the gorilla is taller and can weigh more.
What is the biggest monkey statue in the world?
As far as I know, there is no specific “biggest monkey statue” in the world. Statues come in a wide range of sizes, and there are many different statues of monkeys, so it’s difficult to determine which one is the biggest. Additionally, because I am a language model trained by OpenAI, I do not have access to the internet and cannot browse websites to look up information on specific statues. I can only provide general information based on the text that I have been trained on.
Google on the other hand suggests it’s in Hudson Yards.
Who are the top ten favorite people in the world?
It’s difficult to determine the top ten favorite people in the world, as people’s opinions and tastes can vary widely. Additionally, I am a language model trained by OpenAI, so I don’t have the ability to access information about current events or the opinions of specific individuals. I can only provide general information based on the text that I have been trained on.
What is the biggest shark in the world?
The biggest shark in the world is the whale shark. Whale sharks are massive fish that can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) long and weigh up to 20 tons (18 metric tons). They are found in warm, tropical waters around the world, and are known for their distinctive pattern of light spots and stripes on a dark background. Despite their size, whale sharks are harmless to humans and feed on plankton, small fish, and other tiny marine organisms.
Who is the skinniest person in the world?
ChatGPT’s answer is surprisingly considerate:
As a language model, I don’t have information about specific individuals, so I’m unable to answer that question. The title of the “skinniest person in the world” is also somewhat problematic, as it implies that being very thin is desirable or admirable, which is not necessarily the case. People come in all shapes and sizes, and being very thin can be a sign of an underlying health condition. It’s important to focus on overall health and well-being, rather than trying to achieve a particular body size or shape.
Who swam the furthest out into the ocean?
As a language model, I don’t have information about specific individuals or current events, so I’m unable to answer that question. Swimming long distances in the open ocean is a challenging feat that requires a high level of skill, endurance, and determination. Many people have swum long distances in the ocean, and the record for the furthest distance swam in open water is held by Brazilian endurance swimmer, Ana Marcela Cunha. In 2021, she swam a distance of 110.44 miles (177.75 kilometers) in just under 48 hours.
How many balloons would it take to lift a person?
It’s difficult to say exactly how many balloons it would take to lift a person, as there are many factors that would affect the result. The weight of the person, the size and type of balloons, and the altitude at which the person would be lifted would all play a role. Additionally, it’s worth noting that lifting a person with balloons would likely be very dangerous and could result in serious injury or death. It’s important to use caution and common sense when experimenting with things like this.
Google provides a straightforward, memorable answer:
What is the biggest American bird?
The biggest American bird is the California condor. California condors are large, majestic birds that can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) tall and have a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet (2.9 meters). They are found in the southwestern United States and are the largest land bird in North America. California condors are critically endangered, and conservation efforts are underway to help protect and preserve the species.
Who has the tallest hair?
As a language model, I don’t have information about specific individuals or current events, so I’m unable to answer that question. The title of the person with the “tallest hair” is also somewhat subjective, as it would depend on how you define “tallest” and what criteria you use to measure it. Hair length and height can vary greatly among individuals, and it’s important to remember that physical appearance should not be the basis for judging someone’s worth or value.
What is the weirdest monkey in the world?
Another surprisingly humane answer from the AI:
It’s difficult to say what the weirdest monkey in the world is, as “weird” is a subjective term and what one person considers weird may not be the same as what another person considers weird. There are many different species of monkeys found all over the world, and each has its own unique characteristics and features. Some monkeys, such as the proboscis monkey or the spider monkey, may be considered weird by some people because of their distinctive appearance. However, it’s important to remember that all monkeys, regardless of how they look, are fascinating and intelligent animals.
Was the first person a man or a woman?
It’s difficult to say whether the first person was a man or a woman, as the concept of a “first person” is somewhat subjective and can be interpreted in different ways. In a biological sense, the first anatomically modern humans are thought to have evolved in Africa around 200,000 years ago. However, it’s impossible to determine the gender of these early humans, as they would have looked similar to one another and would not have had the same gender distinctions that exist today. In a broader sense, the concept of a “first person” is a philosophical question that has been debated for centuries. Different cultures and belief systems have different ideas about the origins of humanity, and it’s ultimately a matter of personal belief and perspective.
