Error and significant figures when rounding?

AI Thread Summary
When determining the specific heat capacity of brass, the initial temperature measurement was recorded with two significant figures, leading to a final value of 0.38 (j/g*K) and an error of 0.0235. Rounding the error to two significant figures results in 0.38±0.024, which incorrectly implies three significant figures for the range of values. The consensus is to round the error to 0.02 instead, maintaining consistency with the significant figures of the initial measurement. Proper rounding ensures accurate representation of uncertainty in scientific reporting.
bingoboy
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


So I'm determining the specific heat capacity of brass for a lab report, when i initially measured temperature it was to two significant figures (this was the measurement with the least significant figures)

My final answer, remarkably was 0.38 (j/g*K) but my error was 0.0235 so i rounded that to two significant figures, however doing that i get an answer of 0.38±0.024. This means that my highest and lowest measured value would be to three significant figures (0.38-0.024=0.356 (j/g*K)) see my problem?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Should i round the error to the hundredths place or should i just leave my error as it is?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You think it correctly, the error has to be rounded to 0.02.

ehild
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Errors and significant figures
Replies
25
Views
283
Uncertainty Error and Significant Figures in this Force Tables Lab
Replies
4
Views
2K
Significant Figures Verification
Replies
1
Views
1K
Confused about significant figures in official solutions
Replies
6
Views
1K
A bit confused about significant figures
Replies
19
Views
7K
Significant figures in practical investigation report
Replies
4
Views
2K
Adjustment of Significant Figures
Replies
11
Views
2K
How to Write #s w/ Uncertainty: Rules & Examples
Replies
2
Views
1K
Significant Figures and Measurement Uncertainty in Scientific Measurements
Replies
8
Views
3K
A question about significant figures and rounding
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top