PASCO ME-9849 Significant Figures Set - Manual (Page 14)

Significant Figures Set Mass Measurements with Imprecise Labels on a Balance
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Procedure
1. Measure the sample object using the balance. Use significant figures.
2. Write your measurement on the data pointer.
3. Tape the data pointer to the corresponding value on the number line.
Post-Lab Discussion
The discussion should lead students to express the fact that the measuring instrument contributes
to the precision of the measurement.
Questions:
1. How does the type of label used influence the precision of your measurement?
2. How does the type of label used influence the accuracy of your measurement?
3. In this activity, a balance was used as opposed to a meter stick. When a meter stick is used,
parallax influences the precision. What techniques were necessary to optimize the precision
of the measurement?
4. Two scientists take a mass measurement of the same sample. The first scientist measures 4.3
g. The other scientist measures 4.30 g. Which scientist took the more precise measurement?
How was this accomplished? Explain.