Exam 2 Regrade Appeal

Question five of the hand graded problems asks to find the focal length of the mirror.  With the equation, 1/f= 1/d_o + 1/d_i, this question is fairly straightforward after plugging in the image distance given, and the object distance previously obtained (in question four).  When done correctly, 1/f=1.2; take the inverse of this number to get f=0.83 m.

Only this answer is boxed. It is the correct answer and is supported by my work.  As previously noted, I did this problem incorrectly at first, with the distance of the object as negative, yielding -1.25, which after accounting for significant figures, rounded to -1.3 (which is why that box was crossed out for a new one). After realizing that the distance was actually a positive integer, I changed this and crossed out my final answer for a new final answer, f=0.83, which also happens to be the correct answer.  In the time crunch I did not have time to rewrite out the entire equation, so I simply changed the negative 1/d_o to a positive number.

The reason that was given for not awarding full points to this question is because the TA was “not convinced that [I] decided which of the answers was right”, that I need to “show that [I] believe in [my] result.”

Grading should be based on empirical evidence, on what is there, not what is perceived.  The fact of the matter is that what’s there is one correct answer, boxed, supported by my work, and used again (albeit not satisfactorily) in the next portion of the exam.  Even if “sureness” were a requirement in answering a question correctly, I am not sure there is better way in which that can be accomplished.  If all pieces of the answer to a question are there, all points should be given. 

The question hinges on the inability to determine whether a previously boxed answer should be taken into consideration.  The fact that it was previously boxed means that it should not.  The first mistake made in analysis is over-analyzing, making presumptions and drawing conclusions when there is no evidence to support it.  A crossed out box means just that—the box is to not be considered; it does not imply any hesitation in my “belief” of my results. 

There is no reason to believe that the -1.25 was something that I was unsure about.  If I was hesitant, why would I have crossed out the -1.3?  They are essentially the same number.  If I was hoping for points on the basis that either 0.83 or the other numbers were correct, why didn’t I cross out the -1.25 and leave the -1.3, which has the correct number of significant figures? 

As far as sureness goes, I doubt that many people would admit to feeling 100% confident on any Physics exam.  With that being said, I was as sure as I could have possibly been in my answer, which is in part why I am so insistent in this appeal.

But of course I spend many more hours scrolling through my newsfeed on Facebook, but you don’t ever hear me complaining about that….

Just spent over an hour composing emails to my peeps (people I work with/volunteer for/need to interview for work).  No wonder I always put these things off…………………….

I’m a pretty low key person when it comes to my birthday.  I won’t lie—I do like that extra bounce in my step that occurs simply because it’s my birthday, even though when the weather is butt ugly.

The day started out pretty chill, even if it was with Physics.  Then lab.  Despite the fact that Jenny and I are always the last ones out (we found out today it’s because we actually take the time to do the steps, which explains how everyone else can all of a sudden be on the second part of lab within the first five minutes of class, while we are still in the process of answering the first question), I also think our jerk of a TA is warming up to us. Maybe..?

I also got a lovely surprise at the library.  Janice told me I had to be there and so I already knew there was something going on, but man, I have amazing friends.  Know me too well.  Thanks, guys.

Skipped out on learning to eat with Janice and Jenny. Worth it.  Headed back to Bellevue to Mrs. Mar’s new apartment where I guess there was a surprise waiting.  I knew they had a present, but there were cards, a cake, flowers, and wow.  Nancy and Mrs. Mar are too sweet.  Chad got me a vacuum cleaner.  That sounds so incredibly unromantic, but I am beyond excited and have wanted one for awhile now.  

Ran out to volunteer with the kiddos.  Watching Despicable Me, eating nachos, writing Chinese, and getting completely stumped by these paper square things.  

Pizza for dinner with the fam.  Chad even joined!  He’s feeling much better, thank goodness, but still didn’t want to risk a hike, especially an overnight one.  Weird how that “worked out”.  Of course I wanted to see him, but not at the expense of his school work.  

AVENGERS AFTER DINNER. HOLY SHIT SO AWESOME.

I think I like my way more than the more traditional 21st celebrations. Suits me, I’d say.

Attempted studying Physics today with Austin and Theresa/Teresa.  Working on lenses/mirrors.  Gave up and drew their reflection in a mirror (circle) on the whiteboard.  Beautiful.  The one of Theresa/Teresa looked like an old woman though, oops.  Except now that I think of it, it was very similar to Ellie from up—how wonderful! That session was much more productive now that I’ve made this realization. 

Sometimes I hate us so much for how busy we both are.  I hate it most when I rush home from class, just to catch a glimpse of him before he heads off to work, or when, against better judgment, I spend Friday evenings wandering aimlessly around Target until his lunch break, so I can finally talk to him in person.  

I understand that we are lucky to even get to see each other, how many long-distance couples would love for a 15 minute run in now and then?  But that’s the thing.  This isn’t a long distance relationship.  In a long distance relationship, the absence of the other person is known, and eventually accepted.  His mom literally lives down the hill from me, and his dad is only a short drive away.  It’s the fact that we are so close, but still unable to see each other that’s hardest. It fucking sucks.

We both recognize this, and despite everything, we both try our best.  Last quarter, right before finals, we decided to one day skip school. We’d play hooky and just finally hang out.  ”Next quarter”, we said, “when things aren’t so busy.”  Weeks went by and we finally found a day that didn’t conflict with work/volunteering/etc. Tomorrow.

Chad’s been at home sick with food poisoning all weekend.  I haven’t been able to visit him and it doesn’t look like he’ll be better by tomorrow.  Even if he is, school is a must to catch up on the things he missed today.  I don’t blame him at all; I just want him to get better, but I can’t even be there for him while he does that.

I don’t know why I always look forward to these things. I should know better by now.