In an experiment, a student measures the time period of a simple pendulum five times. The recorded values are 2.63 ~s , 2.56 ~s , 2.42 ~s , 2.71 ~s , and 2.80 ~s . The mean time period rounded to the appropriate number of significant figures is:

Step-by-step solution

The sum of the measured time periods is: 2.63 + 2.56 + 2.42 + 2.71 + 2.80 = 13.12 ~s The mean time period is calculated by dividing the sum by the exact number of measurements (5): Mean = 13.12 5 = 2.624 ~s Since the original measurements are recorded to two decimal places, the final result must also be rounded to two decimal places. Rounding 2.624 ~s to two decimal places gives 2.62 ~s . Answer: 2.62 ~s