What is the difference in mass between a nickel that weighs 4.8 g and a nickel that weighs 4.8673 g?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the masses of the two nickels: 4.8 g and 4.8673 g.
2. Set up the subtraction to find the difference in mass: 4.8673 g - 4.8 g.
3. Align the decimal points to ensure accurate subtraction.
4. Perform the subtraction, keeping track of significant figures.
5. The result will give you the difference in mass between the two nickels.

Key Concepts

Mass Measurement

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, typically expressed in grams. In this context, the mass of the nickels is given in grams, which allows for direct comparison. Understanding how mass is measured and the significance of precision in measurements is crucial for accurately determining differences in mass.

Significant Figures

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. When performing calculations involving measurements, it is important to consider the number of significant figures to ensure that the result reflects the precision of the measurements. In this case, the difference in mass should be reported with the appropriate number of significant figures based on the least precise measurement.

Subtraction of Measurements

When calculating the difference between two measurements, the process involves simple subtraction. However, the result must be reported with the same level of precision as the measurement with the least number of decimal places. This concept is essential for ensuring that the final answer accurately reflects the precision of the original measurements.