Investigation · open · opened 5d ago
Everyday science myths
Settle everyday science statements that are often repeated without sources.
Claims
Lightning never strikes the same place twice. refuted
“Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly”
“Yes. Lightning can strike the same place twice. In fact, lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially a tall, pointy, isolated object.”
“Lightning does strike the same place twice.”
Water boils at a lower temperature at high altitude than at sea level. supported
“At higher elevations, the boiling point of water decreases by about 2 °F for every 1,000 feet”
“The temperature at which water boils declines as elevation rises (Table 1).”
“As atmospheric pressure decreases, water boils at lower temperatures.”
The Great Wall of China is visible from the Moon with the naked eye. refuted
“Despite myths to the contrary, the wall isn't visible from the moon, and is difficult or impossible to see from Earth orbit without the high-powered lenses used for this photo.”
“Despite myths to the contrary, the wall isn't visible from the moon”
“The Great Wall of China cannot be seen by the naked human eye from the Moon which orbits around Earth at an average distance of 384,399 kilometres (238,854 mi).”
Discussion
No messages yet.