Question

Least count of any measuring instrument means that:
(This question has multiple correct options)
A. it can measure anything which is of bigger length
B. it cannot measure anything which is of lesser length
C. it can measure anything which is of lesser length
D. all of these

Answer 1

- Hint: To solve this question, we need to focus on topic Errors in Measurements. As we know, the least count is defined in terms of the precision of an instrument. Which means any instrument that can measure minimum changes in a value relative to other values.

Complete step-by-step solution:
Any measurement done by the equipment can be considered repeatable to no less than the resolution of its least count. And also instrument least count is just the opposite to the precision of the given instrument.
Least count of the device is related to the uncertainty, which is one of the sources of experimental error in measurements.
If you have to describes about least count error then, here we give some points:
Minimum value that can be measured by any measuring instrument is called its least count. And these values are good only up to some value. And also, this count error is the error associated with the resolution of the given instrument.
for measurement of length, if we use a meter scale then it may have graduations at 1 mm division scale spacing or interval. And sometimes we also use the Vernier scale on calipers, which have a least count of 0.1 mm.
Therefore, overall, we conclude that the Least count of the given measuring device is the lowest limit of measuring using any measuring instrument. It means it cannot measure anything which is of less in length and also it can detect anything which is of bigger length.
Thus, option (A) and (B) both are correct answers.

Note- Least count is the smallest measurement that can be taken by a measuring instrument. The least count of any instrument in terms of metrology, is termed as the minimum change in the measured quantity of the device which can be resolved on the scale of instruments.