The square root of minus 1, j,*
Imaginary, maths gurus say,
So does it exist?
That's shrouded in mist,
But allows number crunchers much play.

And engineers with it make free,
For reactive impedance: I.e.
Impedance, they'll tell
Is j omega L,
Or one o'er j omega C.

And if this thing j isn't real,
Which scientists say is the deal,
Take capacitor, large,
And fill it with charge,
Then grab it and see what you feel

And when off the ceiling you're scraped,
With just a few burns you've escaped,
Was that there sensation
Just pure 'magination?
Reflect that you've not got it taped.

* Alternative first verse for those who prefer to call it I:

The square root of minus 1, i's
Imaginary, say the math guys.So, does it exist?
That's shrouded in mist,
Do these number crunchers tell lies?
All other j's can be swapped for i's without trouble.

more harmless nonsense

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Last updated: Thu, 26 Jul 2001.