Is This Barometer Height Question a Hoax?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ZapperZ
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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around the authenticity of a purported incident involving a physics professor and a barometer used to measure building height. Participants assert that the scenario is a hoax, referencing Martin Gardner's 1989 book "Mathematical Magic Show," which outlines various humorous methods to use a barometer for this purpose. The conversation reveals that the story has evolved over time, with many attributing it to different figures, including Alexander Colandra and Niels Bohr. Ultimately, the consensus is that the article misrepresents a well-known physics joke as a factual event, raising ethical concerns about its presentation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts related to pressure and height measurement.
  • Familiarity with Martin Gardner's work, particularly "Mathematical Magic Show."
  • Knowledge of the history of physics jokes and anecdotes.
  • Awareness of ethical considerations in reporting and storytelling.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Martin Gardner's "Mathematical Magic Show" for insights on physics-related humor.
  • Explore the history and variations of the barometer height measurement joke.
  • Investigate ethical journalism practices regarding the attribution of sources.
  • Examine the impact of anecdotal stories in educational contexts and their reception by audiences.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in science, journalists, and anyone interested in the intersection of humor and education in scientific discourse.

  • #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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