Reading measurements correctly using sig figs

Front

What are significant figures (sig figs)?

Back

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision, including 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 purpose of using significant figures in measurements?

Back

To convey the precision of a measurement and to avoid implying a false level of accuracy.

Front

What is the difference between accuracy and precision?

Back

Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision refers to how consistent repeated measurements are.

Front

When measuring with a ruler, how many decimal places should you estimate?

Back

You should estimate one additional decimal place beyond the smallest division on the ruler.

Front

What is the correct way to express the measurement 8.50 mL in terms of significant figures?

Back

8.50 mL has three significant figures, indicating that the measurement is precise to the hundredths place.

Front

If a measurement is recorded as 0.00456 m, how many significant figures does it have?

Back

0.00456 m has three significant figures.

Front

What is the significance of trailing zeros in a measurement?

Back

Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant because they indicate precision, while trailing zeros in a whole number without a decimal point are not.

Front

How do you round a number to the correct number of significant figures?

Back

Look at the digit immediately after the last significant figure you want to keep. If it's 5 or greater, round up; if it's less than 5, leave it as is.

Front

What is the significance of the measurement 8.4 mL compared to 8.40 mL?

Back

8.4 mL has two significant figures, while 8.40 mL has three significant figures, indicating a higher precision.