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Periodic Table Sig Figs

Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 1:19 am
by Michelle Wang 4I
Is there a particular number of sig figs that we should be using when looking at the periodic table? For example, should we use 16.00 or 15.999 as the atomic mass of oxygen? I know that the difference is slight but I'm just wondering.

Re: Periodic Table Sig Figs

Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 1:23 am
by Chem_Mod
On any exams, a periodic table will be provided. Use whatever number is given on that periodic table.

Re: Periodic Table Sig Figs

Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 11:37 pm
by janessadai 1F
But in that case, does the number of sig fig for the final answer depend on what is provided in the question or the number of sig fig in the periodic table?

Re: Periodic Table Sig Figs

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 10:59 am
by Andrewwiner4D
I would wait to round till you get to the final answer. Use the extended version for calculations but then correct at the end for sig figs.

Re: Periodic Table Sig Figs

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 12:24 pm
by Ian Marquez 2K
During the lecture today, Professor Lavelle stated that for computing and converting to moles or grams, just use the significant figures for the molar masses provided to you by the given periodic table. At the end of the problem, proceed to include the necessary significant figures. Basically, this all depends on the significant figures given by the periodic table at hand.