Can one read a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter?

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In summary, when using a meter stick, one can read down to a tenth of a millimeter, but obtaining a precise measurement requires combining multiple measurements to obtain a statistical basis and computing an average. The accuracy of the meter stick may vary, but typically markings are up to millimeters. You are allowed to estimate one decimal place beyond what can be measured, as long as you show a realm of error in the same magnitude. This means that a measurement of 10.4 cm with a meter stick can be reasonably estimated to be 10.41 cm or 10.42 cm. However, it is not reasonable to estimate a measurement beyond what can be observed as exact, plus one more decimal place.
  • #1
Haftred
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Can one read a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter? For example, could I reasonably measure an object as 32.43 cm using a meter stick?
 
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.1 mm on meter stick is gotten from a fair guess. You need to combine that fair guess with multiple measurements to obtain a statistical basis then compute an average. Your result should state a estimate at the magnitude of your error, perhaps the standard deviation of your data.
 
  • #3
As far as significant figures go, if it is marked down to milimeters, the best measurement you can get is 0.0001m, you are allowed to guess one decimal place beyond what you can measure, provided you show a realm of error in the same magnitude.
 
  • #4
I've used metre sticks from which pretty precise readings could be taken, but the accuracy was really poor (perhaps 2mm out over the whole length).
 
  • #5
Haftred said:
Can one read a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter? For example, could I reasonably measure an object as 32.43 cm using a meter stick?

It's not clear to me that there's a rigorous justification for the standard error quote when using a meter stick, but it's also not clear that one is needed. If it's an accurate meter stick and you can resolve the markings with your eyes, then your measurement is certainly good to the millimeter level. Beyond that, determining the error is more of a psychological problem than anything else.
 
  • #6
whozum said:
you are allowed to guess one decimal place beyond what you can measure, provided you show a realm of error in the same magnitude.

Can you give a numerical example of this? Thanks.
 
  • #7
On a meter stick, typically marking are up to milimeters.
1 millimeter = 10 ^ -3 m = 0.001 m

Lets say your measuring a pencil
You can measure the number of millimeters exactly without any error, right? Just count up the ticks. This value is exact, let's say its 0.104m, or 10.4cm. After that, you are permitted to estimate up to one decimal place more, for example, if its really close to the 4mm mark, you can guess it to be about 10.41cm, or 10.42cm, something like that. if its clsoe to the middle, 10.45. The point is you can put a reasonable estimate on this value. It is not reasonable however to say that a pencil is 10.42434395098cm just by looking off a ruler, because you can't obtain such a high accuracy. The most you can say is what you can observe as exact, plus one more decimal place.
 

1. What is the purpose of reading a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter?

The purpose of reading a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter is to obtain a more precise measurement. This level of accuracy can be important in scientific experiments and data collection.

2. How do you read a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter?

To read a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter, you must use a magnifying glass or a vernier caliper. The meter stick is divided into millimeters and each millimeter is divided into ten smaller divisions, representing tenths of a millimeter. You can determine the measurement by aligning the object being measured with the closest millimeter mark and then counting the number of tenths of a millimeter past that mark.

3. Is it necessary to read a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter?

It is not always necessary to read a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter. In some cases, a measurement to the nearest millimeter may be sufficient. However, in experiments where precision is important, such as in the field of engineering, it may be necessary to read the meter stick to a tenth of a millimeter.

4. What are the potential sources of error when reading a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter?

The potential sources of error when reading a meter stick down to a tenth of a millimeter include parallax error, which can occur when the eye is not directly in line with the measurement, and the precision of the measuring instrument itself. Environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, can also affect the accuracy of the measurement.

5. Can a meter stick be read down to smaller fractions of a millimeter?

Yes, a meter stick can be read down to smaller fractions of a millimeter using a more precise measuring instrument, such as a micrometer or a digital caliper. These tools can measure to the nearest hundredth or even thousandth of a millimeter. However, reading to this level of precision may not always be necessary and can be affected by the same potential sources of error as reading to a tenth of a millimeter.

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