Question

A particular type of resistor has a tolerance of 3%. Technician A says this indicates that the resistor’s current value can be 3% above or below its stated specification. Technician B says this indicates the resistor’s resistance value can be 3% above or below its stated specification. Who is right?

Answer 1

Answer:

Technician B is correct.

Explanation:

The given value of resistor having 3% tolerance means that the given quantity of the physical parameter can vary by 3% of what is specified. This variation can be either more or less than the quantified value.

• When the variation can occur on both sides of the stated value then it is called bilateral tolerance, usually represented as, $\pm3\%$.

• When the variation is permissible only in one direction then it is called unilateral tolerance, represented by the sign + for the impressibility on the higher side and $-$ sign for the impressibility on the lower side.