How to calculate the uncertainty in a distance measurement using a ruler?

To calculate the uncertainty in a distance measurement using a ruler, you need to consider the smallest division on the ruler.

When measuring a distance using a ruler, it is important to note the smallest division on the ruler. This is the smallest unit that can be measured using the ruler. For example, if the smallest division on the ruler is 1 mm, then the uncertainty in the measurement is ±0.5 mm. This means that the actual distance could be up to 0.5 mm more or less than the measured value.

To calculate the uncertainty in a distance measurement using a ruler, you need to divide the smallest division on the ruler by 2. This is because the uncertainty is assumed to be equally distributed above and below the measured value. For example, if the smallest division on the ruler is 1 mm, then the uncertainty is 0.5 mm.

It is important to note that the uncertainty in a measurement using a ruler can be reduced by using a ruler with a smaller smallest division. For example, a ruler with a smallest division of 0.5 mm will have a smaller uncertainty than a ruler with a smallest division of 1 mm.

In conclusion, to calculate the uncertainty in a distance measurement using a ruler, you need to consider the smallest division on the ruler and divide it by 2. This will give you the uncertainty in the measurement, which is assumed to be equally distributed above and below the measured value.