Does molar mass count for sig figs?

[Sukanya Mohapatra 2G]

Do the values of the molar masses we use for calculations affect the number of significant figures the answer contains?

[Jonathan Gong 2H]

No, only the given values determine the number of sig figs the answer will ultimately have.

[Emily Chirila 2E]

I would keep the molar masses as precise as possible until you get your final calculation to prevent any rounding error. Then, determine the number of sig figs based on the smallest value given in the problem.

[Jasmine 2C]

It doesn't count for sig figs but I think Dr. Lavelle just likes to round it off (round 15.999 g/mol for O to 16) for lecture to make things simple. But definitely when doing calculations, try to keep all numbers and round off until the end.

[Manav Govil 1B]

The molar mass from the periodic table does not affect our calculations, but the molar mass we get from a question or from our calculations do affect our calculations.

[Betania Hernandez 2E]

Is there a certain periodic table that we need to use because I know that some periodic tables online the molar masses are rounded while the one in the textbook is more precise. Would the rounding affect any answers?

[Giselle Littleton 1F]

It's your final answer to a problem that counts for sig figs. However, to ensure that your final answer is accurate, I would keep the molar mass and other calculations in between in their longest form as evident on the periodic table and then use sig figs for your final answer.