The terms (i). significant figures (ii). Conformity

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The terms

                (i) significant figures 

 (ii) Conformity

(i) Significant Figures:

The number of meaningful digits used to express a numerical value (measured value of a quantity) are known as, significant figures. Significant figures point out the preciseness of the measurement and the value of the measurements. The measured value should be expressed in more number of significant figures because the more significant figures the higher will be the precision.

an example in which the measured voltage across a resistor in a circuit is specified as 50 V. It indicates that the measured voltage may be close to 49 V or 51 V. This specification has two significant figures. If the measured voltage is specified as 50.0 V then it indicates that the value may be close to 49.9 V or 50. 1 V. This specification has three significant figures. From the above illustration, it can be observed that the specification with three significant figures is more precise than the one with two significant figures.

(ii) Conformity:

Conformity is one of the characteristics which determine the precision. 

 If a measuring instrument consistently and repeatedly provides a value as close to the true value (of the measured quantity) as an observer can estimate the true value from its scale reading then this characteristic refers to the conformity of the measurement. 

Let us consider an example of measuring resistance of a resistor which

has a true resistance of 10,654,739 Ω). If the multi meter indicates the resistance value as 10.7 MO

scale reading, there exists an error in the measured value as the scale provides the reading up to one

consistently and repeatedly, then the condition of conformity is satisfied. But, due to the limitation of 

decimal place only.

Thus, conformity is a necessary condition, but not a sufficient condition for the measurement to be precise.

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