Significant Figures and Measurements Flashcards
Accuracy
Refers to the closeness of measurements to the correct or accepted value of the quantity measured
Precision
Refers to the closeness of a set of measurements of the same quantity made in the same way
Meniscus
The curve in measuring, where you always measure from
Quantities VS. Units
What we measure VS. how we measure
Balances
Measures in grams, the last estimated digit is already given
Graduated Cylinder
Measures in milliliters, called graduated because it uses graduated lines
Thermometer
Measures in celsius, in electronic thermometers the last estimated digit is already given
Percent Error Formula
Experimental value - accepted value/accepted value = x100
Precision VS. Smallest Mark
Includes your estimate VS. what the instrument measured
Sig Fig Rule One
All non-zero digits are sig
Sig Fig Rule Two
Sandwiched zeros are sig
Sig Fig Rule Three
Leading/placeholder zeros (zeros to the left) are not sig
Sig Fig Rule Four
Trailing zeros (zeros that come after last sig fig) count if a decimal is present
Sig Fig Rule Five
Exact numbers may be thought of as having infinite sig figs
Addition and Subtraction with Sig Figs
If the decimal is rounded to the ones, include a decimal place but no zero after
Placeholder Zeros
Not significant when it comes to the certainty of a measurement, so can not be certain or estimated digit in a measurement
Exact Numbers
No uncertainty in the value, counted or defined like conversion factors
When a Number in Scientific Notation is Changed to Expanded
None of the added zeros are sig
When a Number in Scientific Notation Contains a Significant Zero
The zero is sig
Scientific Notation Exponents
Positive exponents mean move to right
When You Divide With Units Squared
The units and squares go away
Leading Zeros
Do not use past decimal place is not needed
In Scientific Notation
All coefficient numbers are sig
A Line Over a Zero
Indicates that it is the last sig
Rounding to Sig Figs
Round like normally
Adding and Subtracting
Decimals in answer equal least decimals in equation
Multiplying and Dividing
Sig figs in answer equal least sig figs in equation
Negative Exponent in Scientific Notation
Number smaller than one
