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Chapter One: Measurement 1.1 Measurements 1.2 Time and Distance 1.3 Converting Measurements 1.4 Working with Measurements Section 1.4 Learning Goals Determine the number of significant figures in measurements. Distinguish accuracy, precision, and resolution. Compare data sets to determine if they are significantly different. Investigation 1C (Optional) Significant Digits Key Question: How do we make precise measurements? 1.4 Working with Measurements In the real world it is impossible for everyone to arrive at the exact same true measurement as everyone else. Find the length of the object in centimeters. How many digits does your answer have? 1.4 Working with Measurements Digits that are always significant: 1. Non-zero digits. 2. Zeroes between two significant digits. 3. All final zeroes to the right of a decimal point. Digits that are never significant: 4. Leading zeroes to the right of a decimal point. (0.002 cm has only one significant digit.) 5. Final zeroes in a number that does not have a decimal point. Solving Problems What is area of 8.5 in. x 11.0 in. paper? 1. Looking for: …area of the paper 2. Given: … width = 8.5 in; length = 11.0 in 3. Relationship: Area = W x L 4. Solution: 8.5 in x 11.0 in = 93.5 in2 # Sig. fig = 94 in2 1.4 Working with Measurements Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the accepted, true value. Precision describes how close together repeated measurements or events are to one another. 1.4 Working with Measurements Using the bow and arrow analogy explains how it is possible to be precise but inaccurate with a stopwatch, ruler or other tool. 1.4 Resolution Resolution refers to the smallest interval that can be measured. You can think of resolution as the “sharpness” of a measurement. 1.4 Significant differences In everyday conversation, “same” means two numbers that are the same exactly, like 2.56 and 2.56. When comparing scientific results “same” means “not significantly different”. Significant differences are differences that are MUCH larger than the estimated error in the results. 1.4 Error and significance How can you tell if two results are the same when both contain error (uncertainty)? When we estimate error in a data set, we will assume the average is the exact value. If the difference in the averages is at least three times larger than the average error, we say the difference is “significant”. 1.4 Error How you can you tell if two results are the same when both contain error? Calculate error Average error Compare average error Solving Problems Is there a significant difference in data? 1. Looking for: Significant difference between two data sets 2. Given: Table of data 3. Relationships: Estimate error, Average error, 3X average error 4. Solution: The difference between the averages: (2.6 – 2.1) = 0.5 0.5 is five times greater than the largest estimated error (0.1), so the results are significantly different; the groups probably had different brands of mints!