What is the difference between the measured values of 1.05m and 1.050m? What factor of a measurement tool determines the sig figs of a measured value?
The two values are different because of their sig figs, the first has 3 and the other has 4. I think that the factor of a measurement tool that determines the sig figs is the least count.
Are my answers correct? Thank you!
Your answers are partially correct. The difference between the measured values of 1.05m and 1.050m is indeed due to their significant figures (sig figs). The first value, 1.05m, has three significant figures, while the second value, 1.050m, has four significant figures.
However, the factor of a measurement tool that determines the significant figures of a measured value is not the least count. The least count is the smallest difference that a measuring instrument can detect. It determines the precision of the instrument, but it doesn't directly affect the number of significant figures in a measurement.
The number of significant figures in a measurement is determined by the uncertainty or precision of the measuring instrument. Significant figures represent the meaningful and known digits in a measurement. In general, the rule for determining the number of significant figures is as follows:
1. All non-zero digits are significant.
2. Zeros between non-zero digits are significant.
3. Zeros at the beginning of a number (before any non-zero digits) are not significant; they just indicate the position of the decimal point.
4. Zeros at the end of a number (after any non-zero digits) are significant if they are after the decimal point. If they are before the decimal point, their significance is determined by the context of the measurement.
In the case of 1.05m and 1.050m:
- The measurement 1.05m has three significant figures because the zeros after the decimal point are not significant.
- The measurement 1.050m has four significant figures because the zeros after the decimal point are significant, indicating a greater level of precision.
Therefore, to determine the significant figures of a measurement, you need to consider the rules outlined above, rather than just the least count of the measuring tool.
I hope this clarifies your question. Let me know if you need further assistance!