Answered: Describe the procedure of determining…

World of Chemistry, 3rd edition

3rd Edition

ISBN:9781133109655

Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan L. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan L. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Chapter5: Measurements And Calculations

Section5.2: Uncertainty In Measurement And Significant Figures

Problem 2RQ

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Question

Describe the procedure of determining the number of Significant Figures in a number?

Expert Solution

Step 1

Significant figures represent the no. of digits use to represent or express the calculated quantity. It is used for precision.

Step 2

Rules for determining the no. of significant figures in a no:

Non-zero digits (other than 0) are significant. Example – 21 has 2 significant figures.
Zeroes between the non-zero digits are significant. Example – 101.12 has 5 significant figures.
Zeroes to the left of the non-zero digit are not significant. Example – 0.0052 has 2 significant figures, 5 and 2.
A trailing 0 or final 0 in the decimal portion only are significant. Example -12.00 has 4 significant figures.
In case of no. of objects like 7 bananas, 10 apples, no. of significant figures are infinite because these are inexact no.

Example:

Number	Significant figures
3.500	4
2500	2
491	3

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