Final answer:
The percent error of thinking that the melting point of tungsten is 3695°C instead of 3695 K is actually 0%, as both values represent the same temperature, pointing out the significance of properly understanding temperature units. Percent error is a useful measure of accuracy in scientific measurements when used appropriately.
Step-by-step explanation:
When evaluating the percent error in thinking the melting point of tungsten is 3695°C instead of the correct value of 3695 K, it's important to recognize that these two values actually represent the same temperature. The Kelvin and Celsius scales are offset by 273.15; however, the size of one degree is the same on both scales. Therefore, thinking the melting point is 3695°C when it is actually 3695 K results in a percent error of 0% because 3695°C is equivalent to 3968.15 K, showing a misunderstanding of temperature units rather than an error in the value itself.
Percent error is indeed a reliable measure of accuracy when used correctly. It's commonly used in physical sciences to compare an experimental value to a known or accepted value, providing insight into the precision of an experiment or the reliability of measurements.
Understanding the significance of correct temperature units is crucial in science and many real-world applications, such as healthcare. Using the incorrect temperature unit can lead to misinterpretation of data and potentially harmful decisions, highlighting the importance of precision in scientific communication and measurement.