You are a detective interviewing someone who says that (while sitting on a porch that you know to be 600ft away) he saw the masked suspect commit the crime in broad daylight. "How do you know it was the suspect?" you ask. "I clearly saw the 'MOM' that is tattooed on his upper arm." "You're sure it was that particular tattoo and not some other tattoo?" "Yes, I'm sure," The witness replies. The suspect's tattoo has letters that are 6cm tall. Is the witness credible, or might he be framing the suspect? Justify your response and any estimates you might make.

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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You are a detective interviewing someone who says that (while sitting on a porch that you know to be 600 ft away) he saw the masked suspect commit the crime in broad daylight.

“How do you know it was the suspect?” you ask.

“I clearly saw the ‘MOM’ that is tattooed on his upper arm.”

“You’re sure it was that particular tattoo and not some other tattoo?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” the witness replies. The suspect’s tattoo has letters that are 6 cm tall. Is the witness credible, or might he be framing the suspect? Justify your response and any estimates you might make.

---

**Analysis:**

1. **Distance Calculation**: 
   - The witness claims to have seen details from 600 ft away.
   - Convert 600 ft to centimeters (1 ft = 30.48 cm): 600 ft = 18,288 cm.

2. **Visibility Considerations**: 
   - The tattoo’s letters are 6 cm tall.
   - Estimating the ability to see details at distance: Details of this size are typically not discernible to the naked eye at such a large distance without optical aids.
   - Consider factors such as the lighting conditions (broad daylight aids visibility but does not greatly enhance detail resolution at this distance) and any potential obstructions.

3. **Conclusion**:
   - The witness's claim to distinctly identify a specific tattoo from 600 ft away is highly improbable without the use of binoculars or other magnifying devices.
   - This discrepancy suggests the testimony may lack credibility, raising the possibility of fabrication or error.
Transcribed Image Text:You are a detective interviewing someone who says that (while sitting on a porch that you know to be 600 ft away) he saw the masked suspect commit the crime in broad daylight. “How do you know it was the suspect?” you ask. “I clearly saw the ‘MOM’ that is tattooed on his upper arm.” “You’re sure it was that particular tattoo and not some other tattoo?” “Yes, I’m sure,” the witness replies. The suspect’s tattoo has letters that are 6 cm tall. Is the witness credible, or might he be framing the suspect? Justify your response and any estimates you might make. --- **Analysis:** 1. **Distance Calculation**: - The witness claims to have seen details from 600 ft away. - Convert 600 ft to centimeters (1 ft = 30.48 cm): 600 ft = 18,288 cm. 2. **Visibility Considerations**: - The tattoo’s letters are 6 cm tall. - Estimating the ability to see details at distance: Details of this size are typically not discernible to the naked eye at such a large distance without optical aids. - Consider factors such as the lighting conditions (broad daylight aids visibility but does not greatly enhance detail resolution at this distance) and any potential obstructions. 3. **Conclusion**: - The witness's claim to distinctly identify a specific tattoo from 600 ft away is highly improbable without the use of binoculars or other magnifying devices. - This discrepancy suggests the testimony may lack credibility, raising the possibility of fabrication or error.
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