Resolution
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Definition
The smallest change in the quantity being measured that causes a detectable change in the indication of a measuring instrument.
Explanation
A digital bathroom scale with a display showing 0.1 kg increments has a resolution of 0.1 kg, even if its accuracy is only ±0.5 kg. A vernier caliper with 0.02 mm graduations has a resolution of 0.02 mm. Resolution sets an upper bound on precision: you cannot report more decimal places than the instrument’s resolution supports. High resolution does not guarantee high accuracy — a high-resolution instrument can still have significant systematic error.
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RELATED TERMS
Conversion Factor
A numerical multiplier used to convert a quantity from one unit to another.
Precision
The degree of refinement in a measurement, indicated by the number of significant digits.
Accuracy
How close a measurement is to the true value of the quantity being measured.
Dimensional Analysis
A method of converting units by multiplying by conversion factors that equal 1.
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A unit of distance used in sea and air navigation, equal to 1,852 meters.