Question

If the "actual" length of this blue cylinder is 6.59 cm, which ruler is more accurate? Which measurement has less uncertainty (is more accurate)? Explain in 2-4 sentences.

Answer 1

The top ruler measuring 7.60 ± 0.01 cm is more accurate due to its smaller uncertainty range compared to the bottom ruler's 7.6 ± 0.1 cm measurement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ruler that is considered more accurate is the one that offers measurements with less uncertainty. The top ruler in the illustration that measures the "actual" length as 7.60 ± 0.01 cm is more accurate because it has a smaller range of uncertainty compared to the bottom ruler that measures the "actual" length as 7.6 ± 0.1 cm. In terms of uncertainty in measurements, the smaller the uncertainty range, the more accurate the measurement is. Therefore, measuring with the top ruler provides a more accurate and precise measurement of the blue cylinder's length. To make the top ruler even more accurate, additional markings could be included for greater specificity, such as finer subdivisions beyond millimeters.