What is meant by the "limit of reading" on a measuring instrument?

The concept of "limit of reading" on a measuring instrument refers to the smallest unit that can be accurately measured. This is critical in understanding the precision of an instrument, as it determines how finely a measurement can be taken. For example, if a ruler has a limit of reading of 1 millimeter, it means that any measurement taken will be rounded to the nearest millimeter, and smaller increments (like half or quarter millimeters) cannot be reliably read from that instrument.

The accuracy and reliability of the measurements are directly affected by this limit, making it essential for anyone using measuring instruments to be aware of this parameter. It defines the instrument's capacity for precision, which plays a vital role in various applications, from engineering and science to everyday tasks like cooking or crafting. Understanding this limit allows users to determine how precise their measurements need to be based on the task at hand.