Re: g: mea culpa

["Roger A. Pruitt" <phrp@fhsuvm.fhsu.edu>]

Rauber, Joel Phys wrote:
> Hi Folks,
>
> guilty guilty guilty;
>
> I'm glad this discussion came up. I've been guilty of the "evil, bad
> phrases" and its always bothered me  and agree with what Ken said.
> Particularly the part about how the discussion has helped sharpen plans for
> the future.  I'll improve my classroom language in the future!
>
> Vote:
>
> a sub g = acceleration of free fall
>
> g = gravitational field strength




> I'm a little uncomfortable using the "field" word so early in a course so I
> would find "surface gravity constant" acceptable.

Joel, I don't see any sense in introducing another phrase "surface gravity 
constant." Do you talk about E being the electric constant or B being the 
magnetic constant?

Don't be afraid to introduce the field concept early. I find that by 
introducing it in the first semester that students find the concept of field 
more easily understood in the second semester and far less artificial.

Roger

> Joel
>
> I think its great when people bring up pet peeves (even controversial ones)
> on the list.  they serve to sharpen my thoughts on the matters, which are
> often ones I haven't given deep thought to in a long while.  Thanks to
> everyone.