Open Question
If a measured quantity is written correctly, which digits are certain?
1. Intro to General Chemistry
Significant Figures: Precision in Measurements
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If the prototype solution and the thiocyanate solution molarities are known to 3 significant figures, to how many significant figures are all of the calculated values known?
A
4 significant figures
B
3 significant figures
C
1 significant figure
D
2 significant figures
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of 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 any trailing zeros in the decimal portion.
Identify the number of significant figures in the given molarities: Since the problem states that the molarities are known to 3 significant figures, this means each molarity value has 3 digits that are considered significant.
Apply the rules for significant figures in calculations: When performing calculations, the number of significant figures in the result is determined by the measurement with the least number of significant figures. In this case, both molarities have 3 significant figures.
Determine the significant figures in the calculated values: Since the molarities are known to 3 significant figures, any calculated values derived from these molarities will also be known to 3 significant figures.
Conclude the number of significant figures in the calculated values: Based on the rules of significant figures, all calculated values will be known to 3 significant figures, as this is the least number of significant figures in the given data.
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