PASCO ME-9849 Significant Figures Set - Manual (Page 18)

Significant Figures Set Volume Calculations
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Post-Lab Discussion
Student Presentations: Ask students to present which side of the meter stick they used and the
digits they were able to keep. Have them also discuss how they maintained precision through the
calculation.
Class Discussion: Have students observe the data table. Ask students what determines the
precision of the volume calculation. Direct students to realize that the least precise measurement
in their calculation determines the precision of the volume calculation. As a class, make any
necessary changes to the calculations.
Questions:
1. What determines the precision of the volume calculation?
2. Why is it important to use the same technique to measure each length? For example, if you
remember to take into account parallax for one measurement and you do not for the other
measurements, how will this effect your final volume calculation?
3. Calculate the following:
4.1 cm x 3.759 cm x 2.124 cm =
4.2 cm x 3.759 cm x 2.124 cm =
4.3 cm x 3.759 cm x 2.124 cm =
4. What digits place is uncertain in the answers?