Uncertainity regarding measurement

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of measurement uncertainty as demonstrated in a lecture by a professor at MIT. A boy was measured standing and then lying down, revealing a discrepancy in height due to the effects of gravity and body compression. This illustrates that measurement can vary based on the position of the subject, highlighting the inherent uncertainty in physical measurements.

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  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly gravity.
  • Familiarity with measurement techniques and tools.
  • Knowledge of human anatomy and how body posture affects physical dimensions.
  • Concept of measurement uncertainty in scientific contexts.
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shounakbhatta
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Hello,

I was viewing a lecture of one of the professor's most possibly in MIT who demonstrated in the class room, by calling a boy and measuring him, while standing, a certain measurement say 5 ft. After that he asked the boy to lie down and again measured him and found that there is a difference, say +- some amount. He concluded that there is always a uncertainty in measurement while standing and the same person lying down.

Can anybody please explain me the reason? Why?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What changes occur to the boy standing versus laying down?
 
Nothing physically. The measurement rod shows the difference. Can you tell me the reason please?
 

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