Re: [Phys-l] Warped 2-metersticks....

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

At 07:31 PM 3/18/2006, Cherie Lehman, you wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> I was just wondering if any of the processes  suggested for "un-warping" the
> warped 2-meter sticks would disturb the  spacing between the hashmarks on the
> sticks. I'd be pretty nervous about turning  it into spaghetti for 
> fear that I
> would end up with a French curve. For that  matter, would the over all length
> of the stick be changed?
>
> Just wondering.
> Cherie

This is an opportune question for a person interested in measuring something
with an accuracy of less than one half the smallest division mark over the
 length of the rule (which would be the rational lower limit of acceptable
 accuracy in a measuring stick). It is however, the sort of question 
only likely
 to be answered by someone in a physics lab or class-room.
 Other wood users can be content with slightly wider acceptable tolerances.
   The cheapest one meter sticks I've seen go under $2. A suitable 
experimental
 prospect, possibly?


Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!