Understanding Significant Figures and Precision

What is the primary purpose of significant figures in scientific measurements?

• To make calculations easier

• To simplify data

• To convert units

• To indicate the precision of measurements

When measuring with a tool, what does the estimated digit represent?

• The average of previous measurements

• An approximation between known marks

• A random guess

• The exact value

Which of the following is true about captured zeros?

• They are significant when between non-zero digits

• They are always insignificant

• They are only significant at the end of a number

• They are significant only if followed by a decimal

What is the significance of a trailing zero in a number with a decimal point?

• It is significant only if it precedes a non-zero digit

• It is significant only if it is the last digit

• It is always insignificant

• It is significant if it follows a non-zero digit

How do you determine the number of significant figures in a number like 0.0070?

• Count all digits

• Count only non-zero digits

• Count non-zero digits and zeros between them

• Count non-zero digits and trailing zeros after a decimal

How should you handle significant figures when multiplying two numbers?

• Use the number with the least significant figures

• Add the significant figures of both numbers

• Ignore significant figures

• Use the number with the most significant figures

In addition and subtraction, how do you determine the number of decimal places in the result?

• By the number with the most decimal places

• By the number with the least decimal places

• By the total number of digits

• By averaging the decimal places

What is the rule for rounding when the digit to be removed is exactly 5?

• Round up if the preceding digit is odd

• Always round down

• Round down if the preceding digit is even

• Always round up

What does accuracy refer to in scientific measurements?

• The number of significant figures used

• The closeness of measurements to the true value

• The precision of the measuring instrument

• The closeness of measurements to each other

Which scenario describes a precise but not accurate set of measurements?

• Measurements are close to each other but far from the true value

• Measurements are scattered but average to the true value

• Measurements are both close to each other and the true value

• Measurements are neither close to each other nor the true value