Unit 1.4 Significant Figures

Question 1

What are the sig fig rules?

Answer 1

– Nonzero #s are sig
– Zeroes between nonzero #s are sig
– A zero to the left of other #s is not sig
– A zero to the right of other #s is sig IF there’s a decimal
– A zero to the right of other #s without decimals is not sig
– A zero with a bar over it is sig
– A zero to the right of the decimal + #s is sig
– # of sig figs don’t change when converting from standard notation to scientific notation

Question 2

What is the rule for adding + subtracting measured data?

Answer 2

The answers(s) must have the same number of decimal places as the least certain number used in the problem. May require some rounding off.

Question 3

How to deal with calculating exponents?

Answer 3

Change smaller exponents to match the largest exponent, and adjust the numbers accordingly.

Question 4

What is the rule for multiplying + dividing measured data?

Answer 4

The answer(s) must have the same number of sig figs as the number used in the problem with the least amount of sig figs

Question 5

What is the formula for density?

Answer 5

Mass / Volume

Question 6

Solve 5 cm * 5 cm

Answer 6

30 cm^2

Question 7

Solve 150.0 m * 4.00 m

Answer 7

600. m^2