Who invented numbers?
ChatGPT provides a nuanced non-answer:
The invention of numbers is a topic of debate among historians and anthropologists. Numbers have been used by humans for thousands of years, and it’s likely that different cultures and civilizations developed their own systems for counting and calculating independently. The earliest known numbering systems date back to ancient civilizations in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and these systems were based on counting using the fingers and toes. Over time, these systems evolved and became more complex, and different symbols and notations were developed to represent numbers. It’s impossible to say who exactly invented numbers, as it was likely a process that occurred over many centuries and involved contributions from many different people.
Google’s answer is reductive but memorable:
Do all countries use the same number system?
No, not all countries use the same number system. Different numbering systems have been used throughout history, and many cultures and civilizations have developed their own systems for representing and manipulating numbers. The most commonly used numbering system today is the decimal system, which is based on the number 10 and uses a set of digits (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) to represent numbers. However, not all countries use the decimal system exclusively. For example, some countries in Africa and Asia use a numbering system that is based on the number 20, and some indigenous cultures in the Americas use a numbering system that is based on the number 5. Additionally, some countries, such as the United States, use a mix of numbering systems, with the decimal system being the most common but other systems, such as the binary system (based on the number 2) also being used in certain fields.
Which country has the most states?
The United States has the most states of any country, with a total of 50 states. The United States is a federal constitutional republic, and each of the 50 states has its own government, laws, and representatives. The states are organized into a federal system, with a central national government that is responsible for certain powers and functions, while the state governments retain a level of autonomy and control over their own affairs.
What is the smallest country in the world?
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world by both land area and population. Vatican City is an independent city-state located within the city of Rome, Italy. It has an area of just 44 hectares (108 acres) and a population of about 800 people. Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and is home to the Pope and other important religious officials. It is a sovereign state, with its own government, laws, and diplomatic relations.
What is the biggest city in the world?
The biggest city in the world by population is Tokyo, Japan, which is home to over 37 million people. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and is a major center of commerce, culture, and technology. It is located on the eastern coast of the island of Honshu, and is made up of 23 special wards, 26 cities, 5 districts, and 8 villages. Tokyo is known for its bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant culture. It is also one of the most populous urban areas in the world, with a population density of over 6,000 people per square kilometer.
What is the smallest city in the world?
The title of the smallest city in the world is somewhat difficult to determine, as there are many factors that can affect the size of a city. The population of a city, the size of its land area, and its administrative status can all play a role in determining its size. Additionally, different sources may have different definitions of what constitutes a “city,” so the smallest city in the world can vary depending on the criteria used.
What do Muslims do when their relatives die?
When a Muslim relative dies, their loved ones follow a set of customs and traditions to mourn their passing and honor their memory. These customs and traditions vary depending on the region and culture of the deceased, but some common practices include performing the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah), burying the deceased in a cemetery, and observing a period of mourning. During this time, the family and friends of the deceased may visit the grave, offer condolences to one another, and recite prayers for the deceased. They may also engage in charitable acts and other good deeds in the deceased person’s memory. These customs and traditions are based on the teachings of Islam and are designed to provide comfort and support to the bereaved.
What are the newest words?
It’s difficult to determine the “newest” words, as new words are constantly being created and added to the English language. The English language is constantly evolving, and new words are often coined to describe new ideas, technologies, and cultural phenomena. Some recent examples of new words that have entered the English language include “binge-watch,” “selfie,” and “emoji.” However, it’s important to note that not all new words become widely accepted or used, and some may only be used by a small group of people or in a specific context. Additionally, because I am a language model trained by OpenAI, I don’t have access to the internet and cannot browse websites to look up information on specific words. I can only provide general information based on the text that I have been trained on.
What is the biggest taco in the world?
As far as I know, there is no specific “biggest taco” in the world. Tacos are a popular food that comes in many different sizes and variations, and there is no standard definition of what constitutes a “big” taco. The size of a taco can vary depending on the ingredients and the way it is prepared, and different people may have different preferences when it comes to the size of their tacos. Additionally, because I am a language model trained by OpenAI, I don’t have access to the internet and cannot browse websites to look up information on specific tacos. I can only provide general information based on the text that I have been trained on.
