Three students are asked to determine the mass of a coin. They each measure different values for the mass of the coin using a balance. Student A recorded a mass of 63.08g, student B recorded a mass of 63.022g and student C recorded a mass of 63.0328g. If the balance is sensitive go +-0.0001g which student recorded the mass correctly? Why?
Would it be student C? I'm not sure what to say for why though.
i Would say c because the correct use of the significant figures. if the students only wrote down what student A or B got it would not be a "full" measurement.
Anyone?
Yes, you are correct. Student C recorded the mass correctly. Here's why:
The balance is sensitive to ±0.0001g, which means that the actual mass of the coin should fall within a range of ±0.0001g of the measured value.
Let's compare the measurements recorded by each student:
- Student A recorded a mass of 63.08g. Since the balance is sensitive to ±0.0001g, the actual mass of the coin could be anywhere between 63.0799g and 63.0801g.
- Student B recorded a mass of 63.022g. Considering the sensitivity of the balance, the actual mass of the coin could range from 63.0219g to 63.0221g.
- Student C recorded a mass of 63.0328g. Taking into account the sensitivity of the balance, the actual mass of the coin could be anywhere between 63.0327g and 63.0329g.
Comparing the ranges, we can see that the range of student C's measurement (63.0327g to 63.0329g) overlaps with the ranges of both student A (63.0799g to 63.0801g) and student B (63.0219g to 63.0221g). Therefore, student C's recorded mass falls within the acceptable range and is closest to the true mass of the coin. Hence, student C recorded the mass correctly.
To determine which student recorded the mass correctly, we need to consider the sensitivity of the balance. The balance has a sensitivity of +-0.0001g, which means it can measure values with an uncertainty of plus or minus 0.0001 grams.
Let's compare the recorded masses of the coin by each student:
Student A: 63.08g
Student B: 63.022g
Student C: 63.0328g
Now, we need to check if the recorded masses fall within the acceptable range, considering the balance's sensitivity.
For Student A, the recorded mass is 63.08g. Since the balance has a sensitivity of +-0.0001g, the acceptable range would be from 63.0799g to 63.0801g. As 63.08g falls within this range, Student A's recorded mass is within the acceptable range.
For Student B, the recorded mass is 63.022g. Applying the same logic as above, the acceptable range would be from 63.0219g to 63.0221g. As 63.022g falls within this range, Student B's recorded mass is within the acceptable range.
For Student C, the recorded mass is 63.0328g. Using the same approach, the acceptable range would be from 63.0327g to 63.0329g. As 63.0328g falls within this range, Student C's recorded mass is also within the acceptable range.
Therefore, both Student A and Student C recorded masses within the acceptable range provided by the balance's sensitivity. However, Student B recorded a mass of 63.022g, which falls within the acceptable range as well. Therefore, all three students have recorded masses that are within the sensitivity limits of the balance, and all of their measurements can be considered correct.