What Is the Correct Spelling of Gustav Robert Kirchhoff's Last Name?

  • Thread starter gsfh
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Kirchoff
In summary, the conversation revolves around the correct spelling of the last name of Gustav Robert Kirchhoff. The individual asking the question is advised to refer to the internet or a book, as the answer may vary depending on translation conventions. It is noted that the name is spelled using a non-English alphabet and therefore can only be considered "right" in the phonetic sense. The conversation also mentions similar situations with other names such as Chebyshev and Schlaefli.
  • #1
gsfh
1
0
Help, please? What is the correct spelling for the last name of Gustav Robert Kirchoff (Kirchhoff? Kirschoff?) Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Kirchhoff is the right spelling of the name :)
 
  • #3
You could probably refer to net or probably a book, this is a bad place to post the question.
 
  • #4
You could probably refer to net or probably a book, this is a bad place to post the question.

The problem is that you could refer to four books, and get four different answers.

Kirchhoff is the right spelling of the name :)

Their is no right spelling of the name (in english) because his name is spelled using a non-english alphabet. The spelling can only be "right" in the phonetic sense. The bottom line is that the answer depends on the translation conventions of the time, so books printed in different years use different conventions.

I have found a similar situation applies to Chebyshev and Schlaefli, as well as many others I am sure.
 

1. Who is Gustav Robert Kirchoff?

Gustav Robert Kirchoff was a German physicist and mathematician who is best known for his contributions to the study of electrical circuits and spectroscopy. He is also known for his Kirchoff's Laws, which are fundamental principles in the field of circuit analysis.

2. How do you spell Kirchoff's name?

Kirchoff's name is spelled with two f's, "Kirchoff", rather than one f as it is commonly misspelled.

3. What are Kirchoff's Laws?

Kirchoff's Laws are two principles that govern the behavior of electrical circuits. The first law, also known as Kirchoff's Current Law, states that the sum of currents flowing into a node (junction) in a circuit must equal the sum of currents flowing out of that node. The second law, also known as Kirchoff's Voltage Law, states that the sum of voltages around a closed loop in a circuit must equal zero.

4. What is Kirchoff's contribution to spectroscopy?

Kirchoff is credited with the development of the laws of thermal radiation, which helped lay the foundation for the field of spectroscopy. He also developed the Kirchoff's Law of Thermal Radiation, which states that the emissivity of a body is equal to its absorptivity at the same temperature.

5. What is Kirchoff's most famous quote?

Kirchoff is often quoted as saying "The laws of nature are but the mathematical thoughts of God." This quote reflects his belief in the harmony and beauty of mathematical principles in the natural world.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • General Discussion
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
315
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
638
Back
Top