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This probably sounds really naive. But, a strange discussion came up on Quora about computers possibly weighing more when information is added to them.

I tried looking around but couldn't find a definitive answer. There are a few threads where people have tried to ask something similar.

1) http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=38844.0

2) http://www.lolhappens.com/27706/does-a-computers-weight-increase-as-information-is-added-to-the-hard-drive/

Both threads have people arguing about the possibilities, but I'm sure a more definitive, and painfully detailed answer must exist. I hope you have a good laugh and then help me out!

I don't have the rep to post more than two links so I'll just put the original thread in the comments.

Thank you!

Kasisnu
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1 Answers1

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You don't add matter when you store information. Unless you do so by plugging in a drive. Additionally, since there are about the same amount of 1's and 0's running around in a computer when it's drive is empty as when it is full, and since the states of the electrons in the physical drive (ie how info is stored) makes a lack of information weigh the same as a quantity of information, the weight of a computer does not change. Not in any figure-out-able way. But it does change between off and on states

Jim
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