The Digital Multimeter (DMM) salesman came and demonstrated meters to the class. As he finished showing each model, he would toss them to the students for their inspection. Also, he demonstrated the "safety leads." The leads were plugged into the meter with a fastener that would not slip out if the meter was accidently knocked off the test bench. In such a case, the leads were strong enough to suspend the meter, preventing it from hitting the floor. After the salesman left, the class instructor pointed out that the salesman's flashy demonstration actually stressed the meters in that fashion could easily result in damage, and that all students should handle the meters as though they were fragile.

Sometime later, Jon observed Bill carrying a meter, swinging it by its leads. If the leads came out at the top of the arc, the meter would be propelled 10 feet more. Jon reminded Bill that the lab instructor had requested that they not handle meters in that fashion. Bill replied, "They can take it! You saw how that salesman pitched 'em around. Anyway, the state buys 'em, we don't have to pay for them."

Questions:

Discuss Bill's attitude toward spending the taxpayer's money.

Is it normal for students to be more careful with equipment they purchased for themselves, than with equipment provided by the state for purposes of training?

How would a person with high ethical standards see this?

Should students be required to provide their own test equipment for use in lab?