Concept explainers
To define the least count of a measuring instrument and its relation to the number of significant figures of the measurement.
Answer to Problem 1ASA
The smallest subdivision present on the measurement scale is defined as the least cunt of the measuring instrument. The direct reading from the instrument in addition with a fractional part of the least count smallest division constitute the total significant figures of the measured value.
Explanation of Solution
The least count of a measuring instrument is the smallest subdivision present on the measurement scale. The numbers that can be noted directly from the instrument scale plus one doubtful or estimated number–the fractional part of the least count smallest division.
The number of significant figures after the decimal point indicates the order of least count of the instrument. Less the number of decimal points after the reading, bigger will be the least count of the measurement.
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