significant figures
What significant figures means in Physics GCSE, as defined for OCR.
Definitions of significant figures
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain significant figures in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A sensible number of these is used when recording each measurement, together with the correct unit.
Estimates are rounded to one or two of these, with the assumptions behind them stated.
Topics that use significant figures
- Energy (OCR GCSE)
- Physics on the move (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- Accuracy
- Area
- braking distance
- Everyday transport speeds
- Experimental method
- force
- Measurement of energy transfer
- Order-of-magnitude estimation
Using significant figures in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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