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Significant figures Video Lecture - Class 12

FAQs on Significant figures Video Lecture - Class 12

1. What are significant figures and why are they important in scientific calculations?
Ans. Significant figures are the digits in a number that carry meaning and contribute to its precision. They indicate the accuracy of a measurement or calculation. Significant figures are important in scientific calculations because they help maintain the correct level of precision and prevent misleading results. They ensure that the final answer reflects the uncertainty or limitations of the data used.
2. How do you determine the number of significant figures in a given number?
Ans. To determine the number of significant figures in a number, follow these rules: 1. Non-zero digits are always significant. 2. Zeros between non-zero digits are also significant. 3. Leading zeros (zeros before the first non-zero digit) are not significant. 4. Trailing zeros (zeros after the last non-zero digit and to the right of the decimal point) are significant. 5. Placeholder zeros (zeros used to locate the decimal point) are not significant unless there is a decimal point present.
3. What are the rules for rounding off numbers to the correct number of significant figures?
Ans. The rules for rounding off numbers to the correct number of significant figures are as follows: 1. If the digit to be removed is less than 5, simply drop it and all the digits to its right. 2. If the digit to be removed is 5 or greater, round up the preceding digit by increasing it by one. 3. If the digit to be removed is 5 and followed by non-zero digits, round up the preceding digit if it is odd and leave it unchanged if it is even. 4. When rounding off to a specific number of significant figures, count from the left and round the last significant figure based on the above rules.
4. How are significant figures applied in mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division?
Ans. When performing mathematical operations involving significant figures: 1. Addition and subtraction: The final result should be rounded to the same decimal place as the number with the least number of decimal places. 2. Multiplication and division: The final result should be rounded to the same number of significant figures as the number with the least number of significant figures.
5. Can you provide an example of applying significant figures in calculations?
Ans. Sure! Let's consider the following example: If we have to calculate the area of a rectangle with a length of 5.23 cm and a width of 3.4 cm, the formula is A = length x width. Multiplying the length (5.23 cm) and the width (3.4 cm), we get 17.762 cm^2. Since the width has only two significant figures, the final answer should also have two significant figures. Therefore, the rounded off area would be 18 cm^2.
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