Understanding Significant Figures

Front

What is the golden rule for rounding when dealing with measurements?

Back

Round to the least number of significant figures in any of the numbers.

Front

What is the main difference between counted and measured quantities?

Back

Counted quantities are always exact, while measured quantities are not.

Front

How many significant figures should you use when multiplying 2.5 by 3.42?

Back

2 significant figures.

Front

What is a reasonable estimate of the volume of a liquid if the meniscus settles between the 21.6 mL and 21.7 mL marks?

Back

21.68 mL.

Front

Find a number with exactly three significant figures.

Back

45.0.

Front

What are significant figures?

Back

Digits in a number that contribute to its precision, including all non-zero digits, zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal part.

Front

Why is it important to use significant figures in calculations?

Back

To accurately represent the precision of measurements and avoid misleading results.

Front

What is the difference between exact numbers and measured numbers?

Back

Exact numbers have infinite significant figures (e.g., counted items), while measured numbers have a limited number of significant figures based on measurement precision.

Front

How do you determine the number of significant figures in a number like 0.0045?

Back

There are 2 significant figures (4 and 5). Leading zeros are not counted.

Front

What is the significance of trailing zeros in a number like 450.0?

Back

Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant; thus, 450.0 has 4 significant figures.