Significant Figures and Rounding Rules

Vocabulary flashcards covering significant figures, scientific notation, exact numbers, and rounding rules based on the provided chemistry/physics lecture notes.

Role of Powers of 10

Powers of 10 play no role in determining the number of significant figures in a measurement.

Exact Numbers

Counting results (numbers without units) and natural constants (such as 4 or $\pi$) that are considered to have an infinite number of significant figures.

Rounding Rule for Digits Less Than 5

If the digit being dropped is smaller than 5, the preceding digit remains unchanged (for example, $123,4\,kg$ rounded to 3 significant figures becomes $123\,kg$, and $1,591\,m$ becomes $1,59\,m$).

Rounding Rule for Digits Greater Than 5

If the digit being dropped is greater than 5, the preceding digit increases by one unit (for example, $123,6\,kg$ rounded to 3 significant figures becomes $124\,kg$, and $1,599\,m$ becomes $1,60\,m$).

Significant Figures of $0,03 \times 10^{-5}\,g$

Contains 1 significant figure.

Significant Figures of $1,50 \times 10^3\,m^3$

Contains 3 significant figures.

Significant Figures of $28,34 \times 10^2\,K$

Contains 4 significant figures.