The Physics Student and His Mischievous Methods

The disputed exam question was How is it possible to determine the height of a tall building with the aid of a barometer  

The students written response was, Take the barometer and a long rope to the top of the building. Tie the rope to the barometer, and lower the barometer to the sidewalk. Measure the length of the rope that hung down the side of the building, and that is the buildings height.  

Calandra argued with his colleague that the student provided an answer that was complete and correct therefore, it seemed to the referee that the student was entitled to full credit. The troubled instructor cautioned Mr. Calandra that if he gave the student high marks for this answer, then the student was eligible for a high grade for the physics course. 

The instructor was concerned that a high physics grade should mean the student performed commendably in the principles of physics, but this answer and several others like this one did not confirm that ability. 

Calandra recommended to both the instructor and the student that the student be given another opportunity at answering the same question while in the instructors office. Mr. Calandra advised the student that the answer must show some skill of physics and a complete answer must be written in six minutes. 

---