Question

When visually interpreting a calibrated scale from a piece of laboratory equipment, what determines the significant figures?

a) The size of the scale divisions
b) The precision of the equipment
c) The readability of the scale
d) The units used on the scale

Answer 1

The significant figures on a calibrated scale from a piece of laboratory equipment are determined by the precision of the equipment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The significant figures on a calibrated scale from a piece of laboratory equipment are determined by the precision of the equipment. The size of the scale divisions and the readability of the scale do not determine the significant figures. The units used on the scale also do not determine the significant figures.

The precision of the equipment refers to the smallest increment that can be measured. If the equipment can measure values in small increments, it is considered more precise and will have more significant figures. For example, a scale with divisions of 0.1 grams can measure weight to the nearest 0.1 gram and will have one significant figure after the decimal point.