Republic of the Philippines

PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Puerto Princesa City

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Department of Electrical Engineering

Physics Laboratory

Experiment No. 1 SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

OBJECTIVES:

 To develop skills in measurement using the Vernier caliper and micrometer

caliper.
 To apply the rules for significant figures in experimental computations.
 To perform simple algebraic operations following the rules of significant figures.

THEORY:

Measurement of physical quantities is an important aspect one has to deal with in physics.
It is from measurements of quantities where one deduces or confirms basic physical laws. In
fact, this process of deducing or confirming conclusions from measured quantities is an
underlying tenet of all the sciences –physical, behavioral or social. Indeed, measurement is a
cornerstone of the scientific method.

Most physical measurements involve the reading of some scale. However, the finesse of
the graduation of the scale is limited and the width of the lines marking the boundaries is by no
means zero. This leads the observer to estimate the last digit of the measurement. Thus the
numbers resulting from measurements are to some extent uncertain. The level of uncertainty
depends on the apparatus used; the skill of the observer and the number of experiment
performed. The way the measured number is written or reported implies this level of uncertainty.

For example, in Figure 1 the length of the pencil using ruler B is between the 10 cm and
the 20mm mark. It is certain that the length of the pencil is greater than 10mm and less than 20

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mm. However, a portion of the length of the ruler is still unaccounted for. Thus, the observer has
to estimate the value, say to around 18 mm. the last digit, which is 8, is uncertain. On the other
hand, using ruler A, the reading may be 18.3 mm where the last digit 3 is an estimate. The place
value of the estimate reflects the accuracy of the instrument. Ruler A has an accuracy of up to
the tenth place of a millimeter (mm), whereas ruler B has an accuracy of just up to the unit’s
place of a millimeter (mm).

Ruler A (mm)
18.3 mm

Ruler B (mm)
18 mm
Figure 1: Length measurement of a pencil using two rulers with different graduation.

Significant Figures
The figures that can be obtained directly the measuring instrument followed by the first
estimated figure of the measurement are called significant figures. Although an estimate figure
is used, this figure is still significant because it gives meaningful information (although uncertain)
about the measured object. One and only one estimated or doubtful figure is retained and
regarded as significant in reading a physical measurement.

In measurements, each digit in the measured value is defined as significant or non-

significant. Since non-zero numbers give values on the measurement, all non-zero numbers are
significant. Only zeros have the possibility of being non-significant. As a rule, the number of
significant figures in a measurement depends on the accuracy of the instrument used, but it is
incorrect to think that the number of significant figures determines the accuracy of the
measurement. It is the place value of the last significant figure to the right of the decimal point,
which will determine the accuracy of the instrument used in the measurement.

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Rules for Determining the Number of Significant Figures:

1. Values which are either exact numbers or numbers with perfect certainty contain an infinite
number of significant figures.

Numbers by definition often appear in calculations. Examples are the numbers two (2) and π in
the expression for the circumference of a circle (i.e., c = 2 π r). These numbers are assumed to
have an unlimited number of significant figures.

Exact numbers that appear in simple counting operations such as the number of trials, number
of vibrations, number of dots, and defined numbers such as 100 cm in one meter, 60 seconds
in one minute, 7 days a week, 12 months a year, are also assumed to have an unlimited number
of significant figures. Numbers measured with perfect certainty such as 7 pencils, 10 books, 50
students, etc. also can contain an infinite number of significant figures.

2. Non-zero digits are significant.

Examples: 3.5 m (2) significant figures
24.7 kg (3) significant figures
9,186 (4) significant figures
3. Zeroes between non-zero digits are significant.
Examples: 90,057 m (5) significant figures
200.063 g (6) significant figures
84,000.05 mm (7) significant figures
4. Zeroes to the right of a decimal point and to the right of a non-zero digit are significant.
Examples: 7.0 km (2) significant figures
3.00 x 108 m (3) significant figures
145.0900 g (7) significant figures
5. Zeroes to the left of an expressed decimal point and to the right of a non-zero digit are
significant.
Examples: 70,000.0 s (6) significant figures
6,500.0 g (5) significant figures
800.0 cm (4) significant figures

