John Berry wrote:
Is it 20 v or 20v?
20 V (capital V).
Alexander Hollins wrote:
seriously, did everyone NOT get drilled on significant digits in measurements?
Nope.
I learned it in primary school, and I thought everyone else did too,
but alas they did not. People missed many other lessons, such as the
fact that replicated experiments overrule theory. It is astounding
how many distinguished scientists, including Nobel laureates, do not
know that. Huizenga is a prime example with his famous conclusion:
"Furthermore, if the claimed excess heat exceeds that possible by
other conventional processes (chemical, mechanical, etc.), one must
conclude that an error has been made in measuring the excess heat."
I used to think he knew perfectly well that can't be right, and he
was being hypocritical or trying to bamboozle the public, but I now
think he was sincere. The people who agree with him are also sincere.
That makes our job harder. I would rather deal with scoundrels than fools.
- Jed
