The instrumental uncertainty of a meter stick is dependent on the measuring method and other experimental factors
A 0.1 cm
B 1 cm
C 0.001 cm
D 10 cm
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A) 0.1 cm.
Instrumental uncertainty refers to the limitation in precision due to the equipment used in a measurement process. For a typical meter stick, the smallest unit marked on the stick determines the level of precision you can achieve when measuring an object. If the smallest division on the meter stick is 0.1 cm, this is typically the uncertainty in any measurement taken using that meter stick.
This uncertainty is derived from the fact that any measurement taken with a meter stick can only be estimated to the nearest mark. For example, if you measure an object that falls between the 5.0 cm and 5.1 cm marks, the best you can report the measurement as is 5.05 cm, assuming the smallest division is 0.1 cm. This indicates an uncertainty of ±0.1 cm in any measurement.
Experimental factors that can also contribute to the uncertainty include the reading technique (how accurately you align your eye with the scale), temperature variations (which can cause the meter stick to expand or contract), and any imperfections in the stick itself, such as worn or misaligned marks. These factors do not usually lead to large uncertainties but can still slightly influence results.
In experimental practice, the uncertainty should always be considered when reporting results. For example, a measurement of 12.3 cm would be reported with an uncertainty of ±0.1 cm, and it would be indicated as 12.3 ± 0.1 cm. This ensures the level of precision is clear to anyone interpreting the results.