1. Accuracy, Precision, Significant Figures
General Physics

2. Accuracy
The extent to which a measured value agrees with a standard value

3. Parallax Apparent shift in position when viewed at an angle
Ex. Reading graduated cylinder above or below the water line
Affects accuracy

4. Precision The degree of exactness of a measurement
High precision if all numbers are close in value
Ex cm, 18.3 cm, cm

5. Accurate, Precise, Both, or Neither

6. Accurate, Precise, Both, Neither

7. Accurate, Precise, Both, Neither

8. Precision and Significant Digits
The last digit of a measurement is an estimate, but is still significant

9. Precision of an Instrument
Reflects the number of sig. digits in a reading
All measurements made with the same instrument have same precision

10. Precision of an Instrument
Reading is btwn. 5.3 and 5.4 cm. What is the precision of this ruler? Hundredths place

11. Significant Figures
Used to report all precisely known numbers plus one estimated digit

12. Sig. Fig. Rules Every nonzero digit is significant
Ex. 24.7, 237 (3 sig. figs.)
Zeros between nonzeros are significant
Ex. 7003, (4 sig. figs)

13. Rules of Sig. Figs.
Zeros appearing in front of nonzero digits are not significant
-act as placeholders, show magnitude
Ex , 0.34 (2 sig. figs.)

14. Rules of Sig. Figs
Zeros at the end of a number and to the right of a decimal point are significant
Ex , (4 sig. figs.)

15. Rules of Sig. Figs.
Zeros at the end of the number without a decimal point aren’t significant
Ex. 300 (1 sig. fig.), 27,300 (3 sig. figs.)

16. Sig. Fig. Shortcut
23.50
23,400

17. Multiplication and Division with Sig. Figs.
Your answer can’t have more sig. figs. than the number in the calculation with the least amount of sig. figs.
Ex. Finding Area
Length = m
Width = m
Answer = 2135 m2, not m2

18. Addition and Subtraction with Sig. Figs.
Answers can’t have more numbers to the right of the decimal point than the number with the least amount of numbers to the right of the decimal point
Ex = 45.1
Ex = 1600