Verified Solution Physics Units and Measurements

A student measures the diameter of a cylinder three times: 2.34 cm, 2.36 cm, 2.35 cm. The instrument used has a least count of 0.01 cm. What is the average diameter and the absolute error?

3 views 0 helpful Updated Jul 13, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • A(2.35 ± 0.01) cm
  • B(2.35 ± 0.02) cm
  • C(2.35 ± 0.006) cm
  • D(2.35 ± 0.007) cm
Explanation

Average diameter = (2.34 + 2.36 + 2.35)/3 = 7.05/3 = 2.35 cm. Absolute errors for each measurement from the mean are |2.34-2.35|=0.01, |2.36-2.35|=0.01, |2.35-2.35|=0.00. The mean absolute error = (0.01+0.01+0.00)/3 = 0.02/3 = 0.0066... cm. Rounding to two significant figures consistent with the least count, this is approximately 0.007 cm. So, (2.35 ± 0.007) cm.

Was this solution helpful?
0
Practice MCQs on Units and Measurements — test yourself with instant answers. Practice MCQs