MDCAT, NMDCAT, Mastering Measurement & Uncertainty-9 PAGE -14 PGYSICS

Significant figures and uncertainty help in reporting measurements correctly. In multiplication and division, the final answer is written according to the quantity with the smallest number of significant figures. For example, while calculating volume of a metal sheet, thickness has only two significant figures, so the final volume is also written with two significant figures. In addition, the result is reported according to the least precise measurement. When masses are added, the final answer keeps the same decimal places as the least accurate value. For cylinder volume, uncertainties in diameter and length are converted into percentage uncertainties. Since diameter is squared in the formula, its percentage uncertainty is multiplied by 2. Total uncertainty is then added to obtain the final uncertainty in volume. This process ensures accurate and scientifically reliable measurements.