Ch.1 - Chemical Tools: Experimentation & Measurement

McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook

McMurry 8th Edition

Ch.1 - Chemical Tools: Experimentation & Measurement

Problem 11

Chapter 1, Problem 11

Report the reading on the buret to the correct number of significant figures. (LO 1.15) (a) 1 mL (b) 1.4 mL (c) 1.40 mL (d) 1.400 mL

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Understand that the number of significant figures in a measurement reflects the precision of the instrument used.

A buret typically allows for readings to the nearest 0.01 mL, indicating that the measurement should have two decimal places.

Examine each option to determine which one reflects the correct number of significant figures for a buret reading.

Option (a) '1 mL' has only one significant figure, which is not precise enough for a buret.

Option (b) '1.4 mL' has two significant figures, but only one decimal place, which is not precise enough for a buret.

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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 only when there is a decimal point. Understanding significant figures is crucial for accurately reporting measurements in scientific contexts, as they reflect the precision of the measuring instrument.

Measurement Precision

Measurement precision refers to the degree of reproducibility or consistency of a set of measurements. It is influenced by the measuring instrument's capability and the method used. In chemistry, reporting measurements with the correct number of significant figures ensures that the precision of the measurement is communicated effectively, which is vital for experimental accuracy.

Rounding Rules

Rounding rules dictate how to adjust numbers to reflect the correct number of significant figures. When rounding, if the digit to the right of the last significant figure is less than 5, the last significant figure remains unchanged; if it is 5 or greater, the last significant figure is increased by one. Applying these rules correctly is essential for maintaining the integrity of reported measurements.

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