28 June 2021 - science language

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A Foolish Inconsistency

We measure gamma rays and x-rays by energy, long radio waves by frequency, and what’s in between by wavelength, except when we do otherwise. When we first meet space aliens, we will believe that we can communicate in the language of science. Will it be before or after we give up in frustration that we realize that science barely has a language?

clue:

An example of goal-directed naming. We measure electromagnetic radiation by the property we most care about in context.

take oh take this clue away

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