Re: [MATHEDCC] Math & Physics

Phil Mahler (mahlerp@middlesex.cc.ma.us)
Sat, 14 Nov 1998 22:30:24 -0500

rlkimbal@WTCC-GW.WAKE.TEC.NC.US writes:
>Our NSF grant to integrate mathematics and physics continues
>to uncover new and exciting ground. We just learned that
>the value of pi squared is roughly equal to the gravitational
>constant (average) for the earth (in metric units).
>(pi)^2 .=. 9.8 m/sec^2
>
>Now we all know many of the relationships between pi and
>geometry, so we wondered if this relationships shows that
>the earth is roughly cylindrical?

V E R Y roughly. But the Flat Earth Society will be disappointed.

On the other hand, you may have discovered that in some countries, (pi)^2
is 32. Which will disappoint the Indiana Legislature, which knows it is 9.

Phil Mahler
Middlesex CC
Bedford, MA

p.s. The grant theme actually sounds great. Are you integrating your math
and physics courses? How's it working?

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