Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
An extra credit one for geeks;-)
We all talk about accuracy in measurements. Some for measurements of project parts, and others for machine setup. Here is an accuracy problem for you:
If I wanted to calculate the circumference of the known universe to an error of less than the diameter of a proton, how many decimal places of π would I need to use? I will make this one multiple guess.
A. 2.1 million
B. 39
C. 42,134
D. 376
Re: An extra credit one for geeks;-)
I would try and figure this out for you but my calculator will only go to 10 digits.
Re: An extra credit one for geeks;-)
who needs a calculator. Real Geeks don't need no stinkin' calculator. Just do it in your head ;-)
Re: An extra credit one for geeks;-)
The slide-rule went up in smoke. I'll have to go with the gut and say B.
I want to check my work though. Can you hold the end of the tape while I measure the perimiter?
Re: An extra credit one for geeks;-)
Yup, don't need no stinkin calculator. Need to know the diameter or radius of the universe to within 1 proton diameter.
Re: An extra credit one for geeks;-)
Since we are looking for an accuracy estimate and not an answer, just use your measurement to the nearest inch or so. That will be close enough ;-)
Re: An extra credit one for geeks;-)
I am having a tape built so we can check it. I will let you know when it is ready. They said it would take a bit of time to finish it, but probably not more than a couple of billion years or so. (on a Tuesday) ;-)
BTW, you are right on your answer.
Better late than never.
You gave the answer but here's how I did it. The known universe is 36 billion light years that's 3 x 10 to the 26 power meters and called a exameter. A proton is about one ten trillionth of a meter, the size of 10 to the -13 power meters or about 100 femtometers. My answer is the total of + and - which equals 39.