Least count error Vs Least count

  • #1
vcsharp2003
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Homework Statement
How is least count error different from least count?
Relevant Equations
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I know that least count is the smallest measurement that is possible with a measuring device. But I fail to understand the exact meaning of least count error. According to my textbook, the following is the definition of least count error.

"Least count error is the error associated with the resolution of the instrument."

I checked online and saw a similar definition on Wikipedia too.

I cannot still figure out an example of least count error? It seems that least count error is like coming up with a wrong least count, but the least count is already specified by the manufacturer of measuring device and so how can an observer introduce least count error when using the device.

An example would help. Normally, vernier callipers and micrometer screw gauge have standard formulas into which we substitute least count directly. Where is the error associated with least count in such cases?
 
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  • #2
Maybe least count error is nothing but the fact that with a measuring device the maximum possible error is the least count of device. For example with a foot ruler that has mm markings, the least count would be 1 mm and if we measure the length of something as 10.3 cms with this device, then the max error will be ##\pm 1## mm i.e. the actual reading could lie anywhere between 10.2 cms to 10.4 cms, or we could say that the measured value is ##10.3 \pm 0.1## cms.

Does above sound what least count error is?
 
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