Significant Figures and Measurement Rules

Professor Dave explains the importance of measurement and the concept of significant figures (sig figs) in ensuring precision. He discusses the rules for identifying significant figures in numbers and how to handle them in calculations. The tutorial emphasizes the need to match the precision of measurements with the capabilities of measuring instruments and provides guidelines for rounding results in mathematical operations.

Why is it important to not make an estimate more precise than our measuring abilities allow?

• It makes the data look more impressive.

• It can lead to incorrect scientific conclusions.

• It helps in making better predictions.

• It is a requirement by law.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which of the following digits is always considered significant?

• Trailing zeros without a decimal point

• Any non-zero digit

• Zeros between non-zero digits

• Leading zeros

Which of the following is NOT a rule for determining significant figures?

• Trailing zeros are significant if they are decimal zeros.

• Zeros between non-zero digits are significant.

• Leading zeros are significant.

• Any non-zero digit is significant.

What is the significance of trailing zeros in a number?

• They are significant only if they are decimal zeros.

• They are significant only if they come before a non-zero digit.

• They are never significant.

• They are always significant.

If a crowd is estimated to be 10,000 people, what is the range of possible actual values?

• 9,500 to 10,499

• 9,000 to 11,000

• 10,000 to 10,999

• 9,800 to 10,200

When adding or subtracting values, how do you determine the number of decimal places in the result?

• By the value with the most decimal places

• By the average number of decimal places

• By the total number of decimal places in all values

• By the value with the least decimal places

In multiplication or division, how do you determine the number of significant figures in the result?

• By the value with the least significant figures

• By the average number of significant figures

• By the total number of significant figures in all values

• By the value with the most significant figures

What should you do if the digit to be rounded is 5 or higher?

• Leave it as it is

• Add 2 to the digit

• Round down

• Round up

What should you do if the digit to be rounded is 4 or below?

• Subtract 2 from the digit

• Round up

• Round down

• Leave it as it is

Why is it important to follow the rules of significant figures in calculations?

• To make the results look more accurate.

• To ensure the precision of the results matches the precision of the measurements.

• To comply with mathematical standards.

• To make the calculations easier.