Significant Figures and Measurement Uncertainty

The video tutorial introduces the concept of measurements in science, distinguishing between exact and inexact numbers. It explains the importance of estimating the last digit in measurements using tools like balances and graduated cylinders. The tutorial covers significant figures, their rules, and how they indicate precision and certainty. It also discusses using scientific notation to express significant figures and the rules for performing calculations while maintaining the correct number of significant figures.

What is the main reason measurements in science are considered inexact?

• Due to the large scale of measurements in science

• Due to limitations of scientific tools and human error

• Because they are always rounded to the nearest whole number

• Because they are always estimated by scientists

When using a balance to measure mass, what should you do?

• Ignore the last digit

• Estimate the last digit yourself

• Round the measurement to the nearest whole number

• Record exactly what you see on the screen

What is the term used to describe all numbers in a measurement, including the last estimated digit?

• Measurement units

• Exact numbers

• Significant figures

• Decimal places

How many significant figures are in the number 12.53?

• 4

• 2

• 3

• 5

Which of the following rules is correct regarding zeros at the beginning of a number?

• They are always significant

• They are significant only if they are between nonzero digits

• They are never significant

• They are significant only if there is a decimal point

In scientific notation, how would you write 8,000 with four significant figures?

• 8.000 x 10^3

• 8.00 x 10^3

• 8.0 x 10^3

• 8 x 10^3

What is the rule for determining the number of significant figures in a result when multiplying or dividing?

• The result should have the same number of significant figures as the least precise measurement

• The result should have the same number of significant figures as the most precise measurement

• The result should have the same number of decimal places as the most precise measurement

• The result should have the same number of decimal places as the least precise measurement

When adding or subtracting measurements, what should you consider?

• The number of decimal places in the least precise measurement

• The number of significant figures in each measurement

• The number of significant figures in the most precise measurement

• The total number of digits in each measurement

If you have 5 students in a class, how many significant figures does this number have?

• 2

• Infinite

• 5

• 1

What is the correct way to round the number 5.19917 to three significant figures?

• 5.2

• 5.199

• 5.20

• 5.19