Why is it “double U” and not “double V”?
The term “double U” is used to refer to the letter “W” in the English alphabet. The letter “W” is derived from the Old English letter “wynn,” which was used to represent the sound /w/. The letter “V” and the letter “W” were originally used interchangeably in Old English, and the letter “W” was often written as “uu” to distinguish it from the letter “v.” Over time, the use of the letter “W” became more common, and the term “double u” was used to refer to the letter “W” as a way to distinguish it from the letter “v.” Today, the term “double u” is used as a standard way to refer to the letter “W” in the English alphabet.
What is the biggest book in the world?
The biggest book in the world is likely the Klencke Atlas, which was created in the 17th century for the Dutch merchant Johan Klencke. The Klencke Atlas is a massive atlas measuring about 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and 3.3 feet (1 meter) wide when open. It contains 60 maps and was presented to King Charles II of England as a gift. The Klencke Atlas is currently held in the British Library in London, England.
What is the biggest bubble in the world?
The biggest bubble in the world was created by an American artist named Fan Yang in 2002. The bubble measured about 51 feet (15.5 meters) in diameter and was created using a special solution of soapy water and other ingredients. It was exhibited at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, and was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest bubble ever created. Fan Yang is known for his expertise in creating large and complex bubbles, and has set multiple world records for the biggest and most impressive bubbles.
How are lenticular images made?
Lenticular images are created using a special printing process that involves printing a series of images on a plastic sheet that has a series of curved ridges, or lenses, on one side. When the sheet is viewed from different angles, the ridges refract the light in different ways, causing the images to appear to move or change. Lenticular printing can be used to create a variety of effects, such as 3D images, animation, and zoom effects. The process involves taking multiple images of the same subject from different angles, and then printing these images on the lenticular sheet so that they are aligned with the lenses. The sheet is then cut into individual prints, and the finished lenticular images can be viewed by changing the angle at which they are viewed.
Why is it called an eggplant?
The eggplant is called an eggplant because it was originally thought to resemble an egg. The eggplant is a type of fruit that is part of the nightshade family, and it is commonly used as a vegetable in cooking. The eggplant is native to India, and was introduced to Europe and other parts of the world by Arab traders in the 13th century. In many European languages, the eggplant is called by a name that means “mad apple” or “crazy apple,” because it was believed to cause insanity or other mental disturbances when eaten. In English, the eggplant was originally called the “mad apple,” but the name was later changed to “eggplant” because of its shape and color, which resembled that of a chicken egg.
What is the biggest BMX course in the world?
As far as I know, there is no specific “biggest BMX course” in the world. BMX, or Bicycle Motocross, is a type of racing that involves racing bikes on off-road tracks that are designed for high-speed and high-intensity action. The size of a BMX course can vary depending on the location and the type of race, and there is no standard size for a BMX course. Additionally, because I am a language model trained by OpenAI, I don’t have access to the internet and cannot browse websites to look up information on specific BMX courses. I can only provide general information based on the text that I have been trained on.
This is the result from Google:
Below the youtube junk content was an article from 2015 asserting in the title that an abandoned mine in Louisville, KY is the world’s largest BMX course, however it’s not mentioned in the article or on the location’s website.
How many acres is the biggest farm in the world?
As far as I know, there is no specific “biggest farm” in the world. The size of a farm can vary depending on many factors, such as the type of crops grown, the location, and the method of farming used. Additionally, because I am a language model trained by OpenAI, I don’t have access to the internet and cannot browse websites to look up information on specific farms. I can only provide general information based on the text that I have been trained on.
Conclusions
I think the fact that I was able to receive reasonable-seeming answers to most of these questions in just a few minutes shows the immense potential behind AI-based natural language search tools like ChatGPT. But where ChatGPT provided nuance, or declined to provide an answer at all, Google seems to generally take an opposite approach, and has no issue with presenting a straightforward answer to a lot of questions that maybe have no clear answer or could be interpreted in different ways.
Based on this experiment, I’d say a commercial version of ChatGPT that can search the internet (and possibly link to relevant Wikipedia articles to learn more) could easily displace Google as a first stop when asking general knowledge-based questions.