Answered: When a measuring scale is properly to…

World of Chemistry, 3rd edition

3rd Edition

ISBN:9781133109655

Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan L. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan L. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Chapter5: Measurements And Calculations

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 21A

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Question

When a measuring scale is properly to the limit of precision, the last significant digit recorded for the measurement is said to be uncertain. Explain.

Expert Solution

Step 1

There is no a perfect machine.However,for very precise equipment,the margin is a very small number.
If keep calculating more and more digits,will be eventually get to a number that could be different than what is determined by the scale.Thus,this digit is deemed to be uncertain because the real number might be different than what is determined.
example for this concept mound of dirt to measure.
There are 1.326 g of dirt but this measure it on scale.The scale has a margin of error of + or- than 0.002g.The scale tells there are 1.327g of dirt.this is within the scale’s margin of error (a difference of only 0.001) but aren’t actually certain that the last digit is correct.that is because the scale could be off by any number less than or equal to 0.002.thus there is no way to exactly know the what the last digit is using this scale.

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