Final answer:
An anemometer is the device that was first used in the 1940s Antarctic experiments to determine wind speed, a measurement commonly heard in weather reports. Barometric pressure is measured by a barometer, which provides different information about atmospheric conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1940s, an anemometer was used in Antarctic experiments that first determined wind speed, which is now a common measurement heard in weather reports. Anemometers are specifically designed to measure how fast the wind is blowing. Unlike barometric pressure, which is measured with a barometer and tells us about the atmospheric pressure, an anemometer provides information on the dynamics of air movement.
The knowledge of wind speed is crucial for various reasons, including aviation, marine navigation, and even in planning for the safety measures against possible wind-related natural disasters such as tornadoes. Barometers, on the other hand, give us insights into possible weather changes since changes in atmospheric pressure can indicate an approaching storm or fair weather.