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Significant Figures
Significant Figures
Leading zeros are zeros that precede all the nonzero digits.
0.0025 2 s.f.
These do not count as significant figures.
1008 4 s.f
Captive zeros are zeros between nonzero digits. These always
count as significant figures. 1.008 4 s.f.
100 1 s.f.
Trailing zeros are zeros at the right end of the number. In
1.00 3 s.f.
general assume they are significant only if the number contains
a decimal point or they are specified as significant in the 100. 3 s.f.
question.
102. 3 s.f.
10 trials
Exact numbers are not obtained using measuring devices but
8 molecules
are determined by counting or definition (like conversion infinite
factors) and do not impact the number of significant figures in s.f.
1 g = 100 cg
the result of a calculation.
1 in = 2.54 cm
2.55 has
Antilogarithms; pH. Conversely,
two
when you take the antilogarithm of a
decimal
number, the result should have the
The [𝐻 + ] in a solution with a pH of 2.55: places, so
same number of significant figures
2.8 is
as the number of significant decimal
[𝐻 + ] = 10 − 2.55 = 2.8 × 10 − 3 reported
places in the principal value. For
to two
example, antilog 0.0334 (3 s.f. to the
significant
right of the decimal) = 1.08 (3 s.f.).
figures.