[Phys-L] Re: infinite sig. figs.

[Ludwik Kowalski <kowalskil@MAIL.MONTCLAIR.EDU>]

Yes, I realized this as soon as I read my own message. Thanks.

On Sep 22, 2005, at 11:39 AM, John Mallinckrodt wrote:

> > A Geiger counter showed 144 counts in a single measurement lasting one
> > minute. On that basis I am reporting that the true local background is
> > 144, plus or minus 12, per minute. Should I round this to 100 in order
> > to obey a silly rule that somebody established? I do not think so. The
> > 144 is the best possible estimate and I would report it as such.
>
> Ludwik,
>
> I don't believe I have ever heard anyone suggest a rule that would
> support the type of rounding you describe here.  On the basis of the
> fact that it is a count subject to Poisson statistics, I can imagine
> mustering some support for "1.4 x 10^2", but not "140", and never
> "100".
>
> --
> John "Slo" Mallinckrodt
>
> Professor of Physics, Cal Poly Pomona
> <http://www.csupomona.edu/~ajm>
>
> and
>
> Lead Guitarist, Out-Laws of Physics
> <http://www.csupomona.edu/~hsleff/OoPs.html>
Ludwik Kowalski
Let the perfect not be the enemy of the good.
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