Re: [Phys-l] real-world problem

[John Mallinckrodt <ajm@csupomona.edu>]

On Feb 1, 2011, at 4:47 PM, brian whatcott wrote:

> Someone seems to have forgotten that the volume of the dipstick means 
> that a HUGE correction to that 42.4% mark needs to be made, to obtain 
> the desired result.

Now I'm not sure what "42.4% mark" you're referring to.  It surely would never have come up in the first place as it requires a both difficult AND misguided calculation.  Indeed, it's pretty clear that no car manufacturer does any careful calculations, let alone calibrations of fuel gauges.  Hell, I'd be happy if 50% on my Prius gauge corresponded to as much as 40% remaining.

John Mallinckrodt
Cal Poly Pomona