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6. Zeroes to the right of the decimal point and to the left of a non-zero digit are not significant
(for values without non-zero digits to the left of a decimal point). The zeros are just used to show
the place-value of the non-zero digits.
Examples: 0.00097 m (2) significant figures
0.000456 kg (3) significant figures
0.0281 s (3) significant figures
7. Zeroes to the right of a non-zero digit but to the left of an understood decimal point are not
significant.
Examples: 538,000 cm (3) significant figures
720,000 g (2) significant figures
150 s (2) significant figures

Rules 6 and 7 can be easily addressed if the number is expressed in scientific notation, using
only significant figures in the number placed in the 14 argument (before the power of 10). To
illustrate, the examples in rule 6 and rule 7 are presented below in scientific notation, with the
number of significant figures indicated.
Values Scientific Notation Number of Significant Figures
Rule # 6
0.00097 9.7 x 10-4 2
0.000456 4.56 x 10-4 3
0.0281 2.81 x 10-2 3
Rule #7
538,000 5.38 x 105 3
720,000 7.2 x 105 2
150 1.5 x 102 2

Significant Figures and Algebraic Operations

Some physical quantities are usually obtained, not by direct measurement, but by using
a mathematical formula. For example, the volume of a cylinder is obtained by using the formula
πr2h. The radius (r) and the height (h) of the cylinder are the quantities directly measured. The
final digit in the reading of these two quantities is an estimated value. In the computation of the
volume, the level of accuracy of the measurement must still be reflected in the final answer. The
digits which are not significant must be dropped out continually; the answer must be rounded off

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to keep only the correct number of significant figures. The following rules may be used for the
retention of significant figures in a computation.

1. Rounding off numbers

The process of rounding off numbers to a certain number of significant figures is done so as to
preserve the level of accuracy of the original measurements involved in a mathematical
operation. In rounding off numbers to a certain number of significant figures, retain the number
of digits specified starting from the leftmost side. If the digit next to the last retained digit is greater
than 4, add 1 to the last retained digit. Otherwise, simply maintain the value of the last retained
digit.

Examples: Round off the following numbers to three significant figures.

a. 350,892 351,000
b. 86,524 86,500
c. 7.514 7.51

2. Additions and Subtractions

When adding or subtracting measured values, the final answer should be rounded off to the
accuracy of the least accurate measurement.

Examples:

a. 5.852 m
+ 3.25 m This is the least accurate measurement
+38.6 m It is accurate up to the tenth of a meter.
47.702 m ≈ 47.7 m Final answer rounded off up to the tenth of a meter.

b. 809 kg This is the least accurate measurement

+273.2 kg It is accurate up to the unit’s place of a kilogram.
+ 75.699 kg ≈ 1160 kg Final answer rounded off up to the unit’s place of a kilogram.

3. Multiplication and Division

In multiplication and division, the number of significant figures in the final product or quotient
equals the least number of significant figures in any of the original factors.

Examples:
a. 10.340 cm x 1.51 cm = 15.6154 cm2 15.6cm2
(5 sf) (3 sf) (3 sf)

b. 2π x (53.70mm)2 = 18120 mm2

(4 sf) (4 sf)

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 The number 2 and π both contain an infinite number of significant figures whereas the
second term 53.70 has four. Thus the least number of significant figures among the factors
involved is four. In this case the number 2 and π should be rounded off to one more significant
figure than the least. The constant π should be rounded off to 3.1416 since the true value of π,
to ten digits is 3.141592654. This gives (2.0000)(3.1416)(2884) = 18120.7488 = 18120 mm 2.
The final answer is rounded off to the same number as the least number of significant figures.

c. (47.213 x 12.1 cm)/0.072s = (47.2 x 12.1 cm)/0.072s 7.9 x 102cm/s

(5 sf) (3 sf) (2 sf) (2 sf)

4. Square Roots and Trigonometric Functions

Round off the final answer such that it has the same number of significant figures as the
measure value

Examples:

a. sin(37.5o) = 0.608761429 final answer: sin (37.5o) = 0.609

b. √76.5 = 8.746427842 final answer rounded off to = 8.75

The Micrometer Caliper

The micrometer caliper is an instrument used for very precise measurements of external
dimensions. The object to be measured is placed between the anvil and the spindle. The thimble
is then rotated to advance the spindle until the object is gripped gently between the two jaws of
the caliper. The ratchet is used to tighten up the grip by the same amount each time and thus
avoid using too much force.

