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
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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?
 
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You think it correctly, the error has to be rounded to 0.02.

ehild
 

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