Question

Explain the meaning of the term 'least count of an instrument' with the help of a suitable example.

Answer 1

The least count of a measuring instrument is the smallest change in the measured quantity that can be resolved on the instrument's scale.The least count is related to the precision of an instrument; an instrument that can measure smaller changes in a value relative to another instrument, has a smaller "least count" value and so is more precise.

For example, a sundial may only have scale marks representing the hours of daylight; it would have a least count of one hour.