Significant Figures and Measurement

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 scientific measurements?

Back

Significant figures indicate the precision of a measurement and help communicate the uncertainty in the data.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 1014?

Back

4 significant figures.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 0.002040?

Back

4 significant figures.

Front

What is the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder that reads 24.0 mL?

Back

The volume is 24.0 mL, which has 3 significant figures.

Front

How many significant figures does the measurement 10.0 grams have?

Back

3 significant figures.

Front

Which of the following has three significant figures: 1014 miles, 101 feet, 1000 yards?

Back

101 feet has three significant figures.

Front

What is the most appropriate reading for a graduated cylinder that shows between 6.3 mL and 6.4 mL?

Back

6.31 mL is the most appropriate reading.

Front

What is the rule for adding and subtracting numbers with significant figures?

Back

The result should be rounded to the least number of decimal places of any number in the operation.