Significant Figures and Measurement

These flashcards cover key concepts related to significant figures and their application in measurements and calculations.

Significant figures

The digits in a number that contribute to its accuracy, including all nonzero digits, zeros between nonzero digits, and trailing zeros in a decimal.

Scientific notation

A method of expressing numbers as a coefficient multiplied by 10 raised to an exponent.

Zero significance rule 1

Zeros between nonzero digits are significant.

Zero significance rule 2

Zeros at the end of a decimal number are significant.

Zero significance rule 3

Zeros in the coefficient of scientific notation are significant.

Placeholder zeros

Zeros at the beginning of a number or acting as placeholders in large numbers that do not have a decimal are not significant.

Measurement conversion

The process of converting a measurement from one unit to another, ensuring calculations incorporate significant figures.

Volume calculation in mL

A calculation that requires converting dosages based on concentrations, ensuring the answer is expressed to the correct number of significant figures.

Significant figures in scientific notation

In scientific notation, all digits in the coefficient are counted as significant figures.

Importance of significant figures

They are crucial in scientific calculations to ensure the precision of measurements is accurately represented.