• untorquer@quokk.au
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    9 hours ago

    Assuming the time between submersion and observation is greater than zero, increasing temperatures above boiling would give increasing error.

    Conversely the physicist may get other error at/near freezing.

    And yet another option is the fluid being above the Ball’s melting and/or boiling point, assuming changes in density with phase change.

    • Aqivex@fedinsfw.app
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      9 hours ago

      All of which the physicist can trivially account for, control and variable test around, should the requested question be updated to require it.

      The requested question did not include “In all possible scenarios”, thus determining the volume of the sphere via physics calculation at the most average of conditions, is the most correct valid solution, absent further requirement parameters.

      • untorquer@quokk.au
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        7 hours ago

        You’re right in terms of grading a student’s homework or whatever.

        In research/publication/career these assumptions must be stated unless given.

        But I was responding to:

        The physicist’s answer would be correct anywhere, no matter the temperature or density of the fluid.

        Which includes non-standard conditions.