Which instrument is noted for having a maximum resolution of 0.01 in.?

Which instrument is noted for having a maximum resolution of 0.01 in.?

• A. Slide caliper
• B. Micrometer
• C. Dial caliper
• D. Vernier caliper

Answer: (A)

Understanding resolution helps you pick the right tool for the job. Resolution is the smallest division an instrument can display. A slide caliper is marked so its finest reading is 0.01 inch, meaning you can estimate measurements only to the nearest hundredth of an inch. Other common measurement tools shown here—micrometers and dial or vernier calipers—have finer reading capabilities (typically 0.001 inch), so they can resolve much smaller increments than 0.01 inch. Since the question specifies a maximum resolution of 0.01 inch, the instrument that matches this coarser reading is the slide caliper. If you needed more precise measurements, you’d use a micrometer or a dial/vernier caliper.

Understanding resolution helps you pick the right tool for the job. Resolution is the smallest division an instrument can display. A slide caliper is marked so its finest reading is 0.01 inch, meaning you can estimate measurements only to the nearest hundredth of an inch. Other common measurement tools shown here—micrometers and dial or vernier calipers—have finer reading capabilities (typically 0.001 inch), so they can resolve much smaller increments than 0.01 inch. Since the question specifies a maximum resolution of 0.01 inch, the instrument that matches this coarser reading is the slide caliper. If you needed more precise measurements, you’d use a micrometer or a dial/vernier caliper.