How to Write Out Final Answers

[Kallista McCarty 1C]

From the example in class today, we found the initial volume of 9.87 x 10^-3 L. Are we able to leave that as our answer or does it need to be converted to 9.87 mL to receive credit?

[Paul Hage 2G]

We can leave the answer as 9.87 x 10^-3 L if the question asks for a volume calculation; however, for lab purposes, you would say 9.87 mL rather than 9.87 x 10^-3 L due to practicality in measuring out the actual volume in a flask.

[ALegala_2I]

Both 9.87 mL and 9.87 x 10^-3 L have the same value. Regardless of how it is written, the amount that would be measured for the actual experiment would be the same. If the question asks you for the volume in a specific measurement then you would have to choose one or the other.

[Grecia Velasco 1G]

Dr. Lavelle said you can keep it in scientific notation for exams/notes. Just make sure that you convert it in labs because asking for an amount of reactant in scientific notation doesn't seem effective in a lab scenario.

[VioletKo3F]

Also, make sure to pay attention for the sig figs in the questions. Although they're small points, he still looks for them in final answers.

[selatran1h]

If not specified, it is fine to leave the answer in scientific notation as in liters with the correct amount of significant figures. However, for the sake of an experiment, it would be optimal to convert it to milliliters, as it is easier to measure and will thus minimize experimental error.