Multiple Choice
Which of the following measurements has the greatest precision?
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1. Intro to General Chemistry
Significant Figures: Precision in Measurements
Multiple Choice
Read the length of the pencil to the correct number of significant figures.
A
8.0 cm
B
8.000 cm
C
9 cm
D
9.0 cm
E
9.00 cm
Verified step by step guidance1
Observe the ruler and the pencil length carefully. The pencil's tip aligns just past the 9 cm mark on the ruler.
Identify the smallest division on the ruler, which is 1 mm (0.1 cm). This means you can estimate the length to the nearest 0.01 cm for precision.
Estimate the pencil length by noting how far it extends beyond the 9 cm mark. It appears to be about 0.00 cm beyond 9 cm, but with some uncertainty in the last digit.
Determine the number of significant figures based on the precision of the measurement. Since the ruler allows estimation to the hundredths place, the length should be recorded with three significant figures.
Write the length of the pencil as 9.00 cm, indicating the measurement is precise to the hundredths place and includes two decimal places, reflecting the significant figures.
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