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The diagram above shows part of a graduated cylinder. Choose the reading that iswritten to the correct number of significant digits. (For liquids, always read from thebottom of the meniscus.)A) 16mLB) 15.7mLC) 15.70mLD) 15.75mL

The diagram above shows part of a graduated cylinder. Choose the reading that iswritten-example-1
User Kofrasa
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1 Answer

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Looking at the bottom of the meniscus, we can see that it falls between the 5th and the 6th marke after 10, and from the marks we can see that each mark represents 1 mL, which means that our measure is between 15 and 16.

We are certain of these values, but the next one we can't be sure. Since the last significant figures is the uncertain one, we can add one number after the 15. Normally, the best guess would be in the middle between 15 and 16, that is, 15.5. But the most important thing to know is that the last significant figure will be this firts decimal place and the only option that obeys this rule is the option 15.7 mL, the 16 has one less significant figure and the other two have one extra that we can't have because we are uncertain of the first decimal place.

So, the most correct is 15.7 mL.

User George M Ceaser Jr
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