# A student measures the thickness of a single sheet of paper using a ruler and records a value of 0 mm. Explain why this method is unsuitable and describe a better method the student could use to obtain a reliable measurement of the thickness of one sheet of paper.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 1.1 Physical quantities and measurement techniques · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A ruler cannot measure such a small distance / the thickness of one sheet of paper is too small to be read on a ruler's scale
2. Use a micrometer screw gauge (to measure the stack / to measure the thickness)
3. Measure the thickness of a large number (e.g. many / several / a known number) of sheets of paper together / stack several sheets
4. Divide the total thickness by the number of sheets to find the thickness of one sheet / calculate a mean value

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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