College Physics (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32160-183-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32160-183-4

Chapter 1 - Measurement and Problem Solving - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Conceptual Questions - Page 27: 16

Answer

Measured values are not exact. There is some degree of uncertainty or approximation. In the significant figures of any measured value all the digits except the last digit are known with certainty. These digits except the last one are read from the instrument itself. Since the last digit is an estimation or approximation as fraction of smallest division of instrument's scale, there is a small error associated.

Work Step by Step

Measured values are not exact. There is some degree of uncertainty or approximation. In the significant figures of any measured value all the digits except the last digit are known with certainty. These digits except the last one are read from the instrument itself. Since the last digit is an estimation or approximation as fraction of smallest division of instrument's scale, there is a small error associated.
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