Question

In a measurement of length, the value reported is 5.00 meters. A more precise measuring device returns 5 digits of precision. Which of the following could be the more precise value of the length?

a. 5.0001 meters
b. 5.0 meters
c. 5.1 meters
d. 5.000 meters

Answer 1

The more precise value with five significant figures is 5.0001 meters, which complies with the precision requirement of the measuring device capable of returning 5 digits.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is about determining the more precise value of length given a measure of 5.00 meters with 5 digits of precision. In the world of measurement, precision refers to the level of detail offered by a measuring device, denoted by the number of significant figures that can be reported. The provided initial measurement has three significant figures (5.00), so we look for an option with the number of significant figures increased to five digits.

Considering the four provided choices:

• Option (a) 5.0001 meters has five significant figures, fulfilling the precision requirement.
• Option (b) is less precise than the initial measurement.
• Option (c) does not increase precision in terms of significant figures.
• Option (d) provides the same precision as the initial measurement.

Therefore, option (a) 5.0001 meters is the correct choice as it provides five digits of precision as demanded by the measuring device's capability.