Significant Figures, Measurement Tools

Significant figures in measurement

In a measurement, the significant figures include all the certain digits and one uncertain/estimated digit. Certain digits come from visible markings or readings on the measurement tool. An uncertain digit is a guess/estimate of where the measurement falls between the nearest graduations. Therefore, a tool with more graduations results in a measurement with more significant figures.

Some rules to count the number of significant figures:

• All non-zero digits (1-9) in a measurement are significant.
• Zeros that appear before the first non-zero digit in a number are called leading zeros. Leading zeros are not significant.
• Zeros that appear after the final non-zero digit in a number without a decimal point are not significant.
• Other zeros are significant.

Examples:

• 1.759 has four significant figures.
• 0.0080 has two significant figures.
• 14400 has three significant figures.

Take a note of the measurement tools

Tools that are provided in this lab:

1. Meter stick
2. Tap measure
3. Timer
4. Spring
5. Spring scale
6. Digital scale
7. Standard weight
8. Ball
9. PAScar
10. Trail
11. Thermometer
12. Vernier caliper