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Significant figures - Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Video Lecture - Class 11

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FAQs on Significant figures - Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Video Lecture - Class 11

1. What are significant figures in chemistry and why are they important?
Ans. Significant figures in chemistry are digits that represent the precision or accuracy of a measured or calculated value. They are used to ensure that the reported value reflects the limitations of the measuring instrument or the data used in calculations. Significant figures are important because they convey the reliability and precision of a measurement or calculation result.
2. How do you determine the number of significant figures in a given value?
Ans. To determine the number of significant figures in a value, follow these rules: - All non-zero digits are significant. - Zeros between non-zero digits are significant. - Leading zeros (zeros to the left of the first non-zero digit) are not significant. - Trailing zeros (zeros to the right of the last non-zero digit) are significant if there is a decimal point present. - Trailing zeros without a decimal point are not significant.
3. Can you give an example of how significant figures are applied in chemistry calculations?
Ans. Sure! Let's consider the calculation of the average mass of a sample. If we have three masses: 12.0 g, 10.5 g, and 9.83 g, we would add these values together and divide by the number of masses. The result would be 10.11 g. Since the original masses had different numbers of significant figures (3, 3, and 4 respectively), the final answer should be rounded to the least number of significant figures, which is 3. Therefore, the average mass would be reported as 10.1 g.
4. How do significant figures affect multiplication and division calculations?
Ans. In multiplication and division calculations, the final answer should be rounded to the least number of significant figures among the values being multiplied or divided. For example, if you multiply 2.4 cm by 3.57 cm, the answer would be 8.568 cm^2. However, since the original values have three and four significant figures respectively, the final answer should be rounded to three significant figures, resulting in 8.57 cm^2.
5. What should be done when performing addition or subtraction calculations with significant figures?
Ans. In addition and subtraction calculations, the final answer should be rounded to the least number of decimal places among the values being added or subtracted. For example, if you add 4.23 g and 1.007 g, the answer would be 5.237 g. Since the original values have two and three decimal places respectively, the final answer should be rounded to two decimal places, resulting in 5.24 g.
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