Final Answer:
The estimated uncertainty in the scientist's measurements is 0.5 cm.The correct option is b) 0.5 cm
Step-by-step explanation:
The smallest division on the tape measure is 1 cm. When determining uncertainty, we consider the potential error in measurement. For a measurement between two divisions, the uncertainty is half of the smallest division.
Therefore, the estimated uncertainty in the scientist's measurements is 0.5 cm.
To elaborate, imagine the scientist is measuring an object, and the reading falls between, for example, the 3 cm mark and the 4 cm mark. The uncertainty would then be half of the smallest division, which is 0.5 cm. This accounts for the potential error in determining the exact position of the measurement.
In summary, the choice of 0.5 cm (option b) is the most accurate representation of the estimated uncertainty in the scientist's measurements based on the smallest division of the tape measure.