Significant Figures Show the Uncertainty in Measured Data Review - Significant Figures Significant Figures Show the Uncertainty in Measured Data Measured data is written to convey 2 things! the magnitude of the measurement the extent of its reliability Worker #1 reports a mass of 12 g Worker #2 reports a mass of 12.0142 g 12 g means 12 ± 1 g 12.0142 g means 12.0142 ±0.0001 g 12 g has 2 significant figures. 12.0142 g has 6 significant figures. 12.0142 g is the more precise (certain, reliable) number The more significant figures a measurement has, the more precise (certain) it is.

Types of Numbers (Data) Exact numbers (data) obtained from counting (e.g. 24 computers) some conversions (e.g. 2.54 cm = 1 inch, exactly) Inexact most measured data Significant figures apply to inexact numbers!

Significant Figures Leading zeros are never significant. Imbedded zeros are always significant. Trailing zeros are significant only if the decimal point is specified. Hint: Change the number to scientific notation. It is easier to see.

Measured Values: Accuracy vs. Precision accurate and precise precise but not accurate accurate but not precise Accuracy is how close your measured value is to the right value (can be shown by % error). Precision is how well you can reproduce your measurement (can be shown by standard deviation). Sig Figs indicate precision.

Making Measurements in the Lab: Recording Thermometer Data to the Correct Number of Significant Figures 23°C 23°C The number of SFs in a measured value is equal to the number of known digits plus one uncertain digit. 22°C 22°C 21°C 21°C you record 21.6°C you record 21.68°C

Making Measurements in the Lab: Recording Volumetric Data to the Correct Number of Significant Figures - Glassware with Graduations Example B Example A 1. If the glassware is marked every 10 mLs, the volume you record should be in mLs. (Example A) 2. If the glassware is marked every 1 mL, the volume you record should be in tenths of mLs. 3. If the glassware is marked every 0.1 mL, the volume you record should be in hundredths of mLs. (Example B) 0 mL 30 mL 20 mL 1 mL 10 mL 30-mL beaker: the volume you write in your lab report should be 13 mL 2 mL Buret marked in 0.1 mL: you record volume as 0.67 mL

Review - Significant Figures Making Measurements in the Lab: Recording Volumetric Data to the Correct Number of Significant Figures - Volumetric Glassware Look on the glassware for written indication of the precision of the volumetric flask or pipet. On this volumetric flask is written 500mL ± 0.2 mL. You would record the volume of the liquid in this flask as 500.0 mL

Making Measurements in the Lab: Recording Masses to the Correct Number of Significant Figures This one is easy: record EVERY number (especially zeros) that appears on the display of the electronic balance. Trailing zeros MUST be recorded.

How to Count Significant Figures All nonzero digits are significant (1.23 has 3 SFs). All zeros between nonzero digits are significant (1.003 has 4 SFs). Leading zeros are NEVER significant (0.01 has 1 SF). Trailing zeros AFTER THE DECIMAL POINT are significant (0.0780 has 3 SFs). Trailing zeros that are before the decimal point are ambiguous (100 has 1,2, or 3 SFs). If possible, use scientific notation to eliminate the ambiguity.

Scientific Notation An unambiguous way to show the number of significant figures (SFs) in your data Numbers are written as the product of a number greater than or equal to 1 and less than 10 and a power of 10 Measurement in scientific notation #SFs 186282 mi/s 0.0051900 m 512.1 x 101 g 1.86282 x 105 mi/s 5.1900 x 10-3 m 5.121 x 103 g 6 5 4

Maintain the Correct Number of SFs Multiplying or Dividing Measured Data The answer contains the same number of SFs as the measurement with the fewest SFs. 25.2 x 6.1 = 153.72 (on my calculator) = 1.5 x 102 (correct answer) 25.2 ------------ = 7.3122535 (on my calculator) 3.44627 = 7.31 (correct answer) (6.626 x 10-34)(3 x 108) ------------------------------- = 3.06759 x 10-2 (on my calculator) 6.48 x 10-24 = 0.03 (correct answer)

Maintain the Correct Number of SFs When Performing Calculations Involving Measured Data Addition/Subtraction: The answer contains the same number of digits to the right of the decimal as that of the measurement with the fewest number of decimal places. 3.14159 + 25.2 28.34159 28.3 (correct answer) 3 SFs 33.14159 - 33.04 0.10159 0.10 (correct answer) 2 SFs Calculators do NOT know these rules. It’s up to you to apply them!