Zeros in sig figs
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Zeros in sig figs
I'm confused about when to count the zeros as significant figures and when not to. Can somebody please explain this concept to me? Thank you!
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Re: Zeros in sig figs
Hi! So you count zeros when there's a decimal point after for example in 280. there are 3 sig figs. If you have a number like 0.0005 where the zeros are after the decimal point you only have one sig fig. if you have a number with zeros in the middle you would count them for example 34.008 that is 5 sig figs.
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Re: Zeros in sig figs
For significant figures:
-zeros between two significant figures are significant (8009 has 4 sig figs)
-zeros before a decimal point are significant (250. has 3 sig figs but 250 has 2)
-trailing zeros after a decimal point are significant (0.0080 has 2 sig figs but 0.008 has 1)
-zeros between two significant figures are significant (8009 has 4 sig figs)
-zeros before a decimal point are significant (250. has 3 sig figs but 250 has 2)
-trailing zeros after a decimal point are significant (0.0080 has 2 sig figs but 0.008 has 1)
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Re: Zeros in sig figs
If you'd like, Dr. Lavelle also put up a great resource that explains how to use Sig Figs. It's super comprehensive and it walks you through all the rules (even the weird ones, like the ones about zeros) kind of painlessly! I'll link it below! There is also another one that is more of a formula sheet, but I found this one more helpful.
https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-conten ... ussion.pdf
https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-conten ... ussion.pdf
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Re: Zeros in sig figs
The best way to determine what zeros are included is to put the number in scientific notion and from there you will be able to determine the correct sig figs with the zeros. i.e. 0.000500 --> 5.00*10^-4 Thus, in my example there are 3 sig figs which is clear in scientific notation.
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