PASCO ME-9849 Significant Figures Set - Manual (Page 12)

Significant Figures Set Length Measurements with the Four-Sided Meter Stick
10 ®
Post-Lab Discussion
The discussion should lead students to express the fact that the measuring instrument contributes
to the precision of the measurement.
Have students observe the number line.
Show them that the value of "5" above means that the only significant figure is uncertain. The
value may be as low as "4" or as high as "6." Whereas, the value of "4.6" is uncertain to the tenths
place. The value may be as low as "4.5" or as high as "4.7."
Questions:
1. How does the side of the four-sided meter stick influence the precision of your measurement?
2. How does the side of the four-sided meter stick influence the accuracy of your measurement?
3. Five different students take the following measurements of the same object:
1.0 m 1.45 m 1.5 m 1.4530 m 1.46 m
A. Why are the measurements different?
B. Which one is correct? (trick question)