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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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26 questions · page 2 of 2

21. During the experiment, one measured the mass of mosquito and found it 1.20 x 10^-5 kg. The number of significant figures in this case is:

  • A. 3 s.f
  • B. 2 s.f
  • C. 5 s.f
  • D. 8 s.f

Explanation: When determining the number of significant figures in a measurement, focus on the digits that are known with certainty and the first…

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Correct answer: 3 s.f

22. During a experiment, one measured the mass of a mosquito and found it to be 1.20 x 10^-5 Kg. The numbers of significant figures in this case are:

  • A. Five
  • B. One
  • C. Two
  • D. Three

Explanation: All non zero digits are significant figures and in this case there are 3 significant or non zero digits hence option D is the right choice.

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Correct answer: Three

23. Which experimental teachnique reduces the systematic error of the quantity being investigated?

  • A. Adjusting an ammeter to remove its zero error before measuring a current
  • B. Measuring several internodal distances on a standing wave to find the mean internodal distance
  • C. Measuring the diameter of a wire repeatedly and calculating the average
  • D. Timing a large number of oscillations to find a period

Explanation: Systematic error means that measurements of the same thing will vary in predictable ways.

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Correct answer: Adjusting an ammeter to remove its zero error before measuring a current

24. The percentage error in the measurement of mass and speed are 5% or 6% respectively the maximum error in the measurement of K.E is

  • A. 17%
  • B. 30%
  • C. 15%
  • D. 90%

Explanation: Kinetic Energy = mv^2/2Percentage Error in KE = Percentage Error in Mass + 2(Percentage Error in Speed) The question states percentage…

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Correct answer: 17%

25. In a cricket match 500 spectators are counted one by one. How many significant figures will be there in the final result?

  • A. 0
  • B. 1
  • C. 2
  • D. 3

Explanation: The number 500 is a whole number and has three significant figures: the digit '5' and the two trailing zeros.

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Correct answer: 3

26. In a simple electrical circuit the current in a resistor is measured as (2.50 +_ 0.05) mA. The resistor is marked as having a value of 4.7 _+2%. If these value where used to calculate the power dissipated in the percentage uncertainty in the value obtained ?

  • A. 2%
  • B. 4%
  • C. 6%
  • D. 8%

Explanation: First we find out the % uncertainty in current (0.05)/2.5 x 100 = 2%. Then we note the formula of power dissipated is 12 x R so the =…

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Correct answer: 6%
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