• untorquer@quokk.au
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    6 days ago

    Assuming the time between submersion and observation is greater than zero, increasing temperatures above boiling would give increasing error.

    Conversely the physicist may get other error at/near freezing.

    And yet another option is the fluid being above the Ball’s melting and/or boiling point, assuming changes in density with phase change.

    • Aqivex@fedinsfw.app
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      6 days ago

      All of which the physicist can trivially account for, control and variable test around, should the requested question be updated to require it.

      The requested question did not include “In all possible scenarios”, thus determining the volume of the sphere via physics calculation at the most average of conditions, is the most correct valid solution, absent further requirement parameters.

      • untorquer@quokk.au
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        6 days ago

        You’re right in terms of grading a student’s homework or whatever.

        In research/publication/career these assumptions must be stated unless given.

        But I was responding to:

        The physicist’s answer would be correct anywhere, no matter the temperature or density of the fluid.

        Which includes non-standard conditions.

        • Aqivex@fedinsfw.app
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          4 days ago

          But I was responding to: The physicist’s answer would be correct anywhere, no matter the temperature or density of the fluid. Which includes non-standard conditions.

    • tyler@programming.dev
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      5 days ago

      This is like saying “the physicist’s answer would have errors because they measured the ball and then stuck it in an oven. The volume of the ball in the oven is different than what they measured.”

      • untorquer@quokk.au
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        4 days ago

        No it’s more like the physicist tried to use boiling water to measure it

        • tyler@programming.dev
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          4 days ago

          Using boiling water is still fine, the measurement will work, your comment literally only is a problem if they don’t measure in time. So yes, it’s exactly like sticking it in an oven and not measuring at the same time

          • untorquer@quokk.au
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            4 days ago

            Fair, if you do account for the change in water volume over time then you could maintain accuracy, but also good luck reading the meniscus.