Significant Figures

Front

What are significant figures?

Back

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion.

Front

How do you determine the number of significant figures in a measurement?

Back

Count all non-zero digits, any zeros between them, and trailing zeros in a decimal number. Leading zeros are not counted.

Front

What is the significance of significant figures in calculations?

Back

Significant figures indicate the precision of measurements and ensure that calculations reflect the certainty of the data used.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 0.00456?

Back

3 significant figures (4, 5, and 6 are significant; leading zeros are not counted).

Front

Calculate 150.0 g + 0.005 g and give your answer with the correct number of significant figures.

Back

150.0 g (the answer is 150.0 g, as the least precise measurement has four significant figures).

Front

Which of the following has the most significant figures: 0.00340, 340, or 3.40?

Back

3.40 (it has 3 significant figures, while the others have 3 and 2 respectively).

Front

What is the rule for multiplication and division regarding significant figures?

Back

The result should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the least number of significant figures.

Front

Calculate 6.02 x 10^23 x 2.0 and give your answer with the correct number of significant figures.

Back

1.2 x 10^24 (the answer is rounded to 2 significant figures, based on the 2.0).

Front

How many significant figures are in the measurement 0.0600 m?

Back

3 significant figures (the zeros after the 6 are significant because they are trailing zeros in a decimal).

Front

Which of the following numbers has four significant figures: 0.004500, 4500, or 4500.0?

Back

0.004500 (it has 4 significant figures; the zeros before the 4 are not counted, but the trailing zeros are).