Free Errors and Significant Figures MCQs with Answers
26 Errors and Significant Figures MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Measurement errors include random and systematic effects, absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainty, and the precision shown by significant figures. Questions apply rounding rules and uncertainty propagation in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, while distinguishing accuracy from precision and uncertainty from an actual mistake.
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- A. 0.34 cm.
- B. 3.4 cm.
- C. 3.40 cm.
- D. 3.400 cm.
Explanation: The correct answer is 3.400 cm. Vernier calipers provide more precise measurements than a standard metre scale, typically offering…
Correct answer: 3.400 cm.- A. II only.
- B. III only.
- C. I and II.
- D. I and III.
Explanation: Option II is correct because taking the mean of several measurements helps to minimize the effect of random errors by averaging out the…
Correct answer: II only.- A. 3
- B. 5
- C. 6
- D. 8
Explanation: To find the number of significant figures in the sum of 1.21 × 105 and 3.26 × 103, first, convert both numbers to the same power of ten…
Correct answer: 8- A. Taking mean reading.
- B. Repeating the reading.
- C. Changing the surrounding.
- D. Recalibrating the instrument.
Explanation: Systematic errors are consistent biases in measurement that arise from flaws in the measurement system, such as miscalibrated instruments.
Correct answer: Recalibrating the instrument.- A. I only.
- B. III only.
- C. I and II.
- D. II and III.
Explanation: Uncertainty in measurement can arise from multiple sources. Natural variations (II) refer to the inherent variability in the system being…
Correct answer: II and III.- A. II only.
- B. III only.
- C. I and II.
- D. I and III.
Explanation: The correct answer is Option A:II only.Random errors can be reduced by taking the mean of several measurements, as this averages out the…
Correct answer: II only.- A. 1.00 x 10^-3
- B. 1.00 x 10^-2
- C. 1.00 x 10^2
- D. 1.00 x 10^3
Explanation: The correct scientific notation for 100.00 is1.00 × 103because scientific notation requires expressing a number as a product of a…
Correct answer: 1.00 x 10^3- A. Logical error
- B. Random error
- C. Personal error
- D. Systematic error
Explanation: The correct answer is systematic error. Systematic errors are errors that consistently occur in the same direction whenever a particular…
Correct answer: Systematic error- A. 408.6
- B. 408.64
- C. 408.6462
- D. 409.0
Explanation: To solve this problem, multiply 20.21 by 20.22 to get approximately 408.6442.
Correct answer: 408.6- A. Precise
- B. Accurate
- C. Uncertain
- D. Unreliable
Explanation: The correct answer is precise. Precision in measurements or actions means the results are consistent or close to each other, regardless of…
Correct answer: Precise- A. 0.5
- B. 5
- C. 6.5
- D. 7
Explanation: Read the main scale reading (MSR):Observe the mark on the main scale that is just before the zero mark of the Vernier scale.
Correct answer: 6.5- A. Friction in the pulleys
- B. Use of rusty holding pins
- C. Use of inaccurate weights
- D. Placement of the drawing board
Explanation: Friction in the pulleys is the correct answer because it directly impacts the smooth movement of the apparatus, affecting the accuracy of…
Correct answer: Friction in the pulleys- A. Loss of heat due to radiation
- B. Large increase in temperature of water
- C. Greater least count of the thermometer
- D. Non-steady voltage of the power supply
Explanation: The correct answer is option C: Greater least count of the thermometer.
Correct answer: Greater least count of the thermometer- A. 327 ms-1
- B. 328 ms-1
- C. 330 ms-1
- D. 300 ms-1
Explanation: a) 327 m/s:This option provides a result with three significant figures.
Correct answer: 327 ms-1- A. 10%
- B. 4%
- C. 3%
- D. 2%
Explanation: b) 4%:This option suggests that the maximum error in the calculated density of the steel ball is 4%.
Correct answer: 4%- A. Systematic error
- B. Zero error
- C. Precise error
- D. Random Error
Explanation: Parallax error is due to the positioning of the eye while recording a value.
Correct answer: Random Error- A. 2%
- B. 8%
- C. 4%
- D. 10%
Explanation: 4%: As mentioned earlier, the maximum error in the calculated density is the sum of the errors in measuring the mass and diameter, which…
Correct answer: 4%- A. Four
- B. Five
- C. Two
- D. Three
Explanation: Five: There are five significant figures in 4.0030. All the digits (4, 0, 0, 3, and 0) are non-zero and the trailing zero after the…
Correct answer: Five- A. 4.8%
- B. 3.2%
- C. 1.6%
- D. 0.8%
Explanation: The uncertainty in a measurement involving exponentiation is multiplied by the exponent.
Correct answer: 3.2%- A. 7
- B. 8
- C. 5
- D. 3
Explanation: The number of significant figures in a measurement includes all the certain digits plus the first uncertain digit.
Correct answer: 7Errors and Significant Figures MCQs: common questions
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