Sig Figs for electron shells
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Sig Figs for electron shells
For electron shells, can we assume that each quantity has "infinite" sig figs (e.g. 2.000000...) because we know that shells can only be whole numbers? So in a problem, we should base the number of sig figs off of the value we are given for the wavelength/ frequency etc.?
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Re: Sig Figs for electron shells
I suppose that we can think of it that way. If the problem provided a value for frequency or wavelength, then you would base your significant figures on that.
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Re: Sig Figs for electron shells
Yes I agree with the previous post, you should base your sig figs off of the wavelength/frequency given in the question since electron shells can only have whole numbers.
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Re: Sig Figs for electron shells
I think you can just add "Because electron shells are integers, the number is ...".
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Re: Sig Figs for electron shells
I think you have it down right: in general, I use other values in my calculations to determine sig figs. And I remember that one of the sig fig rules on the 14A website said that integers aren't counted for sig figs. So I wouldn't really worry about this issue. Use wavelength/frequency instead.
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