Significant Figures Lab
Significant Figures Lab
Question 1: Which measurement gives the BEST value for the mass of a single paper clip? (BEST value includes both accuracy and precision)
Claim: The measurement accepted as having the best value for the mass of a single paper clip was .411493 grams (Where best accounts for both accuracy and precision). This value was achieved by taking the average weight of a total of 30 paper clips, all of presumably varying weights.
Evidence/Reasoning: The “best” value that maintains precision and accuracy to the furthest extent would be the same aforementioned average weight of 30 paperclips, total. When 30 paper clips were weighed, they were a weight of 12.4258 grams; accuracy was achieved due to the inherent properties of having the most significant figures out of the multiple weights taken in the lab, which then results in the average possessing the most significant figures as well. Precision was also achieved, thanks to the inherent properties of averaging: The 30 total paper clips were essentially assigned their average collective weight, despite their own individuality. …show more content…
The more significant figures provided in a value the more precise it is. And with the more paper clips provided, the even more precise the average of 1 paper clips mass will be due to the average involving more and more paper clips to account for. External variables are eliminated more and more with the higher volume of paper clips as well. For example when a single paper clip was weighed, let say that there was finger oil or some other substance on the paper clip. This would have given an inaccurate measurement. However when given 30 paper clips the extremities for inaccurate measurements are hidden or dwindled from the end value due to the higher volume of paper
Question 1: Which measurement gives the BEST value for the mass of a single paper clip? (BEST value includes both accuracy and precision)
Claim: The measurement accepted as having the best value for the mass of a single paper clip was .411493 grams (Where best accounts for both accuracy and precision). This value was achieved by taking the average weight of a total of 30 paper clips, all of presumably varying weights.
Evidence/Reasoning: The “best” value that maintains precision and accuracy to the furthest extent would be the same aforementioned average weight of 30 paperclips, total. When 30 paper clips were weighed, they were a weight of 12.4258 grams; accuracy was achieved due to the inherent properties of having the most significant figures out of the multiple weights taken in the lab, which then results in the average possessing the most significant figures as well. Precision was also achieved, thanks to the inherent properties of averaging: The 30 total paper clips were essentially assigned their average collective weight, despite their own individuality. …show more content…
The more significant figures provided in a value the more precise it is. And with the more paper clips provided, the even more precise the average of 1 paper clips mass will be due to the average involving more and more paper clips to account for. External variables are eliminated more and more with the higher volume of paper clips as well. For example when a single paper clip was weighed, let say that there was finger oil or some other substance on the paper clip. This would have given an inaccurate measurement. However when given 30 paper clips the extremities for inaccurate measurements are hidden or dwindled from the end value due to the higher volume of paper