Solved on Feb 15, 2024

For a voltmeter with 0.1 V as the smallest division, estimate measurements to the nearest 100mV100 \mathrm{mV}, 10mV10 \mathrm{mV}, or 1mV1 \mathrm{mV}.

STEP 1

Assumptions
1. The smallest marked division on the voltmeter is 0.1 volt.
2. The measurement should be estimated to the nearest possible value that is sensible given the precision of the device.

STEP 2

Understanding the measurement scale of the voltmeter.
The smallest marked division indicates the smallest increment that can be directly read from the voltmeter. This is also the precision of the voltmeter.

STEP 3

Converting the smallest marked division into millivolts for clarity.
0.1 volt=100 millivolts (mV)0.1 \text{ volt} = 100 \text{ millivolts (mV)}

STEP 4

Determining the appropriate level of estimation.
Since the voltmeter can directly measure increments of 0.1 volt, it is reasonable to estimate measurements to the nearest division that is smaller than the smallest marked division. This would typically be half of the smallest marked division.

STEP 5

Calculating half of the smallest marked division in millivolts.
12×100 mV=50 mV\frac{1}{2} \times 100 \text{ mV} = 50 \text{ mV}

STEP 6

Considering significant figures and estimation rules.
Measurements are often estimated to the nearest significant figure that can be reasonably ascertained. Since the voltmeter has a smallest marked division of 0.1 volt, it would not be sensible to estimate to a precision greater than this division.

STEP 7

Selecting the correct answer based on the estimation rule.
The nearest value that we can sensibly estimate to, given a smallest marked division of 0.1 volt, is half of this value, which is 50 mV. However, since 50 mV is not an option and the voltmeter cannot measure smaller than its smallest division, the best estimate would be the smallest marked division itself.

STEP 8

Matching the calculated estimation to the given options.
The smallest marked division is 0.1 volt, which is equivalent to 100 millivolts. Therefore, the measurements should be estimated to the nearest 100 millivolts.
The correct answer is: b. 100mV100 \mathrm{mV}

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