Question

Which of these statements correctly compares probeware (such as an electronic temperature probe) to traditional analog tools (such as a liquid-based thermometer)?
Measurements by traditional analog tools are good to a larger number of significant figures.
Measurements by traditional analog tools are less prone to experimental error.
Probeware is typically very difficult to transport.
Probeware is useful for obtaining many measurements in rapid succession.

Answer 1

Only the last statement is correct.

- 1 False — analog liquid thermometers usually give fewer significant figures (less precision) than electronic probes.
- 2 False — analog readings are more subject to human reading/parallax error; probeware often reduces experimental error.
- 3 False — probeware is generally portable (and many instruments are handheld or laptop/tablet compatible).
- 4 True — probeware and data loggers can record many measurements quickly or continuously, enabling rapid successive sampling.