Different significant digits in uncertainty and data?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the appropriate reporting of current measurements in the context of uncertainty. Given the data set of currents (0.195 A, 0.220 A, 0.250 A, 0.251 A, 0.239 A) and an uncertainty of ±0.05 A, it is established that the measurements should be rounded to two decimal places. This rounding aligns with the significant figures dictated by the uncertainty, ensuring clarity and precision in reporting.

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PChar
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Hi, I've just got a question about uncertainties that came up while doing a lab report.

I have a set of data for currents required to cancel the deflection of an electron beam caused by the Earth's magnetic field:

0.195 A
0.220 A
0.250 A
0.251 A
0.239 A

Because of the difficulty in measuring the straightness of the beam, my lab partner and I decided on an uncertainty of +/-0.05 A.

Do I need to round the currents to one less decimal place because of my uncertainty, or can I keep everything as is?
 
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Welcome to PF.

If ±0.05 A is the uncertainty in each individual measurement, then yes, I would report the measurements to just 2 decimal places.
 

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