Using a set square to reduce parallax error

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Using a set square helps minimize parallax error by ensuring that the observer's eye is aligned horizontally with the measurement scale. This alignment is crucial when measuring the height from which a ball falls in experiments involving an electromagnet and trap door. Parallax error arises when the line of sight is not perpendicular to the ruler, leading to inaccurate readings. Clarifying the experimental setup may provide better context for the application of the set square. Accurate height measurement is essential for calculating the acceleration of free fall reliably.
MBBphys
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Homework Statement


In one of my revision guides, there is an experiment for calculating the acceleration of free fall using the electromagnet and trap door arrangement. The biggest error is in the measurement of the height over which the ball falls. The guide says: "You could reduce the error in your measurement of h by using a set square to make sure your eye is level with the ruler".
What does that mean? How do you do that?
Thanks!

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


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Maybe this?

375px-Reglas.svg.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_square

By the way, I'm not familiar with this experiment using an electromagnet and trap door, the way you described it. So I'm not sure how the "set square" fits in. You might want to be more specific about the experimental details; perhaps post the entire question verbatim.
 
Parallax error occurs when the line between your eye the object and the ruler isn't 90 degrees to the ruler.

I would normally insert a diagram to explain but unfortunately I'm stuck with this tablet for a few days.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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