Just as precise measurements are necessary in science, it is equally important to be able to make rough estimates of quantities using rudimentary ideas and common observations. Think of ways by which you can estimate the following (where an estimate is difficult to obtain, try to get an upper bound on the quantity) :

(b) the mass of an elephant

Solution

Consider a ship of known base area floating in the sea.

Let space it apostrophe straight s space depth space in space sea space equals space straight d subscript 1 space Volume space of space water space displaced space by space ship space is comma space straight V subscript straight b equals Ad subscript 1 Now comma space move space an space elephant space on space the space ship. space Let space the space dpeth space of space the space ship space be space now space straight d subscript 2 space Vol. space of space water space displaced space by space the space ship with space elephant space on space board comma space straight V subscript be space equals space Ad subscript 2 space Vol. space of space water space displaced space by space elephant space equals space Ad subscript 2 space minus Ad subscript 1 space Density space of space water space equals space straight D space Mass space of space elephant space equals space AD space left parenthesis straight d subscript 2 space minus space straight d subscript 1 right parenthesis

Some More Questions From Units and Measurement Chapter

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