Maxwell almost failed his qualifying exam

In summary, there is a story that Maxwell failed the first two questions of his qualifying exam, but was given a take-home assignment as a last chance. He returned with the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of velocities. However, there is no evidence to support this claim and it may be confused with Maxwell's attempts to prove the speed distribution.
  • #1
hh73
1
0
I have heard a story from one of my professors that Maxwell had failed the first two questions of his qualifying exam, and as a last chance, they gave him a take-home assignment. Maxwell returned with the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of velocities.

Can anyone verify also hearing a similar story (the details may be off) ? Can anyone find a source for this? I can't find anything on Google
 
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  • #2
hh73 said:
I have heard a story from one of my professors that Maxwell had failed the first two questions of his qualifying exam, and as a last chance, they gave him a take-home assignment. Maxwell returned with the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of velocities.

Can anyone verify also hearing a similar story (the details may be off) ? Can anyone find a source for this? I can't find anything on Google

According to wikipedia, he gave the Maxwellian distribution of velocities in 1866 (so he was 24 or 25 years old). He started university much younger (age 16) than this and apparently did extremely well there. What do you mean by "qualifying exam"?
 
  • #3
Unlikely. Maxwell had a brilliant undergraduate career at Cambridge. I wonder if the confusion arises from Maxwell's three successive attempts to produce a proof of the speed distribution. He regarded none as satisfactory.
 

FAQ: Maxwell almost failed his qualifying exam

Why did Maxwell almost fail his qualifying exam?

Maxwell almost failed his qualifying exam due to the extreme difficulty of the exam and the high expectations set by the examiners. He also struggled with time management and stress during the exam.

What was the outcome of Maxwell's exam?

Despite almost failing, Maxwell was able to pass his qualifying exam on a second attempt. He worked hard to improve his study habits and time management skills, which ultimately led to his success.

Did Maxwell's almost failure affect his future career?

No, Maxwell's almost failure did not negatively impact his future career. In fact, it taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and resilience, which are important qualities for a successful scientist.

How did Maxwell cope with the stress of almost failing?

Maxwell sought support from his peers and mentors, who helped him develop a study plan and provided emotional support during the stressful time. He also practiced relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, to manage his stress levels.

What advice would Maxwell give to others facing a difficult exam?

Maxwell would advise others to not be too hard on themselves and to seek support from peers and mentors. He would also recommend developing effective study habits and managing stress through relaxation techniques. Lastly, he would encourage others to never give up and keep working towards their goals.

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