The caliper consists of a

fixed main scale on the sleeve
and a movable auxiliary scale
on the thimble. The auxiliary
scale is circular and has 50
divisions. One revolution of the
thimble moves the spindle by
half a millimeter. This implies
that the distance between
adjacent lines on the thimble
corresponds to 0.01 mm.

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The main scale has 25 main divisions etched on the sleeve or barrel, which is located along the
trunk of the micrometer caliper. The distance between the lines is 1.0 mm. thus the maximum
reading possible is 25 mm. The lines just below the main divisions divide the upper lines such
that the distance between an upper line and an adjacent lower line is 0.5 mm.

How to use the micrometer caliper:

1. Check the zero position of the caliper. A properly calibrated micrometer caliper must have the
main and auxiliary scales simultaneously giving a zero reading when the jaws (the anvil and the
spindle) of the caliper are completely closed. In case of error, add the correction (may be either
positive or negative) to every reading.

2. Place the body to be measured between the anvil and spindle. Rotate the thimble until the
object is gripped gently between the two jaws of the caliper. Turn the ratchet slowly until it clicks
several times. This prevents an error due to varying degrees of tightness of the jaws.

3. Read the main scale and the circular scale. Refer to the examples below.

Example # 1:

Main scale reading: 7.00 mm

Circular scale reading: + 0.435 mm
7.435 mm
Final reading
Converted to cm: 0.7435 cm

Example # 2:

Main scale reading: 6.50 mm

Circular scale reading: + 0.203 mm
6.703 mm
Final reading
Converted to cm: 0.6703 cm

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Example # 3:

Main scale reading: 7.00 mm

Circular scale reading: + 0.224 mm
7.224 mm
Final reading
Converted to cm: 0.224 cm

Figures in example 1,2 and 3 were taken from http://www.scas.bcit.bc.ca/scas/physics/labman/m1-civ1.htm)

The Vernier Caliper

The Vernier caliper consists of a fixed part with a main engraved scale and a movable
jaw with an engraved Vernier scale. The main scale is calibrated in inches on the upper part and
millimeters on the lower part. The lower calibration has a maximum of 200 divisions with each
division equal to one mm. The Vernier scale usually has 10 major divisions. The least count of
the caliper is the smallest value that can be read directly from a Vernier scale. For example, if
the least count indicated on the caliper is 0.05 mm and its Vernier scale has 20 divisions,
each division corresponds to a 0.05 mm. This means that the Vernier scale

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divides one division on the main scale into 20 subdivisions. When the jaws are closed the zero
line or index of the Vernier scale coincides with the zero line on the main scale. When the jaws
are opened, the fraction of the main scale division that the Vernier scale has moved is
determined by noting which Vernier divisions coincides with a main scale division.

How to use the Vernier caliper:

The Vernier caliper measures lengths, outer and inner diameters, and internal depths with the
use of its outside jaws or calipers, inner calipers, and depth gauge respectively. To measure the
width of a small rectangular block, open the movable jaw and place between the outside jaws
the block to be measured. Close the jaws on the object and do the following steps to get the
reading:

1. Observe where the zero line or index of the Vernier scale falls on the main scale. For
example, Fig. 4 shows the zero line of Vernier scale just after the 21 mm mark of the main
scale. Thus the main scale reading is 21mm.

2. Note the line on the Vernier scale that coincides on the main scale. In Fig.4, the Vernier
division marked “1” coincides exactly with a line on the main scale.

This division is the second from the zero line. If the least count of the Vernier is 0.05 mm, this
means that two divisions correspond to 0.05 mm x 2, which is equal to 0.1 mm. So the scale
marked “1” in the Vernier coinciding with the main scale corresponds to a 0.1 mm reading.

