In the following analogy question on measuring instruments, pressure is related to barometer in the same way as which quantity is related to an odometer?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Distance

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a conceptual analogy based on scientific instruments and the physical quantities they measure. The first pair relates pressure with barometer. In the second pair we are given the instrument odometer and have to identify the correct quantity from the options. Such questions test basic general knowledge of common instruments used in science and daily life and the reasoning ability to map a relation of type quantity to measuring device.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • First pair: Pressure : Barometer
  • Second pair: ? : Odometer
  • Options: Humidity, Distance, Thickness, Wind.
  • We assume standard definitions of everyday instruments as used in general science.


Concept / Approach:
The relationship in the first pair is that a barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. Therefore the pattern can be described as physical quantity to measuring instrument. To keep the analogy consistent, the second pair must follow the same structure. We already have the instrument odometer, so we must find which quantity it measures. The answer must be the physical quantity most directly and primarily associated with an odometer.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the first pair. A barometer is an instrument designed specifically to measure atmospheric pressure. So the relation is "pressure is measured by barometer". Step 2: Recall the function of an odometer. An odometer is fitted in vehicles like cars, bikes, and cycles to record the distance travelled. Step 3: Translate this into the same pattern as the first pair. Here the quantity is distance and the instrument is odometer, so the relation is "distance is measured by odometer". Step 4: Check the options. Among humidity, distance, thickness, and wind, only distance is the primary quantity that an odometer records. Step 5: Conclude that the required word to complete the analogy is distance.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify by simple knowledge checks. Humidity is measured by a hygrometer, not an odometer. Thickness may be measured by tools like micrometers or vernier calipers. Wind is measured in terms of speed by an anemometer, not by an odometer. On the other hand the odometer in a vehicle dashboard clearly shows how many kilometres or miles have been covered, which is exactly distance. Therefore the only correct mapping following the same pattern is distance : odometer.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Humidity is related to a hygrometer and does not have a direct relationship with an odometer. Thickness and wind both relate to different measuring devices and do not match the pattern of the first pair. Choosing any of these would break the logical structure of quantity to its standard measuring instrument. Hence they are incorrect as analogy completions.



Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse odometer with speedometer. A speedometer measures the instantaneous speed of a vehicle, while an odometer accumulates the total distance travelled over time. This confusion can cause them to incorrectly link odometer with speed or velocity rather than distance. To avoid such errors it is important to associate each device with its main output reading as seen on dashboards and instruments in real life.



Final Answer:
The correct completion of the analogy Pressure : Barometer : : ? : Odometer is Distance.

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