The width of a telescope lens is measured to be 3 cm, but the actual size of the lens is 3.1 cm. What is the percent error in the measurement?
The percent error is given by the formula:
Percent Error = |(Measured Value - Actual Value) / Actual Value| * 100
Substituting the given values into the formula, we get:
Percent Error = |(3 cm - 3.1 cm) / 3.1 cm| * 100
Simplifying the calculation, we get:
Percent Error = |(-0.1 cm) / 3.1 cm| * 100
Percent Error = 0.0322 * 100
Percent Error = 3.22%
Therefore, the percent error in the measurement is 3.22%.