Question

Bob measured his height 10 times and his ruler showed the same result each time. He remembered he also got the same result from the scale in the RPAC and the scale in hospital. What does this say about how Bob found his weight?

Answer 1

Bob's consistent height measurements indicate precision, while consistent weight readings across different scales show both accuracy and precision. Scales measure weight and provide mass readings based on Earth's gravity, which won't be the same on the Moon.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bob consistently measured his height and found the same result each time, suggesting precision in his measurement technique. However, regarding his weight, the dependable readings across different scales at the RPAC and hospital evoke the concepts of both accuracy and precision in his measurements.

These scales are designed to measure weight through a mechanical or electronic process where springs or sensors compress under the force of the user's weight. This force is then converted into mass units (kilograms) for convenience, based on Earth's gravity (9.80 m/s²). It is important to note that a scale measures mass indirectly by assessing the weight and assumes a constant acceleration due to gravity, meaning it wouldn't display the same value on the Moon as it does on Earth. Therefore, the scenario illustrates that Bob's weight, when measured using properly calibrated and functioning scales, displays consistent and accurate mass values.