Why don’t doctors just use digital scales and instead use the Physician Scales
Electronic scales can't be nearly as accurate as balance scales. Why? Because the earth's gravity varies by more than 0.5%, depending on where you are.
The Short Answer
Electronic scales can't be nearly as accurate as balance scales. Why? Because the earth's gravity varies by more than 0.5%, depending on where you are. That means that an electronic scale might show you weighing 200lbs in one location and 201lbs somewhere else. Scales that work by balancing your weight against other weights avoid this problem and can easily be accurate to better than 0.1%. Not that this should matter all that much in the doctor's office but I'm sure weigh-ins for boxers are done correctly with accurate balance-arm scales.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Scales, accurate, electronic
This explanation focuses on scales, accurate, electronic and spans 88 words across 6 sentences. The depth is typical for Technology questions (category average: 75 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Electronic scales can't be nearly as accurate as balance scales.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 6 connected points.
How This Compares in Technology
Ranked #171 of 500 Technology questions by answer depth (top 35%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why doctors just use digital scales and instead use the physician scales?
Electronic scales can't be nearly as accurate as balance scales. Why? Because the earth's gravity varies by more than 0.5%, depending on where you are. That means that an electronic scale might show you weighing 200lbs in one location and 201lbs…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Technology questions?
This is an above-average answer at 88 words, ranked #171 of 500 Technology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are scales, accurate, electronic.
What approach does this answer take to explain doctors just use digital scales and instead use the physicia?
The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 88 words. It is categorized under Technology and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.