With a wooden ruler, you measure the length of a rectangular piece of sheet metal to be 12 mm. With micrometer calipers, you measure the width of the rectangle to be 5.98 mm. Use the correct number of significant figures: What is (c) the perimeter of the rectangle?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of significant figures in each measurement. The length (12 mm) has two significant figures, and the width (5.98 mm) has three significant figures.
2. Calculate the perimeter of the rectangle using the formula: Perimeter = 2(length + width).
3. Add the length and width: 12 mm + 5.98 mm.
4. Multiply the sum by 2 to find the perimeter.
5. Express the final answer for the perimeter using the correct number of significant figures, which is determined by the measurement with the least number of significant figures.

Key Concepts

Significant Figures

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. When performing calculations, the result should be reported with the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the least precision to ensure accuracy.

Perimeter of a Rectangle

The perimeter of a rectangle is the total distance around the rectangle, calculated by adding together the lengths of all four sides. It can be determined using the formula P = 2(length + width). Understanding this formula is essential for solving problems related to the dimensions of rectangular shapes.

Measurement Uncertainty

Measurement uncertainty refers to the doubt that exists about the result of any measurement. It arises from limitations in measuring instruments and techniques. When calculating derived quantities like perimeter, it is important to consider the uncertainties in the measurements to ensure that the final result reflects the true precision of the data used.