Textbook Question
Read each measurement to the correct number of significant figures. Laboratory glassware should always be read from the bottom of the meniscus.
1. Intro to General Chemistry
Significant Figures: Precision in Measurements
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A student made the following measurements in lab.
| Trial 1 | 2.125 g |
|---|---|
| Trial 2 | 2.123 g |
| Trial 3 | 2.127 g |
A
The measurements are accurate.
B
The measurements are precise.
C
The measurements are both accurate and precise.
D
The measurements are neither accurate nor precise.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the difference between accuracy and precision: Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value, while precision refers to how close repeated measurements are to each other.
Examine the given measurements: Trial 1 is 12.125 g, Trial 2 is 12.123 g, and Trial 3 is 12.127 g.
Evaluate precision: Since the measurements are very close to each other, they demonstrate precision. Precision is indicated by the consistency of the measurements.
Consider accuracy: Without a known true or accepted value for comparison, we cannot determine the accuracy of these measurements.
Conclude based on the analysis: Given the closeness of the measurements to each other, we can say for certain that the measurements are precise.
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