I would certainly teach the distinction between mass and weight in a physics (or grade
school science) class. No doubt about it. It is there where the distinction _needs_ to
be made.
Few have actually heard of BMI, but those who have just enter their "weight" in
kilograms into the formula.
I do use the terms"mass" and "weight" correctly from time to time. I really, quite
honestly, don't think that this should be an issue at the moment. We should be getting
people used to thinking in kilograms rather than pounds and worry about the
distinction between mass and weight when it is necessary to do so.
BTW, for those who work with me and are of good humour I usually give my weight, when
requested, as "about 800 newtons". They chuckle and then ask for that in "pounds"
(note: not "pounds-force"). I would much rather they ask for it in "kilograms".
greg
>>> Gene Mechtly <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 2001-01-25 17:50:37 >>>
On Thu, 25 Jan 2001, Gregory Peterson wrote:
> Sorry, Gene. Where I agree with your logic, I must disagree with you
> on practicality.
What would you *teach* young students in science classes, SI, or
the vernacular distortions of SI?
Granted, it is too late to bring SI literacy to most persons in
the general public, but that is no excuse for corruption of SI in this
forum.
> I would much rather argue for the use of grams or kilograms
> to replace the use of pounds
I certainly argue for g and kg also! - but not
> for baby _weight_
The public sees "body mass index" wrt health.
How would you explain BMI to health conscious mothers without the proper
SI distinction?
> than to bring the rather confusing (to the general public) argument over
> the use of kilograms for mass and newtons as weight.
Use the correct distinction by example. At least some alert
adults will follow, although certainly not all adults.
Gene.
