Resolution
Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Resolution is the smallest change a measuring instrument can detect.
About Resolution
- The resolution of a measuring instrument is given by:
- The markings on an analogue instrument (such as a ruler or thermometer).
- The number of significant figures on a digital instrument (such as a digital ammeter or data logger).
- If the markings on an analogue measuring instrument are far enough apart it may be possible to tell to the nearest 'half' of a division.
Examples
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| This ruler has a resolution of 1mm. The position of each end of the object can be read from the ruler as close to 6.4mm at one end and close to 8.8mm on the other. It is not possible to tell its length more precisely than to the nearest millimetre. |
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This thermometer has a resolution of 1°C. It is not possible to tell the temperature more precisely than to the nearest degree.
However, many thermometers have a large gap between the markings and it is possible to tell when the line is half way between them. This gives many thermometers resolution of 0.5 degrees. |
References
AQA
- Resolution (microscopes), page 12, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Resolution (microscopes), page 12, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Resolution (of microscopes), page 25, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA
- Resolution (of microscopes), page 25, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Biology, CGP, AQA
- Resolution, page 11, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Physics, CGP, AQA
- Resolution, page 12, GCSE Chemistry, CGP, AQA
- Resolution, page 12, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Chemistry, CGP, AQA
- Resolution, page 12, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA
- Resolution, page 280, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Resolution, page 6, GCSE Chemistry; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Resolution, pages 169-171, GCSE Chemistry; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
Edexcel
- Resolution, page 12, GCSE Chemistry, CGP, Edexcel
- Resolution, page 12, GCSE Physics, CGP, Edexcel
- Resolution, page 167, GCSE Chemistry, Pearson, Edexcel
- Resolution, page 6, GCSE Chemistry; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel
- Resolution, page 6, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel
- Resolution, pages 5, 13, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel
- Resolution, pages 6, 14, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel
- Resolution; of instruments, page 12, GCSE Biology, CGP, Edexcel
- Resolution; of microscopes, page 28, GCSE Biology, CGP, Edexcel
OCR
- Resolution, measuring instruments, page 10, Gateway GCSE Physics, Oxford, OCR
- Resolution, page 11, Gateway GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, OCR
- Resolution, page 6, Gateway GCSE Chemistry; The Revision Guide, CGP, OCR
- Resolution, pages 6, 12, Gateway GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, OCR
- Resolution; measuring instruments, page 10, Gateway GCSE Biology, Oxford, OCR
- Resolution; microscopes, page 24, Gateway GCSE Biology, Oxford, OCR