True or False: The lowest wind speed that can typically be measured with a modern cup anemometer is 0.5 m/s (1.6 ft/s).

A modern cup anemometer is designed to accurately measure wind speed and is commonly used in meteorological applications. The statement pertaining to the lowest wind speed that can typically be measured, which is 0.5 m/s (1.6 ft/s), is true because most contemporary cup anemometers are calibrated to detect wind speeds beginning at that threshold.

This design feature is due to the mechanical limitations of the device, where lower wind speeds may not generate sufficient force to turn the cups adequately and provide reliable measurements. This means that any wind speed below this minimum operational threshold may not be accurately detected, resulting in potential discrepancies in data collection if the wind is lighter than 0.5 m/s. Furthermore, while some older models or specific designs might have different minimum thresholds, the 0.5 m/s is a standard marker for modern anemometers, making the statement accurate.

Factors like manufacturer specifications or calibration might influence performance, but the typical minimum threshold for effectively measuring wind speed remains a central characteristic of modern cup anemometers.