Welcome to this week's ASQ! While we were on break we still deligently strived to answer your questions. Have a burning question? Need some advice? Send your queries our way. Just send your questions to whim@radford.edu with ASQ in the subject line, or leave your question in the feedback section at the bottom of this page. Now on with this week's questions!

What is the meaning of life?
Amanda: Ah! The age old question. The question that has plagued mankind for enternity. I will not feign and claim that I know the answer. It is not a question that can be handled in such a way. The meaning of life is far more subjective. There is an answer for each person. It's all based on what is most important to you.
Katie: Looking for answers? 42. 'Nuff said. Next!

Why are dimes smaller, but worth more, than nickels?
Amanda: Excellent question! The logic behind the monetary system can be a little tricky. The size of the coins has nothing to do with the value overall. In fact, even the penny is larger than the dime. The size is to help you easily recognize the value of the coins without looking. Grab one of each of the four coins: quarter, dime, nickel, and penny. Place them in your pocket. Notice how each of the coins is different. The quarter is large and has ridges. The dime is very small with ridges. The nickel is a bit smaller than the quarter and has no ridges. The penny also has no ridges and is smaller than the nickel. These differences are suppose to make it easy to pick coins quickly to make proper change. But then again it doesn't always work that way.
Kate: It's not so much the size that counts as it is the "shiny factor." Dimes are smaller so that the face of the coin can better capture and reflect light in such a way as to produce the best "glint." The larger nickel has more of a tendency to be dull. Thus, the shiny dime obviously has more value, because...well...it's shiny!

Okay, maybe I got distracted.

P.S.- dimes also make better jingly noises!

Well that's all for this week. Please be sure to keep those questions coming.