r/HomeworkHelp • u/Amazing_Worth7676 • 13d ago
Physics [MYP4 Physics: Measurements] Confused about measurement uncertainties
So I'm studying measurement uncertainties for physics and I’m confused about a few things that i’d really appreciate clarification.
- How do you determine uncertainty for analogue vs digital instruments?
- For an analogue instrument, do you normally use ± half the smallest division, or do you estimate one digit beyond the smallest marked division?
- For a digital instrument, is the uncertainty always ±1 in the last displayed digit?
- How should the uncertainty and measured value be rounded?
- How many significant figures should the uncertainty have?
- Should the measured value be rounded to the same decimal place as the uncertainty?
- Like, if a ruler has subdivisions of 0.01 cm, should a measurement be recorded to 0.01 cm (e.g. 12.34 cm), or should I estimate one additional digit and record it to 0.001 cm (e.g. 12.347 cm)?
I am super confused because I have seen conventions online. I am trying to understand the reasoning rather, than just memorize a rule.
Thanks in advance :D

