A Level Physics Practice Exam

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Study for the A Level Physics Exam. Our quiz features flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

When calculating values in Paper 2, what is crucial regarding significant figures?

Always round to the nearest whole number
Use the maximum number of significant figures possible
Give answer to no more than the minimum number of significant figures provided
All answers must have three significant figures

The correct answer is: Give answer to no more than the minimum number of significant figures provided

When performing calculations in physics, especially in assessments like Paper 2, it's essential to maintain the integrity of the data provided, which includes respecting the precision indicated by significant figures. The correct approach is to give your final answer to no more than the minimum number of significant figures from the values that were used in the calculation. This practice ensures that the precision of your answer reflects the least precise measurement involved in the calculation, preserving the reliability of your result. Using the maximum number of significant figures or rounding to a specific number, such as three, can misrepresent the data's accuracy and lead to inflated confidence in results. Precision is critical in scientific communication, and adhering to the significant figures of the least precise measurement is a fundamental rule to ensure clarity and correctness in reporting results.