A stopwatch is utilized to measure how long it takes a sprinter to run 100 meters. This stopwatch measures time intervals to hundredths of seconds. Using the stopwatch the timekeeper measures the sprinter’s time as9.88 seconds. The timekeeper then writes down the sprinter’s time as 9.88 ±0.005 s . What is wrong with this?
2. The timekeeper is asked to decrease the uncertainty in his measurement. He responds with “If I have 5 people with stopwatches simultaneously measure the sprinter’s time this will lead to a more accurate measurement.”
1. Describe the problem with this method.
2. What will this method accomplish instead?