Is This Barometer Height Question a Hoax?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ZapperZ
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the authenticity of a story involving a barometer and its use to determine the height of a tall building. Participants explore whether the scenario described in a purported message from a physics professor is a hoax or a well-known physics joke. The conversation touches on the historical context of the joke, its variations, and the ethical implications of presenting it as a factual event.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that the story is a hoax, citing its similarity to a question posed by Martin Gardner in his book.
  • Others suggest that the scenario is a well-known physics joke, often attributed to famous physicists like Heisenberg or Planck.
  • A few participants mention that the story may have originated from Alexander Colandra in 1958, but its authenticity remains uncertain.
  • Some propose alternative ways to use a barometer to measure building height, including dropping it or using it in creative experiments.
  • Concerns are raised about the ethical implications of presenting the story as a real event without proper attribution, potentially misleading readers unfamiliar with the joke.
  • One participant speculates that a real student might have acted out the scenario, although this is considered unlikely.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the claim that the incident actually occurred, emphasizing the lack of verification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the story is likely a joke or a hoax, but there is no consensus on its origins or whether it was based on a real event. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of the story and its ethical presentation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the story's attribution and the context in which it is presented may lead to misunderstandings among readers who are not familiar with the physics community or the joke itself.

  • #31
But anyway, if a student were to really write such interesting answer, will he be awarded full credit?
 
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  • #32
Yes, but the marks will be hidden and he'll be required to discern their location using a bowling ball and an eyedropper.
 
  • #33
ZapperZ said:
This is supposedly a "message" from a physics professor...I believe that this is a hoax and something someone made up...My conclusion: whoever wrote the article made up this story and that this scenario never happened. I'm waiting for enough people to read this as witnesses before I write an e-mail to whoever runs this thing.
The author of the article doesn't claim to be a physics professor, but rather he appears to identify himself as "A Washington-based Economist". The entire column is in quotations and it is presented as "A message from a Physics Prof". The author may have actually received this from a "Physics Prof", or he may have some other good faith basis to believe that this is a message from a person of this description. I would ask for a clarification of exactly what the author is claiming before making an accusation that he could easily explain away in any number of ways.
 

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