3. Obtain the final reading by adding the main scale reading obtained in number 1 and Vernier
scale reading in number 2. That is:

Main scale reading: 21.00 mm

Circular scale reading: + 0.1 mm
21.1 mm
Final reading or 2.11 cm

REFERENCES
1. Physics Laboratory Experiments 4th Edition, Jerry D. Wilson @ 1994 D.C. Heath and
Company; Lexington, Massachusetts
2. Laboratory Manual in Conceptual Physics 2nd Edition, Bill W. Tillery @ 1995 Wm. C. Brown
Communications, Inc. Dubuque, IA
3. Laboratory Experiments in College Physics 7th Edition, Cicero H. Bernard, Chirold D. Epp @
1995, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York
4. Experiments in Physics 2nd Edition, Peter J. Nolan, and Raymond E. Bigliani @ 1995 Wm.
C. Brown Publishers; Dubuque, IA

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5. The Art of Experimental Physics, Daryl W. Preston and Eric R. Dietz @ 1991 John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. New York
6. http://www.scas.bcit.bc.ca/scas/physics/labman/m1-civ1.htm

APPARATUS/MATERIALS:
Rectangular Block, 25 centavo coin, PSU ID Card, Ruler, Vernier Caliper, Micrometer Caliper

PROCEDURE

A. Volume of a Rectangular Block

1. Measure the length (L), width (W), and thickness (T) of the rectangular block using a ruler.
2. Calculate the volume (V) of the block by multiplying the length, width and height using the
rules of significant figures for multiplication. (Volume of a rectangular block = L x W x H)
3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 using a Vernier caliper. Tabulate the results.

B. Volume and Surface Area of a Coin

1. Measure the diameter (D), and the thickness or height (H) of a coin using a ruler.
2. Calculate the volume (V) and the area (A) of the coin using the rules of significant figures for
multiplication. (Surface area (A) = πr2; Volume of a cylinder = πr2 H where r is the radius of the
cylinder.)
3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 using a Vernier caliper and a micrometer caliper. Tabulate the results.

C. Perimeter and Thickness of a PSU ID Card

1. Measure the thickness (T) of three identical PSU ID cards using a Vernier caliper. Divide the
reading by three to get the thickness of one ID card.
2. Repeat the above procedure using a micrometer caliper. Tabulate the results.
3. Measure the length (L), and width (W) of an ID card using a ruler.
4. Calculate the perimeter of the card by adding twice the length and twice the width using the
rules of significant figures for multiplication (Perimeter of a rectangular ID card = 2L + 2W)

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Laboratory Group # & Name:
Date Performed:
Course Code & Section:
Group Members:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________

DATA SHEET:

A. Volume of a Rectangular Block

Instrument L (cm) W (cm) T (cm) V (cm3)

Ruler

Vernier Caliper

B. Surface Area & Volume of a Coin (25 centavo coin)

Instrument R (cm) H (cm) A (cm2) V (cm3)

Ruler

Vernier Caliper

Micrometer Caliper

C. Perimeter and Thickness of a PSU ID Card

Thickness
Thickness of
of three ID
one ID card
Instrument cards L (cm) W (cm) Perimeter
(measured)
(measured) (cm)
(cm)
(cm)
Ruler

Vernier Caliper

Micrometer Caliper * * *

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*Since the maximum length that the micrometer caliper can measure is only 2.5 cm, use the value
obtained using the Vernier caliper. Be sure to maintain the accuracy of each instrument as reflected by
your decimal places. Observe the correct number of significant figures in your calculations.

SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS:

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QUESTIONS: (Individual)

1. Indicate the number of significant figures in the following:

______a. 50 student’s ______d. 7.80 m

______b. 24 hours/day ______e. 100,480 cm

______c. 230 kg ______f. 0.0025 cm3

2. Perform the indicated operations for the following measured values:

a. 4.0659 cm x 3.81 cm =

b. 378.2 m – 56 m =

c. 0.005 mm + 8.25 mm + 127.3 mm =

d. 9.70 x 108 m/s / 1.5 s =

3. Solve the following problems:

a. A rectangular paperboard measures 8.7 cm long, 4.3 cm wide and 1.75mm thick.
Find the volume of the paperboard.

b. What is the volume of a cylinder whose radius measures 10.29 mm and has a height
of 6.28 cm?

4. Specify the measuring instrument (meter stick, Vernier caliper, and micrometer caliper) that
is appropriate in measuring the following:

__________a. radius of an ordinary ring

__________b. depth of a small can
__________c. thickness of a credit card
__________d. diameter of a small spherical metal ball
__________e. height of a table

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