Chemistry: Sig Figs & Scientific Notation

This set of flashcards covers the concepts of significant figures and scientific notation, as discussed in the lecture.

What is the significance of zeros at the end of a number without a decimal point?

They are not significant.

How many significant figures are in the number 52,000.390?

8 significant figures.

Why do leading zeros in a number not count as significant figures?

They are not considered significant because they do not start the number.

What is scientific notation used for?

To express excessively large or small numbers in a more convenient form.

In scientific notation, what must the base be?

At least one but less than ten.

How many significant figures are in the number 1.00629 when rounded to four significant figures?

1.006.

What happens to significant figures when you convert a number into scientific notation?

The number of significant figures remains the same.

Why is the exponential part in scientific notation considered exact?

It is treated as exact because it does not affect the significant figures of the number.

How should you proceed when subtracting/adding measurements in terms of significant figures?

The result should be reported in the place value that is the least specific. Ex. 1.09 - .23478 = 0.86 (reported and rounded to tenths place bc that’s the least specific)

What is the general rule for rounding when the digit after the last significant figure is five or greater?

Round up

How should you proceed when multiplying/dividing measurements in terms of significant figures?

You want to report the answer in the fewest sig figs in the calculation. Ex. 1.08 • 4.7653 = 5.15 (reported and rounded to 3 sig figs bc that’s the smallest amount of sig figs)