Sig Figs and Measurement

Front

What are significant figures (sig figs)?

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 sig figs 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

Which of the following has 3 significant figures: 200 mL, 20.0 mL, 0.02 mL, 0.020 mL?

Back

20.0 mL has 3 significant figures.

Front

Round 1009 to three significant figures.

Back

1010

Front

When adding or subtracting, how do you determine the number of sig figs in the result?

Back

The result should have the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the least decimal places.

Front

Solve and round to correct sig figs: 4.5 + 4.32.

Back

8.8

Front

What is the volume of the purple liquid using correct sig figs: 8.4 mL, 8.5 mL, 8.43 mL, 8.50 mL?

Back

8.43 mL

Front

When multiplying or dividing, how do you determine the number of sig figs in the result?

Back

The result should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the least significant figures.

Front

Calculate 12.47 m ÷ 3.2 s and give your answer with the correct number of significant figures.

Back

3.9 m/s

Front

What is the significance of trailing zeros in a decimal number?

Back

Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant because they indicate precision.