Final answer:
A series of measurements that are consistent and produce exact results is described as precise. Precision is about the repeatability of the measurements, while accuracy is how close those measurements are to the true value. Significant figures convey the certainty of measurements in scientific reporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The series of measurements that produces exact results on a consistent basis is described as being precise. Precision refers to the consistency of repeated measurements, where the results are very similar each time. This is different from accuracy, which indicates how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value. Valid measurements are those that reflect and measure what they are supposed to. Significance relates to the meaningfulness or importance of the data.
Therefore, a precise but not necessarily accurate set of measurements would be exemplified by an archery target where arrows are tightly grouped but not near the bullseye. When measurements are both precise and accurate, the arrows are not only tightly grouped but also centered on the bullseye. In scientific reporting, significant figures play a crucial role as they indicate the certainty of the measurement process. Nonzero digits are always significant, but zeros need to be evaluated to determine if they are leading, trailing, or captive.