Velma, Who Is Moving Past You at a High Rate

question 45

Multiple Choice

Velma, who is moving past you at a high rate of speed, holds a meter stick and a standard kilogram. Is it possible that your measurements could show the standard kilogram to have a mass of 2 kg while the meter stick still has its normal length of 1 m?

• A) Yes, if Velma holds the meter stick perpendicular to its direction of motion.
• B) Yes, if Velma holds the meter stick parallel to its direction of motion.
• C) No, because mass actually decreases with velocity, rather than increasing.
• D) No; if the kilogram's mass has increased to 2 kg, then it must be longer than 1 m.
• E) No; if the kilogram's mass has increased to 2 kg, then it must be shorter than 1 m.

Identify and explain when vagueness or ambiguity becomes problematic in communication.

Define and discuss the concept of a language community and its relevance.

Recognize the impact of context and purpose on the problematic nature of vague or ambiguous expressions.

Understand why critical thinkers are not considered a separate language community.

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Definitions:

Neighborhood

A localized community within a larger town, city, or suburb, characterized by social interactions and shared spaces among its inhabitants.

Political Beliefs

Individual or collective opinions and convictions about political systems, policies, and leaders.

Plasticity

The idea that abilities, personality, and other human characteristics are moldable, and thus can change.

Critical Periods

Specific times during early life when the presence or absence of certain experiences can have profound and lasting effects on the development of physiological or behavioural traits.