Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Errors and uncertainties

Errors and uncertainties — practice question

The actual width of a desk is $50.0\,\text{cm}$. Two learners, X and Y, are measuring the desk's width. Learner X uses a tape measure and obtains a width of $(49.5 \pm 0.5)\,\text{cm}$. Learner Y uses a metre rule and obtains a width of $(51.4 \pm 0.1)\,\text{cm}$. Which statement about learner X's measurement is correct?

  • AIt is less accurate and less precise than the measurement of student Y.
  • BIt is less accurate but more precise than the measurement of student Y.
  • CIt is more accurate and more precise than the measurement of student Y.
  • DIt is more accurate but less precise than the measurement of student Y.

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