(a) How many significant figures should be reported for the volume of the metal bar shown here?

Verified step by step guidance

1. <Understand the concept of significant figures: Significant figures are the digits in a measurement that are known with certainty plus one final digit, which is somewhat uncertain or estimated.>
2. <Identify the measurement given: Look at the measurement provided for the volume of the metal bar.>
3. <Determine the precision of the measurement: Check the measuring instrument or the context in which the measurement was taken to understand its precision.>
4. <Count the significant figures: Based on the precision, count all the certain digits and the first uncertain digit in the measurement.>
5. <Report the number of significant figures: State the number of significant figures that should be reported for the volume of the metal bar based on your count.>

Key Concepts

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 in the decimal portion. Understanding how to identify significant figures is crucial for accurately reporting measurements in scientific contexts.

Measurement Precision

Measurement precision refers to the degree of reproducibility or consistency of a measurement. It is influenced by the measuring instrument's limitations and the method used. In chemistry, reporting the correct number of significant figures reflects the precision of the measurement and the reliability of the data.

Rounding Rules

Rounding rules dictate how to adjust numbers to reflect the correct number of significant figures. When a measurement is taken, if the last significant figure is followed by a digit of 5 or greater, the last significant figure is increased by one. Understanding these rules is essential for ensuring that reported values are both accurate and appropriately precise.