The relationship between physical and perceptual quantities

In summary, the conversation discusses the difficulties in estimating the distance and size of an object. It is mentioned that the perceived size and distance are related, and the further an object appears, the larger it will seem. The conversation also touches on different aspects of size, such as linear dimension, area, and volume. The person is asked to explain the dashed lines in a figure representing the size of an object, as well as other general features related to distance and size estimation. They are also prompted to consider extreme examples, such as the size and distance of the moon.
  • #1
nao113
68
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Homework Statement
Imagine and draw a figure to show the relationship between physical and perceptual quantities below as shown in fig.1 with some explanations.
a) Physical and perceptual size of an object
b) Physical and perceptual distance to an object
c) Wavelength of light and color perception (What kind of perceptual quality should be the vertical axis?)
Relevant Equations
In the pictures below
Screen Shot 2022-06-20 at 10.16.00.png

Screen Shot 2022-06-20 at 10.15.31.png


Answer:
WhatsApp Image 2022-06-20 at 11.08.24 AM.jpeg

Did I draw them right?
 
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  • #2
You are asked to provide explanations. Where are they? Specifically, what do the two dashed lines represent in the "Size of an object" figure? You also have to explain the other general features such as why the perceived size or distance do not change as the physical size or distance increase and then all of a sudden there is a linear increase to both of them.
 
  • #3
There are a couple of difficulties wrt estimating the distance to and size of an object.
1. The two are related; the further away you think it is the larger it will appear to be.
2. for size, are we talking linear dimension, area or volume?

wrt your attempt, consider some extreme examples. How large and far away does the moon look?
 

FAQ: The relationship between physical and perceptual quantities

What is the difference between physical and perceptual quantities?

Physical quantities are objective measurements that can be directly observed and measured, such as length, mass, and time. Perceptual quantities, on the other hand, are subjective interpretations of physical quantities based on sensory information, such as color, sound, and taste.

How are physical and perceptual quantities related?

Physical and perceptual quantities are closely related as our perception of the world is based on the physical quantities that we observe. However, there can be discrepancies between the two due to individual differences in perception and external factors such as lighting or context.

Can physical quantities affect our perception?

Yes, physical quantities can have a significant impact on our perception. For example, the brightness of a light can affect how we perceive its color, and the size of an object can influence our perception of its weight.

How do we measure perceptual quantities?

Perceptual quantities are measured through psychophysical experiments, where participants are asked to make judgments or comparisons based on their perception of a stimulus. This allows researchers to understand how our perception is influenced by physical quantities.

Why is understanding the relationship between physical and perceptual quantities important?

Understanding the relationship between physical and perceptual quantities is crucial in various fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and engineering. It helps us understand how our perception of the world is shaped and how we can use this knowledge to improve our understanding and interactions with the physical world.

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