Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement

Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 14th Edition

Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232Not the one you use?Change textbook

Brown 14th Edition

Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement

Problem 45e

Chapter 1, Problem 45e

What is the number of significant figures in each of the following measured quantities? (e) 92.03 km

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Identify the rules for determining significant figures: All non-zero digits are significant, any zeros between significant digits are significant, and trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant.

Examine the number 92.03 km.

Identify the non-zero digits: 9, 2, and 3. These are all significant.

Identify any zeros between significant digits: The zero between 2 and 3 is significant because it is between two non-zero digits.

Count all the significant digits: 9, 2, 0, and 3.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Significant Figures

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. Understanding significant figures is crucial for accurately reporting measurements and ensuring that calculations reflect the precision of the data.

Rules for Counting Significant Figures

There are specific rules for determining the number of significant figures in a measurement. Non-zero digits are always significant, zeros between significant digits are significant, and leading zeros are not. Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant, while those in a whole number without a decimal point are not. These rules help in identifying the precision of a measurement.

Measurement Precision

Measurement precision refers to the degree of reproducibility or consistency of a measurement. It is influenced by the measuring instrument and the method used. In the context of significant figures, precision is indicated by the number of significant figures in a measurement, which reflects the certainty of the value reported.

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Significant Figures Precision

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Indicate the number of significant figures in each of the following measured quantities: (e) 89.2 metr ic tons

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Indicate which of the following are exact numbers: (a) the mass of a 32-oz can of coffee, (b) the number of students in your chemistry class, (c) the temperature of the surface of the Sun, (d) the mass of a postage stamp, (e) the number of milliliters in a cubic meter of water, (f) the average height of NBA basketball players.

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Round each of the following numbers to four significant figures and express the result in standard exponential notation: (e) −0.0357202.

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Textbook Question

Round each of the following numbers to four significant figures and express the result in standard exponential notation: (a) 102.53070

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