Precision and Accuracy in Measurement

This video tutorial explains the concepts of precision and accuracy, using examples like dartboards and scales to illustrate the differences. It covers how to measure objects with a ruler, emphasizing the importance of adding an estimated digit. The video also delves into significant figures, providing rules and examples to determine the number of significant figures in measurements. The Atlantic and Pacific rule is introduced as a mnemonic device to help remember when zeros are significant.

What does precision refer to in measurements?

• How close a measured value is to an accepted value

• The ability to hit the bullseye on a dartboard

• How close together a series of measurements are to each other

• The accuracy of a single measurement

Which of the following is an example of an accurate measurement?

• Measurements that are spread out and far from the accepted value

• Measurements that are close to each other but far from the accepted value

• Measurements that hit the bullseye on a dartboard

• Measurements that are consistent but incorrect

If a scale consistently shows a weight of 150 lbs for a person who actually weighs 110 lbs, the scale is:

• Accurate but not precise

• Precise but not accurate

• Neither accurate nor precise

• Both accurate and precise

When measuring an object with a ruler, why must you add an estimated digit?

• To increase the accuracy of the measurement

• To ensure the measurement is always a whole number

• To account for the precision of the ruler

• To make the measurement look more complex

What is the estimated digit when measuring an object that falls exactly on the line of a ruler?

• 0

• 1

• 5

• It depends on the ruler

What do significant figures (sigfigs) include in a measurement?

• Only the known digits

• All digits including leading zeros

• Only the digits before the decimal point

• All known digits plus one estimated digit

According to SigFig rule number one, which of the following numbers has three significant figures?

• 0.0075

• 72.3

• 800.4

• 1.00

Which SigFig rule states that trailing zeros are significant if a decimal point is present?

• Rule number four

• Rule number three

• Rule number two

• Rule number one

Using the Atlantic rule, how many significant figures are in the number 200?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• One

Using the Pacific rule, how many significant figures are in the number 0.00250?

• One

• Four

• Two

• Three