Because important decisions are often made on the basis of measurements.
Would you like your doctor to diagnose your illness on the basis of a very rough measure of you pulse / blood pressure / etc. Would you like your builder to build a house on approximate vertical angles? Or your car to be designed on rough calculations?
The article at the link below should help you get a handle on the subtle differences between accuracy and precision.
No, when multiplying or dividing measurements, the answer should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the fewest significant figures. This rule ensures that the precision of the result reflects the least precise measurement used in the calculation. Therefore, the final answer should be rounded accordingly to maintain appropriate significant figures.
Yes, when adding and subtracting, precision is measured based on significant figures (sig figs). The final result should be reported with the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the least number of decimal places among the values involved in the calculation. This ensures that the precision of the result reflects the least precise measurement.
when one scientist tells another scientist that something is certain length, that measurement should mean the some thing to both of them.
The overall length of a pleasure craft is measured from the tip of the bow (front) to the stern (back) at the longest point of the vessel, including any extensions like swim platforms or bowsprits. This measurement should be taken along the centerline of the boat. It's important to ensure that the boat is on a level surface for an accurate measurement. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications for guidance if available.
The article at the link below should help you get a handle on the subtle differences between accuracy and precision.
A graduated cylinder or a volumetric flask should be used to make a precise measurement of liquid volume. These tools have calibrated markings on the side that allow for accurate measurements to be made. It is important to ensure that the liquid level is read at eye level to minimize any parallax error.
The last bit of liquid in the pipette should be blown out gently to ensure accurate and precise delivery of the intended volume. Avoiding the introduction of air bubbles in the solution is important to maintain the accuracy of the measurement.
gradulated cylinder
Yes, the precision of an answer depends on the precision of the measurements used in the calculation. The number of significant figures in the answer should match the least number of significant figures in the measurements.
the nearest .01 mL
( 1 ) Measurement should be accurate. ( 2 ) Measurement must have the correct units specified.
Graduated cylinder
If it is a new meter stick you can place it at the end of the stick, otherwise if it is old or shows some wear you should measure from the 1 centimeter mark and then subtract one centimeter from the answer.
The end of a meter stick is less precise due to potential wear and tear, leading to inaccuracies in measurement. Using the end can also introduce parallax error when aligning with a measurement scale. It is advisable to use the edge or the start of the scale for more accurate and consistent measurements.
A precise instrument. It is not necessarily accurate.
the measured quantity with the least number of significant figures. For example, if you multiply a quantity with 3 significant figures by a quantity with 2 significant figures, your result should have 2 significant figures.