Significant Figures

Question 1

to increase accuracy, measurements are always recorded as:

Answer 1

known digits + 1 estimated digit, 534.2 = 534 is known, .2 is estimated

Question 4

all ________ digits are significant

Answer 4

non-zero, ex. 57 = 2 sig figs

Question 7

all zeros __________ non-zero digits are significant

Answer 7

between, ex. 304 = 3 sig figs

Question 10

zeros that place (go before) the decimal point are:

Answer 10

NOT significant, ex. 0.49 = 2 sig figs

Question 13

zeros to the right of non-zero digits are:

Answer 13

NOT significant, ex. 5300 = 2 sig figs

Question 16

EXCEPTION: if there is a decimal at the end or a bar over the last zero, zeros to the right of non-zero digits are considered:

Answer 16

significant, ex. 5300. = 4 sig figs

Question 19

all zeros to the right of a decimal point, but to the left of a non-zero digit are:

Answer 19

NOT significant, ex. 0.0138 = 3 sig figs

Question 22

all zeros to the right of a decimal point AND after a non-zero digit are:

Answer 22

significant, ex. 0.0800 = 3 sig figs, ex. 20.00 = 4 sig figs

Question 26

most precise numbers have

Answer 26

most number of sig figs

Question 28

atlantic pacific rule

Answer 28

If decimal points are present, ignore zero’s on Pacific (left) side (ex. 0.03100 = 4 sig figs). If decimal points are absent, ignore zero’s on Atlantic (right) side (ex. 31400 = 3 sig figs).