What explains the result?
A reported measurement should match the resolution of the tool; extra digits imply precision that was not measured.
Lab skills / Significant figures / Dedicated lab room
LAB SKILLS · GRADES 4–8
Precision and significant figures
INVESTIGATION QUESTIONHow does instrument precision limit reported digits?
● ILLUSTRATIVE SCIENCE MODEL
ENGLISH CAPTIONS
Ignore zeros before the first nonzero digit when counting precision.
0.0 / 3.0 s
Where does this matter?
Precision rules matter in engineering tolerances and scientific reports.
What should you keep in mind?
More decimal places do not automatically mean a measurement is more accurate.
DEDICATED PRACTICE ROOM · LAB SKILLS
Precision and significant figures
YOUR TASK
How does instrument precision limit reported digits?
READ THE BENCH CARD
Read the precision in a measured value
Inspect the recorded digits on the instrument display. Distinguish meaningful precision from zeros that only place the decimal. More decimal places do not automatically mean a measurement is more accurate.
MATERIALS / DATAThree measuring tools · Sample liquid · Notebook
BALANCE DISPLAY0.00450 g
Zeros before the first nonzero digit set scale. The final zero after the decimal communicates recorded precision.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY
A reported measurement should match the resolution of the tool; extra digits imply precision that was not measured.
WHERE THIS IS USED
Precision rules matter in engineering tolerances and scientific reports.
MODEL LIMIT More decimal places do not automatically mean a measurement is more accurate. The activities on this page do not store classroom measurements.
