Error Analysis: Practice Problem & Solution
The diameter of a spherical bob, when measured with vernier callipers yielded the following values: 3.33 cm, 3.32 cm, 3.34 cm, 3.33 cm and 3.32 cm. The mean diameter to appropriate significant figures is:
Solution Explained:
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Error Analysis. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
The mean of the values is \(\frac{3.33 + 3.32 + 3.34 + 3.33 + 3.32}{5} = 3.328\text{ cm}\). Rounding to the least number of decimal places in the readings (two decimal places) yields 3.33 cm.
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