Re: [Phys-l] truck mileage

["Marc \"Zeke\" Kossover" <zeke_kossover@yahoo.com>]

It is pretty uncool to jump to the claim of faked data right away. There is another option -- rounding errors.

Most people don't think that a difference of 1 as very large. Notice that the number is only quoted to one figure. So, if the MPG was 8.5 and then 7.5, it might be reported as being the same when in fact the mileage went down by nearly 12%. 

Marc "Zeke" Kossover
The Jewish Community High School of the Bay

----- Original Message ----
> From: Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>
> To: Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2008 7:35:32 PM
> Subject: Re: [Phys-l] truck mileage
>
> At 04:02 PM 5/7/2008, you wrote:
> > >
> > I have quite an interesting problem that I cannot explain...
> >
> > Our Ag teacher set up this scenario for me:
> >
> > one 5000# truck gets about 18 miles per gallon
> > same 5000# truck pulling a 4000# trailer gets 8 miles per gallon
> > same 5000# truck pulling a 4000# trailer + 10000# of cows ALSO  gets 8
> > miles per gallon.
> >
> > Any ideas why the empty and the full trailer both get the same
> > mileage?  This same pattern is also present in a different trailer and
> > truck combination.
> >
> > thanks,
> > Kathy
> > Kathy Daniel
> > Oakland High School
> > Murfreesboro, TN  37130
> > kcdohs@comcast.net
>
> I have heard several comparable reports. The owners ascribe it to 
> wind-resistance
> (which I'm sure plays a part.)
>
>
> Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka! 
>
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> Forum for Physics Educators
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