Write the following measured quantities as a health...

Write the following measured quantities as a health professional would record them, using the correct number of significant figures based on the device used to make the measurement. a. Exactly 6 mL of water measured with a syringe whose smallest scale marking is 1 mL . b. A temperature that appears to be exactly $37^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ using a thermometer with a smallest scale marking of $0.1^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$. c. A time of exactly 9 s measured with a stopwatch whose smallest scale marking is 0.1 s . d. Fifteen and one-half degrees measured on an X-ray machine that has 1-degree scale markings.

Write the following measured quantities as a health professional would record them, using the correct number of significant figures based on the device used to make the measurement.
a. Exactly 6 mL of water measured with a syringe whose smallest scale marking is 1 mL .
b. A temperature that appears to be exactly $37^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ using a thermometer with a smallest scale marking of $0.1^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$.
c. A time of exactly 9 s measured with a stopwatch whose smallest scale marking is 0.1 s .
d. Fifteen and one-half degrees measured on an X-ray machine that has 1-degree scale markings.

Key Concepts

Measurement Uncertainty

Measurement uncertainty refers to the doubt that exists about the value of a measurement, and it is intrinsically linked to the limitations of the measuring instrument. The uncertainty is usually related to the device’s resolution, and thus the recorded value should be reported with a number of significant figures that accurately reflects this intrinsic uncertainty.

Device Resolution

Device resolution is the smallest division or scale marking that a measuring instrument can reliably indicate. It determines the granularity of the measurement and thereby dictates how many significant digits should be used when the measurement is recorded, ensuring that the reported value does not imply greater precision than the instrument can provide.

Significant Figures

Significant figures indicate which digits in a measured quantity are reliable and meaningful, reflecting the precision of the measuring instrument. In any measurement, only the digits that contribute to the accuracy of the measurement are considered significant, and this governs how the number should be recorded and reported.

Precision in Measurement Recording

Precision in measurement recording is the practice of noting down a measurement in such a way that the number of digits reflects the true capability of the device used. In professional settings such as healthcare, it is essential to record measurements with appropriate significant figures to avoid misrepresenting the instrument’s accuracy and the potential uncertainty of the measurement.

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